Griffins add Spiros Anastas to coaching staff

By Michael Caples –

The Grand Rapids Griffins announced today that they have hired former Western Michigan assistant coach Spiros Anastas as their new analytics and advanced scouting coach.

Anastas, 27, spent the 2011-12 season as a volunteer assistant/video coach for the Broncos, helping lead them to a CCHA championship – just the second in team history.

“I am extremely excited to be joining such a prestigious organization,” said Anastas in a press release. “I look forward to the learning experience ahead and am happy to finally be working with Jeff Blashill. I am grateful for this opportunity and thank (Red Wings assistant GM) Jim Nill and Jeff for bringing me in.”

He left over the offseason to become general manager of the BCHL’s Alberni Valley Bulldogs.

“Spiros is a bright young man whom I hired at Western Michigan University before leaving for Detroit,” said Griffins coach Jeff Blashill in the release. “We feel Spiros can be a great asset to our coaching staff in Grand Rapids and complement assistant coach Jim Paek, video coach Bill LeRoy and the rest of our staff well.”

Anastas will be responsible for providing statistical analysis for both the Griffins and Red Wings, pre-scouting Griffins opponents, video-scouting potential free agents for DRW, and assisting Blashill in hockey operations.