Griffins Let Cole Go

GRAND RAPIDS — Grand Rapids Griffins General Manager Bob McNamara announced today that Danton Cole has been relieved of his head-coaching position with the American Hockey League franchise.

Cole, who also played for the Griffins and won a Stanley Cup as a player in the National Hockey League, was let go Thursday after leading the team for two-and-a-half seasons.

“This is not something that we decided to do overnight,” said McNamara at a news conference held in Van Andel Arena.

McNamara said Griffins Assistant Coach Greg Ireland would direct the club for the rest of this season. McNamara added that the franchise felt a change was necessary if the team was going to make the playoffs and challenge for the Calder Cup. If the playoffs were to start today, the Griffins would find themselves on the sidelines.

Dan and Pamella DeVos and David Van Andel own the franchise, which is in its eighth season of play.