Griffins looking mean for 2015

By Jim den Hollander

Midwesthockey.info editor

A query onto the team website in the days before this morning did a lot more than hint at something big coming up.

‘A NEW ERA TAKES FLIGHT’ said the site’s into page with today’s date underneath, building suspense for a press conference held this morning where the team introduced a new look — as in new logo and new uniform.

The most striking difference is a meaner looking Griffin on the front of the jersey. Not that the old guy was a slouch, I mean, Griffins are scary to start with. Run into one some night in a dark alley and you will be aware of two things rather quickly: 1. You have somehow been transported into some other dimension where mythical creatures have come to life…and 2. You are in a world of danger.

While the now former version of the Griffin appeared as an imposing statuesque figure on the jersey with beak open and claws out, this one simply seems meaner and because it is larger, it has that 3D type of effect where it looks like it is sprining off of the jersey and into suddenly desperate lives of Griffin opponents.

Adding to the menacing disposition is the darkening of the jersey, changing the dark blue color for black. The red and white features have remained the same.

New in this jersey — and I have to admit to not noticing this right away — The Grand Rapids city skyline is evident in beneath the creature, tiny next to his behemoth size. The Griffin is not only the hero but the protector of the city of Grand Rapids.

“Just as Griff protects our city on this striking new jersey, our hockey team must do the same as we protect home ice, assisted by the loudest and most supportive fans in the American Hockey League,” said Team President Tim Gortsema at the unveiling press conference, held Tuesday morning.

Other teams in the AHL be cringing. The team was already a league powerhouse, wining the 2014 Calder Cup and reaching the West Conference championship series this past season, the last thing most in the league wanted was a reason for the team to be even tougher.