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AHL Grand Rapids Griffins

Former Michigan State Great Joins Griffins

December 20, 2002 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Grand Rapids Griffins News Release


Grand Rapids, Mich. - The Grand Rapids Griffins of the American Hockey League on Friday signed goaltender Chad Alban. Pending evaluation of Joey MacDonald's recent hand injury, Alban will serve as Marc Lamothe's backup tonight when the Griffins host the San Antonio Rampage in a 7:30 p.m. start at Van Andel Arena.

Alban, a 26-year-old native of Kalamazoo, begins his third tour of duty with the Griffins. He has played 15 United Hockey League games for his hometown Wings this season, compiling a 5-5-4 record, a 0.913 save percentage, and a 3.11 goals against average that places seventh on the circuit.

After serving as the Griffins' backup for several games during the 1999-00 season, Alban made his on-ice debut with the franchise the following year. He allowed only four goals in three appearances, posting a 2-1-0 record with a 1.33 GAA, a 0.953 save percentage and one shutout.

In his last game as a Griffin on Oct. 21, 2000 versus Orlando, Alban made 20 saves to earn a 1-0 win and become the first Grand Rapids rookie to ever record a shutout. He was subsequently named runner-up for the International Hockey League's Goaltender of the Week award.

Alban spent all of last season with the AHL's Utah Grizzlies, showing a 17-15-1 record, a 2.94 GAA and two shutouts in 42 outings.

During a spectacular career at Michigan State University from 1994-98, Alban led the Spartans in goals against average all four seasons, the last three as the team's starter. MSU qualified for the NCAA tournament each year, reaching the quarterfinals in 1998 after claiming its first CCHA championship since 1990.

Alban, who tops the Spartans' career lists with 131 games played and 88 wins, also ranks among the school's best with 12 shutouts (2nd) and a 2.46 GAA (3rd). During his 1997-98 senior campaign, he was named the CCHA Player of the Year and a First-Team All-American. Alban made history in a 6-3 Senior Night win against Ferris State on Feb. 28, 1998, when he became the fourth college goalie to be credited with a goal, and the first to shoot the puck himself into an empty net.

At season's end, he and current Griffins center Mark Mowers were named finalists for the Hobey Baker Memorial Award, presented annually to the nation's outstanding college hockey player. Alban finished runner-up for the honor behind Boston University forward Chris Drury, now with the NHL's Calgary Flames.

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