K-Wings Sign Familiar ECHL Foe for 2024-25 Season

Players love performing in front of family and friends, but don't always get the opportunity.

Detroit native Lordanthony Grissom will get that chance after signing with the Kalamazoo Wings for the 2024-25 season.

The 6-foot-4, 229-pound defenseman scored three goals and seven assists in 30 games for the Greenville Swamp Rabbits last season. He also set new career-highs in both assists and points.

Needless to say, Grissom is looking forward to playing back in his home state.

"I'm beyond pumped to be back in Michigan," the 28-year-old Grissom said after the club announced his signing. "There's nothing like playing in front of family, friends and what I've heard is an incredible K-Wings fanbase at Wings Event Center. I'm really excited to hit the ice in Kalamazoo and get this season going."

Grissom is in his third professional season, making his debut with the SPHL's Peoria Rivermen. In his first professional game, he scored two goals on his first two shots to lead the Rivermen to a win over Roanoke. He helped the club capture the SPHL championship in 2021-22, totaling six points (3-3-6) and a +13 rating in 12 regular-season games. He potted three goals and six assists for nine points in 10 playoff games.

The following season, Grissom split time between the Allen Americans and Greenville, collecting five points (3-2-5) in 48 games.

Before signing with Peoria, Grissom played in 114 games at NCAA Division III Aurora University, the most in program history, from 2017-22. He wore the C in his final two seasons there and served as an alternate captain in the two seasons prior. He finished his college career with 34 points (6-28-34) and 119 penalty minutes.

Wings head coach and director of hockey operations Joel Martin is glad to have Grissom's muscle on his blueline.

"LA's size and physicality make him hard to play against," Martin said. "He is also a skilled penalty killer."