The Grand Rapids Griffins have started their 2008-2009 regular season game play with a current record of 8-5. The team is made up of players from all over the world – from Sweden to Finland, Michigan to New York.

The Griffins, formed in 1996, are the feeder team for the Detroit Red Wings. The 2008 Stanley Cup Champion team included Griffins alumni Niklas Kronwall, Jiri Hudler, Valtteri Filppula, Brett Lebda, Derek Meech, Darren Helm, Tomas Kopecky, Darren McCarty and Chris Osgood.

Ville Leino leads the Griffins in points, with 15, 11 of which have come from assists. Justin Abdelkader has been the playmaker for the Griffins leading the team with eight goals. Goalies Jimmy Howard and Daniel Larsson have split duties, each earning four wins. Darren Haydar wears the captain’s “C” for the Griffins.

On Saturday, the Griffins scored three in the third period to rally from a 1-0 deficit against the Quad City Flames. Larsson had 30 saves. The Griffins currently sit in fourth in the Western Conference North Division, with 19 points. The Manitoba Moose lead the division with 24 points and are currently the AHL’s best team. The Griffins will get their first shot at the Moose on Dec. 12 in Manitoba.

Attending a Griffins game can be fun for anyone, especially college students. When you present your student ID at the box office, you pay only $10 for a lower bowl seat. Then after the game, you are invited to the post-game party where you won’t have to stand in line and you get free cover and specials on drinks.

Also, there will be 15 home games throughout the season where there will be $1 hot dogs and $1 beers.

“I had a blast at the game that I went to,” said Aquinas College student Taylour Green. “I was surprised at how many people were there, and I loved the $1 hot dog night.”

The Griffins will host the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins out of the East Division this Friday at 7 p.m.

The Griffins will return home again on Nov. 26 to take the ice against the Manchester Monarchs at 7 p.m.