Griffins sign Ford, Sandlak

The Grand Rapids Griffins have signed forward Matthew Ford to a two-year American Hockey League contract and forward Carter Sandlak to a one-year deal.

During the 2015-16 season, Ford, 31, led the AHL’s Bakersfield Condors in goals (27) and points (51) while appearing in 64 games. The 6-foot-1, 207-pound winger also played two seasons (2013-15) under current Griffins head coach Todd Nelson when he was coach of the Oklahoma City Barons. Ford accounted for 100 points (44 goals, 56 assists) during his two seasons under Nelson, and was recognized as Oklahoma City’s AHL Man of the Year in 2014-15 for his community involvement.

Chicago’s eighth-round (256th overall) selection in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft, Ford has racked up 149 goals and 157 assists for 306 points in 480 career AHL games with Bakersfield, Oklahoma City, Springfield, Adirondack, Hershey, Lake Erie and Hartford. He also has five goals and eight assists in 21 Calder Cup Playoff games.

Sandlak, 23, recorded one assist in 10 AHL games with Charlotte last season, and added five goals and seven assists in 26 games with Florida (ECHL).

Over his first two professional seasons, Sandlak has recorded two goals and three assists in 54 AHL games, all with Charlotte.