GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- For the first time since 2012, the Grand Rapids Griffins had to name a new captain. Nathan Paetsch was named the teams new captain on Wednesday, succeeding Jeff Hoggan, who held the position since 2013. The 33-year-old defenseman served as an assistant the last four seasons with the Griffins. Brian Lashoff, Matt Ford and Ben Street were named assistants for this year.
The Griffins open the 2016-2017 season at Van Andel Arena on Friday against the Chicago Wolves.
