Griffins join political fray along with Bush, Kerry
October 14, 2004 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Grand Rapids Griffins News Release
Grand Rapids, Mich. â In a true "grass roots" effort, the Grand Rapids Griffins are celebrating the start of the 2004-05 American Hockey League season by launching a campaign to plant Griffins yard signs in thousands of front lawns throughout West Michigan.
With a platform of placing "a chicken in every pot, and a sign in a bunch of yards," the Griffins will distribute 2,000 signs to fans as they exit tomorrow night's season opener against the Cleveland Barons at Van Andel Arena. Fans may also pick up the signs at the Griffins office or The Zone inside the arena.
"Sports fans across West Michigan face some very important choices this fall, and we encourage them to vote for change. Specifically, line changes and goalie changes," said Bob Sack, senior vice president of sales and marketing for the Griffins. "While we respect the Bush/Cheney and Kerry/Edwards campaigns, we believe that every person desires a Griffins ticket as well. In terms of kicking off this campaign, Friday's opener is the right game, at the right place, at the right time. 7:30 p.m., in fact."
The white and black signs feature the Griffins logo and slogan, "Here's Your Hockey." Beginning next week, a prize patrol will scour area neighborhoods looking for Griffins signs amid those supporting Bush or Kerry. If a sign is spotted, the property's residents will win merchandise courtesy of The Zone, the Griffins' team store.
In addition, fans are encouraged to take photos of their Griffins yard sign and email them to promotions@griffinshockey.com. Each week, one winning photo will be chosen, based on creativity, and posted on the team's web site. Contributors will win prizes from the Griffins.
"We have never changed our position on Griffins hockey," emphasized Sack. "As the top affiliate of the Detroit Red Wings, we offer tremendous hockey and exciting entertainment, at prices that do not harm the middle class.
"Let me add that while our opponent, Cleveland, has no record, you can't rush into a season without a plan to win the games. I want to be clear: we have a plan, a bipartisan plan of liberal offense and conservative defense. It's hard work, and we're working very hard at it," he added.
American Hockey League Stories from October 14, 2004
- Rampage announce 2004-05 opening night roster - San Antonio Rampage
- Governor Rell Declares October 16 Hartford Wolf Pack Hockey Day - Connecticut Whale
- Griffins join political fray along with Bush, Kerry - Grand Rapids Griffins
- Bruins set for opening night - Providence Bruins
- Falcons Open 11th Season at Providence on Friday - Springfield Falcons
- Rampage sign Kolnik to AHL contract - San Antonio Rampage
- Healey selected as Rampage captain - San Antonio Rampage
- WGIR-FM To Broadcast Monarchs Games This Weekend - Manchester Monarchs
- B-Sens' Opening Night Roster Finalized - Binghamton Senators
- Wolf Pack Open Season Saturday - Connecticut Whale
- Bulldogs open regular season Friday - Hamilton Bulldogs
- Fans to vote on third jersey design Opening Night - Houston Aeros
- Bears and abc27 team up to televise three games in 2004-05 - Hershey Bears
- Grizzlies Take Opener to Shootout but Drop 4-3 Decision to Ducks - Utah Grizzlies
- Ducks open season with 4-3 shootout win - Cincinnati RailRaiders
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