Griffins Player Recovering After Scary Injury

Grand Rapids Griffins forward Tyler Spezia is “awake, alert and doing well” after being stretchered off the ice during his team’s 4-2 road loss to the Chicago Wolves Friday night.

The team provided the update on his condition on X (formerly known as Twitter) after the game.

The injury occurred just two minutes into the AHL contest when Spezia was knocked to the ice by Chicago defenseman Alex Green. Spezia fell over teammate Cross Hanas. At that point, Spezia was unable to get up. He was transported to a local hospital where he was alert and able to move his extremities. The Griffins reported he was having tests as a precautionary measure.

M Live reported that the Griffins players were rattled by the scene on the ice.

Tyler Spezia was injured during the first period of tonight's game in Chicago and taken to a local hospital. He is awake, alert, and doing well while awaiting more tests and undergoing precautionary measures. Thank you for your continued thoughts and prayers, Griffins Nation!

— x – Grand Rapids Griffins (@griffinshockey) March 30, 2024

The Griffins claimed a 2-0 first period lead on goals by Riley Sawchuk and Matt Luff. Sawchuk was brought up from the Toledo Walleye because the Red Wings called up Zach Aston-Reese. The Red Wings needed an extra forward because Patrick Kane and Austin Czarnik have the flu bug that is sweeping through the team.

Luff, on a Red Wings’ contract, has a seven-game points streak. He has nine points during the streak.

The Wolves took charge with two goals in the second period against goalie Michael Hutchinson and another in the third period. They clinched the win with an empty net goal. Former NHLer Rocco Grimaldi had two goals and assist for Chicago.

Red Wings prospect William Wallinder assisted on Sawchuk’s goal, while Eemil Viro and Marco Kasper assisted on Luff’s tally.

The Griffins (32-19-7-4) will play at Milwaukee tonight. Based on the Grand Rapids rotation, it should be Sebastian Cossa’s game to play in net.