A Fresh Start in Grand Rapids
Tag Bertuzzi, a six‑year professional forward, has officially signed a one‑year contract with the AHL Grand Rapids Griffins. The move comes after a productive stretch in the ECHL where he posted 52 points in 64 games during the 2022‑23 season, his most successful campaign to date.
Bertuzzi’s career has been marked by stints across several leagues. He spent parts of four AHL seasons from 2022‑26, appearing in 30 games with a single assist and six penalty minutes. Prior to that, he logged 14 games for the Utica Comets and compiled 130 points with 99 penalty minutes in 170 ECHL contests since 2022‑23.
A Family Connection to Detroit
The signing also rekindles a family tie to the Detroit Red Wings organization. Tag’s uncle, Todd Bertuzzi, previously played for the Wings in two separate tenures and even served as head coach of the Cambridge Redhawks, a team that recently captured the Sutherland Cup. Cousin Tyler Bertuzzi, who starred for the Griffins from 2014 to 2018 and helped them win the Calder Cup in 2016‑17, is now skating for the Chicago Blackhawks but remains part of the broader Red Wings alumni network.
Tag’s journey to Grand Rapids reflects a blend of perseverance and adaptability. After a strong junior career in the OHL with the Guelph Storm, Hamilton Bulldogs, and Flint Firebirds — where he amassed 112 points and 98 penalty minutes — he transitioned to professional hockey, delivering consistent offensive output in the ECHL and earning a reputation as a reliable two‑way forward.
Looking Ahead
With the Griffins, Bertuzzi hopes to translate his ECHL success into AHL contributions that could position him for an NHL call‑up. The organization’s deep talent pool and recent championship pedigree provide an ideal environment for him to showcase his skills, build chemistry with teammates, and perhaps follow in the footsteps of his relatives who have left a lasting imprint on Detroit hockey.