The Grand Rapids Griffins unveiled a new logo outside of Van Andel arena on Monday celebrating their 2017 Calder Cup Championship. The unveiling came after hundreds packed Rosa Parks Circle Friday afternoon for a championship rally and the chance to cheer on the Griffins one last time this season. As the team took the stage following a parade through the city, Griffins owner Dan DeVos addressed the crowd.
“First and foremost of course I would like to congratulate the team, on an amazing victory, an amazing year,” Devos said.
The Griffins claimed their second American Hockey League championship last week with a dramatic win at home against the Syracuse Crunch in Game 6 of the Calder Cup Finals. While the team also won the championship in 2013, this time they did it on their home ice at Van Andel arena in front of a sold out crowd. Something DeVos said, made it extra special.
“It was great to win the cup the first time," DeVos said. "But there is nothing like winning the cup at home and then be able to come here and celebrate with all of you because that’s what we’re doing this for.”
At the rally Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss issued an official proclamation from the City Commission that June 16 would now be known as Griffins Day. The logo unveiled Monday in front of Van Andel Arena meant there was nothing left to be said about the team. It simply reads “Calder Cup Champions. 2017.”
