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AHL Grand Rapids Griffins

Griffins Sign a Familiar Face

October 28, 2003 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Grand Rapids Griffins News Release


Grand Rapids, Mich. - The Grand Rapids Griffins of the American Hockey League on Tuesday signed center Jeff Nelson to a professional tryout.

Nelson, 30, was an integral part of the Griffins' inaugural 1996-97 team, posting 89 points (34-55-89) and 85 penalty minutes in 82 games. He still holds or shares single-season franchise records for assists (55, with Michel Picard) and power play goals (13), and his 89 points from that season stand as the second-highest total in team history.

The younger brother of former Grand Rapids player/assistant coach and current Muskegon Fury head coach Todd Nelson, Jeff played alongside his brother, Picard, Travis Richards and current head coach Danton Cole on the Griffins' debut squad seven years ago. He remains among the team's all-time leaders in power play goals (6th), assists (8th) and points (9th).

The native of Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, made his United Hockey League debut for his brother's Muskegon squad last weekend, notching six points (3-3-6) and a plus-three rating in two games to garner Sher-Wood UHL Player of the Week honors.

Nelson appeared in all 80 games for the AHL's Cleveland Barons last season, leading the team with 48 assists and 60 points. Originally drafted by the Washington Capitals in 1991, he has totaled 11 points (3-8-11) in 52 National Hockey League contests with Washington and Nashville.

His career highlights including winning the 1994 Calder Cup championship with Picard and his brother in Portland, when he placed fourth in league scoring with 107 points (34-73-107), and playing in three consecutive all-star games (AHL 1995-96, IHL 1997).

Nelson is expected to be in the Griffins' lineup on Wednesday, when they host the expansion Toronto Roadrunners at 7 p.m.

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