Grand Rapids – You sense the excitement and anticipation growing around bustling downtown Grand Rapids as the AHL playoffs begin.
Griffins banners, pennants, posters and jerseys are sprouting all over. Everyone wants to see the Griffins repeat as Calder Cup champions.
“It was such a fun time,” said Katy Mikelewski of East Grand Rapids. She was wearing a Griffins jersey while walking near Van Andel Arena with her friends.
Mikelewski was talking about the Griffins’ successful championship run last spring and the excitement it generated around Grand Rapids.
“We went to a few games, and it was so exciting,” Mikelewski said.