The Grand Rapids Griffins are celebrating 30 seasons in the region, and it's not an easy thing to do at any level of pro sports. So often, teams relocate and change identities, and that's even more common in leagues like the AHL.
It's one of many reasons why the Griffins have taken to their fans, thanking them for their dedication over the past three decades. Team President Ted Gortsema wasted no time acknowledging those fans, saying (via Fox 17), "We're here ultimately, because of the fans, and we're here because we have a terrific staff that's very tenured, that has been around a long time, that puts on a really good product."
"Really good product," indeed, if you have been following the Griffins alongside the Detroit Red Wings. Through the first three decades that this franchise has been around, it's seen nothing but success. They have long been a feeder for the Wings, and helped the big club maintain its success since the Griffins first became an affiliate for the Wings in 2002.
Grand Rapids Griffins have seen a lot of success over the years
Throughout that time, they churned out players who saw Detroit keep its 25-year playoff streak alive until 2016. Then, the Yzerplan started coming into fruition; the Griffins were responsible for developing some of the most promising prospects wearing the Winged Wheel today.
Tack on its two Calder Cups, three conference titles (one in the IHL and one in the AHL), five AHL division championships, and two IHL division championships, plus one regular season championship each in the IHL and AHL, and you have one of the league's more successful farm systems.
It's one major reason why the fans keep showing up. The Griffins also offer a great alternative to fans who prefer smaller crowds, a more old-school atmosphere that older arenas like Van Andel Arena, and food that won't break the bank.
As the Griffins celebrate three decades of hockey, they will look forward to replicating the success they enjoyed across those first 30 seasons in upcoming years. And when they do, there is a 1,000 percent chance the Griffins will do everything with their fans in mind.
Fans are the lifeblood of any franchise, especially in the minor leagues. As long as the Griffins keep them at the forefront, the fans will keep coming.