Former Ferris State hockey standout, Kyle Bonis, signed on with the Red Wings AHL affiliate, the Grand Rapids Griffins.
Bonis, who played with the Bulldogs from 2009 through the 2013, was signed to a one-year deal with the NHL affiliate as he extended his hockey career into the pros.
Prior to being picked up by the Griffins, Bonis played one season with the ECHL’s Florida Everblades. During his time with the Everblades, Bonis logged 45 points (25-20-45) in 65 games with the semi-pro team and received attention from the higher ups.
During his Bulldog career, Bonis saw action in 136 games in the crimson and gold. He was an impactful starter at left wing who logged 77 career points and helped lead Ferris to its first ever National Championship game in 2012. Throughout his regular season career at Ferris State, Bonis had 28 goals, 21 assists, and plus-minus of +15.
Bonis will be given an opportunity to showcase his talents in front of thousands of fans at the Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Mich. If this opportunity plays out, Bonis could join the four former Ferris players who are currently signed on to an NHL team in Chris Kunitz, Zach Redmond, Chad Billins, and Greg Rallo.
The Griffins are coming off of a season that saw the squad win 46 of their 76 games en rout to their second straight playoff appearance. In the teams first of the two playoff stints, Grand Rapids took home the 2013 Calder Cup after a victory over the Syracuse Crunch to win the AHL’s championship game.
Bonis will be competing against at least six other left and right wings for playing time on the Van Andel Ice.
If given the chance to play immediately, Bonis will suit up in his first AHL hockey game on December 31st as the Griffins open the season on this slated day, with the opponent yet to be decided.
All in all, Ferris State has had eleven former Bulldogs play in an NHL game, with Bonis becoming the newest candidate for the twelfth spot. The Griffins are the primary affiliate of the Detroit Redwings. In 2012-13, Billins helped lead the Griffins to their first ever Calder Cup Championship. That same season, Bonis led the Bulldogs in goals as a senior.