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While the Red Wings try to adjust their roster, they also wary of losing their coaching staff. (Photo by Dave Reginek/DRW)
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Grand Rapids Griffins sign Jeff Blashill to new three-year contract

MiHockey Staff
Jeff Blashill (Photo by Mark Newman/Grand Rapids Griffins)

By Michael Caples –

The Detroit Red Wings announced on their official Twitter account today that their AHL affiliate has retained their head coach.

Per a tweet from @DetroitRedWings, the Grand Rapids Griffins have signed coach Jeff Blashill to a new three-year contract.

“I’m thrilled to be able to remain with the Griffins,” said Blashill in a release from the AHL club. “Both the Red Wings and Griffins are top-notch organizations filled with talented people that I enjoy working with. My family loves it here, and I’m happy to be able to continue to call Grand Rapids home. The AHL is a very challenging league, and we have a great group of young players and veteran leaders. I’m looking forward to being able to continue to work with them.”

Blashill, 40, is becoming a sought-after commodity after impressing at the junior, college and professional levels. The Sault Ste. Marie native was named the American Hockey League’s coach of the year on April 15 after an impressive first two seasons with the Wings’ AHL club.

“Jeff Blashill has done a tremendous job in Grand Rapids,” said Red Wings general manager Ken Holland in the release. “Our young players were instrumental in getting us into the playoffs for a 23rd straight season, and the championship experience they got under Jeff in Grand Rapids was invaluable in turning those young players into NHL players. We’re excited to keep one of the top young coaches in hockey to continue to lead in the development of the next wave of Red Wings.”

After serving as an assistant coach with the Red Wings in 2011-12, Blashill led the Griffins to their first AHL title in 2012-13. In their title-defense season of 2013-14, Blashill and the Griffins reached the second round of the AHL playoffs – another successful season with a roster that was constantly changing due to call-ups by the Red Wings throughout the year.

Prior to joining the Red Wings organization, Blashill coached the Western Michigan Broncos for one season (2010-11) and the USHL’s Indiana Ice for two (2008-10).

Prior to his head coaching gigs, Blashill served as an assistant coach for the Miami RedHawks program from 2002-08, and his alma mater of Ferris State from 1999-2002.