AHL Grand Rapids Griffins

Detroit Reassigns Saarijarvi to Grand Rapids from Flint

Published on March 25, 2016 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Grand Rapids Griffins News Release


GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - The Detroit Red Wings have reassigned defenseman Vili Saarijarvi (VIH-lee SAH-ree-YAHR-vee) to the Grand Rapids Griffins from the OHL's Flint Firebirds.

Detroit's second choice (73rd overall) in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft, Saarijarvi played in 59 games this season for the Firebirds. The 5-foot-10, 163-pound blueliner ranked third on the team in points (12-31-43), fifth in goals (12) and second in assists (31). Among OHL defensemen, Saarijarvi tied for ninth in points, tied for 16th in assists, tied for seventh in goals, tied for the lead with eight power play goals and ranked second in shots (219). Saarijarvi was named the OHL's defenseman of the month for October after picking up 11 points (2-9-11) and a plus-nine rating in 11 games.

Competing for Finland during the 2016 IIHF World Junior Championship, Saarijarvi tallied four assists (0-4-4), two penalty minutes and 11 shots on goal in seven games while helping the Finns win the gold medal. He also earned a silver medal for Finland during the 2015 18U World Junior Championship.

Saarijarvi, 18, accumulated 23 points (6-17-23) while appearing in 57 games for Green Bay (USHL) during the 2014-15 campaign.

A native of Rovaniemi, Finland, Saarijarvi played four seasons in Finnish junior leagues before competing in the USHL. While playing in 135 games between the Fin-U16, Fin-U18 and Fin-Jr. leagues, Saarijarvi totaled 106 points (28-78-106) and 95 PIM.

Following a five-game road trip, the Griffins will return to Van Andel Arena on Saturday to face the Lake Erie Monsters at 7 p.m.

Fans can secure their full-season, select-season or group ticket packages by calling (616) 774-4585 ext. 2. Single-game tickets for all home games are now available for purchase at all Star Tickets locations, including The Zone, online through griffinshockey.com, or by phone through Star Tickets at (800) 585-3737.

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American Hockey League Stories from March 25, 2016


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