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RWC Archives - Griffins Open Camp
Roster about to take shape; RWC takes advance look...
By Jason Kasiorek
www.griffinscentral.com
September 29, 2004
The Grand Rapids Griffins are entering their third training camp as the American Hockey League affiliate of the Detroit Red Wings.
Camp opens on Wednesday at Griff's Icehouse with a 31-man roster.
This year's team will be coping with the key losses of No. 1 goaltender Marc Lamothe, sniper Michel Picard and checking line cog Hugo Boisvert.
The following is a look at the how the roster might shape up. The team typically dresses 11 forwards each game and keeps around one spare.
* denotes Griffins contract; ^ denotes free agent.
FORWARDS
Locks (8):
C
Nathan Robinson
is fully recovered from a groin injury that derailed the second half of his all-star sophomore season. He'll shoulder much of the offensive load.
C
Eric Manlow
is a new veteran who has seen some NHL time. He will be expected to contribute veteran leadership and a steady two-way game.
C
Jiri Hudler
will be a big part of the team's offense. He should see time at both center and left wing as he continues to mature and adjust to the North American game.
C
Eric Himelfarb
showed flashes of being capable of producing at a point-per-game clip, and he could do that if he gets a spot among the top-six forwards.
L
Pete Vandermeer
is the reigning AHL penalty minute king, and should open up plenty of space for the team's smaller forwards.
L
Matt Ellis
needs to build on his airtight defensive game and step up the offense. He was fourth on the team in shots last year with 139, but converted just five times.
R
Darryl Bootland
should benefit from Vandermeer's heavyweight presence, as he can now spend more time scoring goals and agitating the opposition.
R Blake Sloan * was terrific in his brief Grand Rapids stint last season, and will provide plenty of offense and veteran leadership.
Possibilities (6):
R
Todd Jackson
has speed, a top-notch defensive game, and the ability to kill penalties. It's hoped he'll establish himself as a regular and chip in on the offense, as well.
L
Tomas Kopecky
needs to show more fire than he did last season, when he completely fell off the map. It's a contract year, so he'll need a quick start.
L Ryan Barnes ^ is at camp as a free agent but is a known quantity to the Griffins staff and could be back in a depth role because of his toughness.
C Kory Karlander ^ was on the team last year, showing good speed, but ended up in the United Hockey League when the offense dried up.
R Reggie Savage ^ was once a premier AHLer, but has had a severe shoulder injury. He's also a player-assistant coach with Toledo of the East Coast Hockey League.
R Kevin Miller ^ wasn't invited to camp but has indicated a desire to play one more season for the Griffins. His clutch play would be a nice fit ' again.
DEFENSEMEN
Locks (4):
D
Niklas Kronwall
should dominate this season as perhaps the No. 1 blueliner and a leader on the power play.
D
Bryan Helmer
was brought in to quarterback the power play and bring a veteran presence to the team. He's the new
Jamie Rivers
; the new Patrick Boileau.
D
Danny Groulx
enters the last year of his contract with plenty to prove. The Griffins have seen a glimmer of his offensive ability, but he needs to show more.
D Travis Richards * is a defensive rock who is returning for his seventh season in Grand Rapids. He's a teacher, a leader and is as steady as they come.
Possibilities (4):
D
Derek Meech
finished up a solid junior career with a big performance at the world junior championship. He's small, but skilled, defensively-sound and gritty.
D
Brett Lebda
was given a brief look at the AHL last year. He's mobile, moves the puck well, but likes to gamble a lot offensively.
D
Paul Ballantyne
is in a make-or-break year, and he's in tough to break into the top-six. He's been relegated to the ECHL for most of his pro career.
D Dave Van Drunen * has been a regular on defense for the Griffins, but he's been targeted for Muskegon of the UHL this year. If rookies falter, though, he'll be back ' quickly.
GOALTENDERS
Lock (1):
G
Joey MacDonald
is the undisputed No. 1 man. As a backup for two seasons, his consistency was unmatched.
Possibilities (2):
G
Drew MacIntyre
has the early edge over
Logan Koopmans
for the backup job, but he'll need to have a strong camp to officially win the job.
G
Logan Koopmans
parlayed a tremendous season in junior into an NHL contract and is in the running for the backup job in Grand Rapids. If he's unsuccessful, Toledo beckons.
TRAINING CAMP ROSTER
Forwards:
Ryan Barnes, Anthony Battaglia,
Darryl Bootland
,
Matt Ellis
,
Eric Himelfarb
,
Jiri Hudler
, Jeff Hutchins,
Todd Jackson
, Kory Karlander,
Tomas Kopecky
,
Eric Manlow
,
Nathan Robinson
, Reggie Savage, Pierre-Luc Sleigher, Blake Sloan, Robert Snowball,
Pete Vandermeer
.
Defensemen:
Paul Ballantyne
,
Danny Groulx
,
Bryan Helmer
, Jon Insana, Tyler Kindle,
Niklas Kronwall
,
Brett Lebda
,
Derek Meech
, Travis Richards, Dave Van Drunen.
Goaltenders:
Joey MacDonald
,
Drew MacIntyre
,
Logan Koopmans
, Clayton Pool.
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