Grand Rapids Griffins

Griffins Captain Lashoff to Hang up Skates After 14 Pro Seasons

Lashoff played 136 NHL games with the Red Wings

Published

1 year ago

April 12, 2023

Bob Duff

Grand Rapids Griffins captain and former Red Wings D Brian Lashoff is retiring at season's end.

Captain Brian Lashoff is calling it quits following an historic run with the Grand Rapids Griffins. The former Detroit Red Wings defenseman is announcing his retirement following 14 seasons of pro hockey, all which saw him play at least part of each season with the AHL Griffins, Detroit’s top farm club.

After 14 years with us, Brian Lashoff has officially announced his retirement. Happy Retirement Captain Consistent! 🐐 #GoGRG

Details >> https://t.co/3BRZ0quI5C pic.twitter.com/CfDniNbMTJ

— Grand Rapids Griffins (@griffinshockey) April 12, 2023

Lashoff, 32, will wind up playing more years in Grand Rapids than any pro athlete in the city’s history. Lashoff ranks second on the Griffins’ all-time games played list with 628, behind only Travis Richards’ 655. His games played are the most among active players who have spent their entire AHL career with the same club and rank third in league history among one-team players, trailing only Bill Needham (981, Cleveland Barons 1956-71) and Arnie Kullman (753, Hershey Bears 1948-60).

A two-time Calder Cup champion with the Griffins (2013, 2017), Lashoff has worn the C as club captain for the past three seasons. He served as honorary captain in this year’s AHL All-Star Classic.

Lashoff Spent Entire Pro Career In Red Wings Organization

“Brian epitomizes what an organization wants from its players,” Griffins coach Ben Simon said. “He does things the right way, every day. He gave his best effort every practice, every shift, and every game, leaving it all out there on the ice.

“Off the ice, he set an example in the locker room every day as to what it meant to be a pro. The character and professionalism he brought to the rink every day were unmatched.”

Signed as an undrafted free agent by the Red Wings, Lashoff skated in 136 NHL regular-season games with Detroit between 2012-20. He also appeared in eight Stanley Cup playoff games with the Red Wings.

“You don’t stay with the same organization for this long by accident; that doesn’t happen by chance,” Simon said. “As an undrafted player, he endeared himself to numerous coaches, teammates, and the fans through his hard-nosed style of play, his infectious work ethic, and impeccable character both on and off the ice.”

Lashoff will be honored prior to the Griffins’ final home game of the AHL regular season on Friday against the Rockford IceHogs at Van Andel Arena, with a 7 p.m. ET puck drop.