GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Grand Rapids Griffins players always take a special interest in the Olympics. This year they will pay even closer attention since a former teammate will represent Team USA on the men’s ice hockey team.
Chad Billins, a Michigan native, was the captain of Ferris State University’s hockey team. He went on to play with the Griffins in 2013 when they won the Calder Cup Championship. It was the first title in franchise history.
Brian Lashoff is a defenseman with the Griffins who was also on the 2013 Calder Cup championship team. He says he is looking forward to watching his former teammate represent the U.S. on the ice.
“Chad was a great teammate to go through a situation like we went through together, your first championship. Those are bonds that you’ll have the rest of your life,” Lashoff explained.
He also talked about the locker room rivalry that goes on, especially during the Olympics, since the players come from all over the world.
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