The experiences gained and subsequent growth of several talented prospects were two of head coach Dan Watson’s biggest takeaways from the Grand Rapids Griffins’ 2024-25 season.

Cameron Hughes scored 10:46 into double overtime to give send the Texas Stars into the Central Division Finals with a 5-4 win over Grand Rapids at H-E-B Center in Cedar Park on Friday night.

Another quick start propelled the Texas Stars to a 4-2 win over Grand Rapids in Game 2 of the best-of-five Central Division semifinals on Monday evening.

Texas scored twice in the opening 6:45, all the offense it would need in a 4-0 win over Grand Rapids in the opener of their Central Division semifinal series on Tuesday night.

Grand Rapids defensemen Shai Buium and Anton Johansson and Rockford forward Brett Seney have been suspended for one game each as a consequence of their actions in a game between the teams on Apr. 18.

The Grand Rapids Griffins clinched a spot in the Calder Cup Playoffs on Saturday night when Iowa dropped a 4-2 decision in Springfield.

The Grand Rapids Griffins have acquired defenseman Nikolai Knyzhov from the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins in exchange for future considerations.

The Anaheim Ducks have acquired goaltender Ville Husso from the Detroit Red Wings for future considerations.

Sirius is the brightest star in the night sky, and as a prospect in the Detroit Red Wings organization’s galaxy of potential stars, Grand Rapids Griffins center Nate Danielson is as serious as they come.

Manning the bench for the Central Division at the 2025 AHL All-Star Classic was one of many cool moments this past weekend for Grand Rapids Griffins head coach Dan Watson, whose wife and three children also took in what he summed up as a very special experience.