Griffins announce 2018-19 schedule format; six guaranteed dates

By @MichaelCaples –

Grand Rapids Griffins fans can start plugging some dates into their phone calendars.

The Griffins announced today their schedule format for the 2018-19 season, along with six guaranteed dates.

Here are the guaranteed home dates for Grand Rapids:

Fri., Oct. 12 – 7 p.m. – Home Opener
Mon., Dec. 31 – 6 p.m. – 22nd annual New Year’s Eve Celebration
Sat., Jan. 19 – 7 p.m. – 2019 Great Skate Winterfest
Sat., Jan. 26 – 7 p.m.
Sat., Feb. 9 – 7 p.m. – Scout Night
Sat., Feb. 16 – 7 p.m.

As part of the AHL’s divisonal realignment for next season, San Antonio and Texas join the Griffins’ Central Division.

Grand Rapids will play their divisional opponents for a total of 58 games – 10 apiece against Rockford and Milwaukee, eight against Chicago, Manitoba, San Antonio and Texas, and six games against Iowa.

A full schedule will be released this summer for the AHL’s 83rd season of operations. The 2018-19 campaign will be the Griffins’ 18th year of AHL membership and 23rd season overall.