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Sports and Recreation ➔ Banner
Identifier:
2022.2.36Description:
This red banner is a souvenir from when the Grand Rapids Griffins won the Calder Cup championship in 2017 against the Syracuse Crunch. The Calder Cup is an annual trophy awarded to the American Hockey League playoff champion. As of 2021, the Grand Rapids Griffins have won the Calder Cup twice.This banner was donated by Van Andel Arena as part of their 25th Anniversary Collection which includes souvenirs, photographs, videos, and other documents related to its history as the largest arena located in West Michigan.
Date:
2017Materials:
FabricDimensions:
10.75" h 9" w .5" dCurrent Location Status:
In StorageCollection Tier:
Tier 3Source:
Gift of Van Andel ArenaRelated Entities:
Van Andel Arena (donor)Van Andel Arena is located in the Heartside district of Grand Rapids, Michigan, and is the fourth-largest arena in Michigan, with 12,000+ seats. Breaking ground on February 8th, 1995, the Arena was designed by Rosetti Architects and named after its largest benefactors, Jay and Betty Van Andel. Since its grand opening on October 8th, 1996, the Arena has hosted some of the biggest names in entertainment and sports including Elton John, Justin Timberlake, the Harlem Globetrotters, Cirque de Soleil, Bob Seger, and many more. It was the home of the Grand Rapids Hoops from 1996 to 2001, the Grand Rapids Rampage from 1998 to 2008, and has been the home of the Grand Rapids Griffins since 1996. Grand Rapids Griffins (is related to)
The Grand Rapids Griffins are a professional hockey team that plays in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Their home ice stadium is at the Van Andel Arena located downtown. They are the third incarnation of a professional hockey team to call the Grand Rapids area home. The first two hockey teams based in this area were the Rockets of the 1950’s and the Owls of the 1970’s.
The team was created in 1996 when they joined the IHL (International Hockey League) and then merged into the AHL (American Hockey League) in 2001. The franchise played without an NHL affiliate for several years before signing a deal with the Ottawa Senators from 1999-2002.
In 2002 the Griffins signed an agreement to become the AHL affiliate team for the Detroit Red Wings. 165 players who have worn the Griffins jersey have played in the NHL as of the 2017 season. The 2012-2013 season was a historic era for the Griffins. They finished first in their division in the regular season and were the third-seeded team in the Western Conference for the playoffs. They defeated Houston three games to two in the first round of playoff action. They then took Toronto four games to two in the second round, and Oklahoma City four games to three in the third round of the tournament. The Griffins faced off against the Syracuse Crunch in the final round. On June 18th, 2013 Grand Rapids would claim the Calder Cup with a 2-5 victory in game six at Oncenter War Memorial Arena in Syracuse, New York. This is the first time the Grand Rapids Griffins have won the Calder Cup since it was originally awarded in 1937.
The Griffins won a second Calder Cup in 2017.