Griffins add players, name captains

The Grand Rapids Griffins added a couple players and named a few veteran players captains.

Forward Scott Barney, who had 32 goals for the Chicago Wolves last season, signed with the Griffins yesterday. Grand Rapids also signed defenseman Jason Beckett, who sat out last season for religious studies, to a 25-game tryout contract Wednesday.

Defenseman Jonathan Ericsson and forward Valtteri Filppula are expected to arrive next week from the parent Detroit Red Wings after they've recovered from minor injuries.

Forward Matt Ellis (pictured) will be captain for the second consecutive season, coach Greg Ireland said. Defensemen Derek Meech and Dan Smith will be assistant captains.

"Matt did a tremendous job as captain last season and there's no question he deserves it again," Ireland told the Grand Rapids Press. "Derek is in his third year with us and has grown into a leadership role. Dan is a veteran who has earned everyone's respect."

The Griffins won the AHL's regular-season title last season and two playoff rounds with Ellis as the youngest captain in franchise history.

Photo courtesy Grand Rapids Griffins