Grand Rapids Falls as Home Streak Ends
MAR 21, 2025 – The Grand Rapids Griffins saw their five-game home win streak come to an end on Friday night, as the Rockford IceHogs capitalized on key opportunities to secure a 4-1 victory at Van Andel Arena.
Despite several close chances, the Griffins couldn’t find the finishing touch in the early periods, while Rockford built a commanding lead behind goals from four different scorers. Hunter Johannes provided Grand Rapids’ lone tally in the third period, as the team now looks to regroup ahead of Saturday’s rematch against the IceHogs.
GRIFFINS DENIED EARLY, ROCKFORD TAKES THE LEAD
The Griffins wasted little time generating offense, applying steady pressure in the opening period. Their best opportunity came with 7:15 remaining when Alex Doucet fired a wrist shot that clanged off the post behind IceHogs netminder Drew Commesso. The near-miss kept the game scoreless, allowing Rockford to strike first moments later.
At 13:54, IceHogs forward Gerry Mayhew split the defense on a breakaway and lifted a shot past Grand Rapids goaltender Sebastian Cossa, giving Rockford a 1-0 lead. The goal marked Mayhew’s 13th of the season and set the tone for the visitors, who continued to build momentum as the game progressed.
SECOND PERIOD STRUGGLES PUT GRAND RAPIDS IN A HOLE
The second frame saw Grand Rapids struggle to capitalize on its offensive zone time, while Rockford took advantage of its limited but high-quality opportunities.
The Griffins appeared to have an equalizer at 5:05 when veteran Sheldon Dries snapped a shot that rang off the crossbar. The officials went to video review but ultimately confirmed the no-goal ruling, keeping Grand Rapids off the board.
Rockford responded by doubling its lead at 8:53, as Jackson Cates found space in the slot and buried a backhand shot past Cossa to make it 2-0. The IceHogs then extended their lead on the power play after a roughing penalty against Hunter Johannes at 11:19. At 12:49, former Griffin Andreas Athanasiou capitalized with a quick shot from the right circle, stretching Rockford’s advantage to 3-0.
Grand Rapids killed off another penalty later in the period, but the IceHogs struck again in the final minute. Zach Sanford finished off a rebound opportunity with 49 seconds remaining, giving Rockford a commanding 4-0 lead heading into the third period.
JOHANNES STRIKES, BUT THE COMEBACK FALLS SHORT
In an effort to spark the team, the Griffins made a goaltending change to start the final frame, inserting rookie netminder Jan Bednar for his third AHL appearance of the season. The move provided a defensive boost, as Bednar turned away all 10 shots he faced in relief.
Grand Rapids finally broke through at 6:32 when Gabriel Seger worked the puck loose along the boards and fed Johannes cutting to the net. The rookie extended his stick and redirected the puck past Commesso, trimming the deficit to 4-1.
The Griffins pushed for more, but Rockford’s defense held strong, limiting high-danger chances and blocking key shot attempts. Despite pulling Bednar in the final minutes for an extra attacker, Grand Rapids was unable to break through again, sealing the 4-1 final score.
