Former RoughRiders in AHL

If you want to make a trip somewhere to watch an American Hockey League game this winter, make sure the Grand Rapids Griffins are playing. The Griffins have three former RoughRiders on their roster: forward Justin Abdelkader and defensemen P.J. Atherton and Sergei Kolosov.

Actually watched Grand Rapids' season opener last Saturday against Lake Erie on TV (DirecTV is the only way to go!!!!) and Abdelkader had a goal. Atherton had lots of ice time as well, with Kolosov seeing fewer minutes, it seemed, on the third defense pairing. Abdelkader made his NHL debut with the parent Detroit Red Wings last season. Kolosov signed with the Wing over the summer. Atherton signed  a two-way deal with Grand Rapids after spending last season with Reading in the ECHL.

Other former RoughRiders in the AHL right now include defenseman Derek Peltier, who is with Lake Erie. He was playing on the Monsters' power play the other night. Forward Teddy Purcell and defenseman Alec Martinez are with Manchester. Purcell apparently played well in Los Angeles Kings training camp but didn't crack the opening roster. He made his NHL debut last season.

Joe Fallon is one of three goalies with Rockford right now and hasn't played in a regular-season game, yet.

By the way, Grand Rapids plays at Quad Cities on Nov. 15 and Feb. 4. Lake Erie is at QC on Feb. 18. The Flames do not play Manchester. Rockford is at Quad Cities on Dec. 5 and 30 and April 8. The Iowa Chops also play Grand Rapids, Lake Erie and Rockford during the regular season.