Griffins open AHL campaign with split at Van Andel

The defending Calder Cup Champion Grand Rapids Griffins kicked off the 2017-18 American Hockey League season splitting a two-game set at Van Andel Arena against the Manitoba Moose this past weekend.

After opening with a 5-2 win in its season opener, the Griffs Friday (Oct. 6), the Griffs were no match for the Moose in the getaway game, falling 7-2.

In the opener, Tanner Elson, a 25-year-old free agent signed over the off season from the Avalanche organization, collected a goal and three assists to lead the charge while veteran Colin Campbell added a goal and two helpers and second year pro Dominic Turgeon notched a goal and assist. Other goals came from Ryan Sproul and Dylan McIlrath. Jared Coreau picked up the win in goal turning aside 27 of 29 Moose shots.

Griffs made their life easy collecting three unanswered first period goals and then traded single markers with the Moose in the final two periods.

Peter Stoykewych and Cam Maclise scored the Manitoba goals while Eric Comrie made 17 saves in goal.

The following night it was the Moose with the opening three goals, carrying a 3-1 cushion out of the opening segment and the rest of the scoring came in the middle 20.

Defensemen Brian Lashoff and Robbie Russo counted the Griffin goals while Kyle Connor and Mike Sgarbossa both collected two goals and an assist for the Moose. Brendan Lemieux and Jack Roslovic both added a goal and two assists with the goal Moose goal scored by Buddy Robinson.

Michael Hutchinson picked up the win in goal handling 36 shots for the Moose while Tom McCollum started for the Griffs, replaced later by Coreau.

The Griffins are scheduled to make a west coast trip this weekend, playing at the SAP Center in San Jose against the Barracuda Friday and then moving on to Stockton Arena Saturday to face the host Heat.