Grand Rapids Griffins unveil new look for 2015-16 season
By @MichaelCaples –
The Grand Rapids Griffins held a press conference at Van Andel Arena today to announce a new look for the AHL franchise.
Starting for the 2015-16 season, the Griffins will be wearing new jerseys with a new logo, which can be seen at the top of this article. The most noticeable change, other than the new logo, is the introduction of black into the primary color set for the team branding.
Jeff Hoggan and @czarno2 unveil the #Griffins’ new home and away jerseys. #GoGRG pic.twitter.com/qzcOJko6u6
— GrandRapids Griffins (@griffinshockey) August 18, 2015
Griffins president Tim Gortsema says that the team wanted a more ‘fierce’ logo, while also incorporating the Grand Rapids city skyline into the logo.
“Each season we review every aspect of our business and look for ways that we can improve. This year, as we underwent this process heading into our 20th season, we looked at ways to modernize our logo,” Gortsema said. “While the traditional and original Griff has been and always will be a storied part of our team’s history, we desired a fiercer incarnation that also incorporates our amazing city’s skyline. “Just as Griff protects our city on this striking new jersey, our hockey team must do the same as we protect home ice, assisted by the loudest and most supportive fans in the American Hockey League.”
It is the first time the AHL franchise has officially changed its logo. The new image, designed by Reebok, is not entirely new – the artwork has been featured on the Griffins’ home Wednesday jerseys since 2012.
Black has officially replaced blue in the color scheme for the Griffins, while the franchise keeps red (for recognition of their NHL parent club in Detroit), silver and gold.
Both jerseys feature the Griffins’ 20th anniversary patch on the left shoulder, and the Red Wings’ iconic ‘Winged Wheel’ logo on the right shoulder. The home jerseys are white with black shoulders, striping and numbers, along with silver and red trim and reverse-color nameplates. The road jerseys are black with silver striping, white numbers and lettering, and silver and red trim.
Both the home and away jerseys have a lace neck, as well.
