Leino Leaves, Axelsson Arrives
April 15, 2009 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Grand Rapids Griffins News Release
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - The Grand Rapids Griffins of the American Hockey League on Wednesday signed left wing Dick Axelsson to an amateur tryout and announced that left wing Ville Leino has been recalled by the Detroit Red Wings.
Leino, 25, had a stellar 13-game debut with the Red Wings this season, tallying nine points (5-4-9) and a plus-five rating. Despite appearing in just 57 games with Grand Rapids, he finished among the Griffins' leaders with 46 points (5th), 31 assists (3rd), six power play goals (5th), four game-winning goals (2nd) and four shootout goals (1st). Leino will be available to play for the Wings on Thursday when they host Game 1 of the Western Conference Quarterfinals against the Columbus Blue Jackets at 7 p.m.
Axelsson, 21, played the last two seasons in the Swedish Elite League, showing totals of 55 points (23-32-55) and 86 penalty minutes in 86 games. A native of Stockholm, he finished sixth in scoring on Djurgarden as a rookie in 2007-08, before splitting time between Djurgarden and Farjestads this season. Axelsson, Detroit's third choice in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft, suffered a collarbone injury just two games into the 2008-09 campaign but still tallied 30 points (11-19-30) in 39 games between the two clubs.
The Griffins will begin their chase for the Calder Cup against the Hamilton Bulldogs in the North Division Semifinals. Games 1 and 2 are set for Hamilton's Copps Coliseum this Friday, April 17 and Saturday, April 18. The series will then shift to Van Andel Arena for Games 3-5 on Monday, April 20, Wednesday, April 22 and (if necessary) Friday, April 24. Tickets for Games 3 and 4 are currently on sale through The Zone, all Star Tickets outlets (800-585-3737) and online through griffinshockey.com.
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