AHL Mailbag: Gritty Veteran Zack Kassian Retires, Griffins Name New Captain

News and notes from around the American Hockey League on Friday, October 27

In our mailbag for October 27, 2023, an AHL veteran with over 600 games in the NHL has retired, the Grand Rapids Griffins have named their new captain, and much more!

AHL/NHL Veteran Zack Kassian Retires 

Gritty and bruising veteran Zack Kassian announced his retirement from pro hockey yesterday following 12 NHL seasons, which included 661 regular-season games and 45 postseason appearances.

“To play in the NHL is one thing, but to make a 12-year career of it is pretty special,” said Kassian in a statement to the NHLPA. “From coaches to equipment staff and fellow players I’ve met along the way, I’ve made so many relationships that are going to last a lifetime.”

Born Jan. 24, 1991, in Windsor, Ontario, the first-round pick was selected 13th overall by the Buffalo Sabres in the 2009 NHL Draft. Kassian went on to play for four NHL teams, scoring 92 goals and 111 assists to combine for 203 points. Known for his grit and physical presence on the ice, Kassian’s 913 NHL career penalty minutes currently rank ninth among all skaters since the winger joined the league in 2011.

Kassian played parts of three seasons in the AHL, suiting up for the Portland Pirates during their 2010-11 playoff run, spending 30 games with the Rochester Americans in 2011-12, with an additional 29 games spent with the Chicago Wolves in 2012-13 and seven games with the Bakersfield Condors in 2015-16. 

Griffins Name Josiah Didier Captain 

The Grand Rapids Griffin has announced Josiah Didier as the 18th Captain in the franchise's history. Additionally, Dominik Shine and Brogan Rafferty have been named Assistant Captains. 

Didier, a fourth-round pick of the Montreal Canadiens in 2011, has spent the bulk of his professional career in the AHL, playing for the Hamilton Bulldogs, St. John's IceCaps, Charlotte Checkers and Providence Bruins before joining Grand Rapids this season. 

AHL Names Presenting Sponsor for All-Star Classic

The American Hockey League and the San Jose Barracuda announced yesterday that Technology Credit Union will serve as the presenting sponsor for this season’s AHL All-Star Classic, which will be held at Tech CU Arena in San Jose on February 4-5, 2024.

The AHL’s All-Stars will head west for the 2024 AHL All-Star Classic presented by Tech CU, marking just the second time the league’s midseason event will be held in California. The All-Star Classic will showcase the Bay Area and the brand-new Tech CU Arena to an international audience, highlighting the growth of the game of hockey in Northern California.

“We are proud to be the title sponsor of the 2024 AHL All-Star Classic, and to host the event at the Tech CU Arena,” said Todd Harris, CEO of Tech CU. “We look forward to seeing the fans at the game and welcoming some of the best hockey players in the world to the Bay Area.”

“We are excited to welcome Tech CU as the presenting corporate partner of this season’s All-Star Classic in San Jose,” said Scott Howson, AHL President and Chief Executive Officer. “The sport of hockey has grown tremendously around the Bay Area, and we are looking forward to celebrating our league’s best and brightest young stars in San Jose in February.”