Photo Credit: Nicolas Carrillo/Grand Rapids Griffins
Heading into Wednesday’s game against the Texas Stars, the Grand Rapids Griffins fielded a lineup featuring 11 forwards and seven defensemen. It's not the first time this season they've run with that lineup, and it certainly won't be the last. So, it wasn't anything to worry about.
But then, forward Cameron Butler was ejected from the game early in the second period, forcing the team to play down a man for over 30 minutes.
Despite the shortened bench, the Griffins persevered and beat the Texas Stars, 6-2.
After the game, Griffins Head Coach Dan Watson explained that it’s not as big of an adjustment as everyone might think to roll with a short bench. “Honestly, it’s not a big adjustment,” said Coach Watson. “It’s three lines, and you plug and play the 10th forward where you can.”
To allow for shorter shifts and longer rests, forward Nolan Moyle was deployed to the role of relief giver, slotting in and out of the lineup as needed. “Moyle was the 10th guy there. Just moving him in and out of the lines, whether he plays wing or center,” explained Coach Watson. “Guys go through different roles throughout that time.”
From the player point of view, there was no choice but to accept the situation and power full steam ahead. “I mean, there’s nothing you can really do,” said Captain Dominik Shine. “When your number’s called, be ready,” Shine added that the make up of the team is what makes situations like this easier to approach. “The reason our team is so successful is we have four lines that kind of play the same way,” explained Shine. “If you have four lines that play the same way, it’s pretty easy to hop out there.”
Coach Watson was pleased with the result. Not just the win, but also the resolve and hard work the Griffins put into finishing the game strong. “It’s hard. It’s not easy. Especially with the special teams in the third period,” said Coach Watson. “Now you’re using five forwards. Five guys are sitting there getting cold, four depending on who is in the box.” Watson continued, “I thought our guys did a great job. It was a grind, and they came up on the right side.”
No matter the circumstances, Grand Rapids always seems to find a way to win games. This time, it was a commanding 6-2 win over Texas, featuring a four goal game from Shine while playing with a short bench, that highlighted their drive to succeed.
