By Peter J. Wallner | pwallner@mlive.com
The Grand Rapids Griffins, fresh off winning the franchise's second Calder Cup Trophy in June, look to pick up where they left off beginning at home Friday. The team will raise the AHL championship banner, then take on Manitoba.
Is there a third title in sight? The Griffins have some young prospects to mix with veterans and familiar names heading into the season. For now, they are overloaded with too many defenseman, which they will have to sort out.
It's also notable that standout scorers Matt Lorito, Eric Tangradi and Evgeny Svechnikov are currently on injured reserve and it's unknown when they will take to the ice.