AHL Grand Rapids Griffins

THREE FROM GRIFFINS' ROSTER JOIN WALLEYE

Published on November 21, 2017 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Grand Rapids Griffins News Release


GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - The Detroit Red Wings on Monday reassigned defenseman Vili Saarijarvi (VIH-lee SAH-ree-YAHR-vee ) and forward Dylan Sadowy (SAD-oh-way ) from the Grand Rapids Griffins to the ECHL's Toledo Walleye, while the Griffins assigned forward Luke Esposito to Toledo.

In his first full professional season, Saarijarvi, 20, has played in four games with the Griffins, tallying one assist and two penalty minutes. The 5-foot-10, 178-pound blueliner has accounted for one assist and a plus-one rating in three games with the Walleye.

Detroit's second choice, 73rd overall, in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft, Saarijarvi scored 31 points (11-20 - 31) in 34 regular season games with the Ontario Hockey League's Mississauga Steelheads in 2016-17 before leading all team defensemen with 15 points (5-10 - 15) in 20 playoff appearances.

Saarijarvi has represented his home country of Finland at the 2017 and 2016 World Junior Championships and won the gold medal in 2016. He made his pro debut with the Walleye at the end of the 2015-16 season and scored four points (1-3 - 4) in five games.

Sadowy, a second-year pro, has recorded seven PIM in eight games with the Griffins this season. As a rookie in 2016-17, the 21-year-old picked up six points (4-2 - 6) and 18 PIM in 38 regular season games with Grand Rapids and was a part of the team's Calder Cup championship. He also skated in six games with the Walleye last season, posting four points (1-3 - 4) and 14 PIM.

San Jose's fifth choice, 81st overall, in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft, Sadowy was acquired by the Red Wings in May 2016. The 6-foot-1, 210-pound winger tied for fifth in the OHL with 45 goals in 2015-16 while appearing in 64 games between Saginaw and Barrie.

In his first season as a pro, Esposito, 24, has skated in seven games with the Griffins, recording one assist and four PIM.

Esposito played four seasons at Harvard (ECAC), where he accumulated 89 points (31-58 - 89) in 131 games with the Crimson from 2013-17, prior to turning pro. The 5-foot-10, 183-pound winger set career highs in goals (16), assists (20) and points (36) as a senior in 2016-17 and helped Harvard advance to the Frozen Four for the first time since 1994.

Esposito was named the BCHL Rookie of the Year in 2012-13 after leading the league in assists and tying for third in points (17-54 - 71) in 55 games with the Chilliwack Chiefs.

The Walleye begin a three-games-in-three-nights stretch this week when they travel to Cincinnati on Wednesday at 7:35 p.m.

The Griffins return to Van Andel Arena on Friday and will host their 18th annual Teddy Bear Toss when they play the Manitoba Moose at 7 p.m.

Single-game tickets are currently on sale. Fans can secure their full-season, select-season or group ticket packages by calling (616) 774-4585 ext. 2 or visit griffinshockey.com for more information.

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American Hockey League Stories from November 21, 2017


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