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#23 Matt Ellis
Pos: Center/Left Wing
D.O.B.: 08/31/81
From: Welland, Ontario
Height: 6' 1"
Weight: 210
Shoots: Left
Drafted: Undrafted
Acquired: Signed as a Free Agent by Detroit (NHL) 5/10/02
Personal:
Plus: NHL Size, Intensity and Hustle... Natural Leader with excellent work ethic... Willing to play physical... Top-notch penalty killer with uncanny anticipation... Excellent conditioning habits... Excells on the Forecheck and Cycling Puck Deep...
Minus: Foot Speed, while improved, is only adequate... Offensive Game does not translate to NHL...
Organizational Comments: "He's starting to get rewarded with points, but he means so much more than can be measured in statistics. In terms of his work ethic, he represents what we stand for. He just works so darn hard on the ice." Griffins Head Coach Greg Ireland
What GRC says: 2006-07: The Captain wrapped up another impressive campaign, leading the club in goals despite playing 16 games in the NHL. A force in all three zones, Matt led the league in shorthanded goals, and was one of the orimary reasons this club was even in contention for a post-season berth. He turned his play up another notch in the playoffs, and stands ready for his next challenge: a fulltime job in the NHL.
2005-06: Captain Ellis managed to exceed expectations once again with his work ethic and hustle. Matt has improved in each of his four pro season, and his next challenge is the breaking into the NHL.
2004-05: Ellis stepped up his game in the second half and became a steady offensive contributer. He assumed the role of a team leader, and - with another offseason of improvement - might audition for a depth spot in the NHL.
2003-04: Ellis had a great first year in the AHL, sparking the team with his all-out hustle and sterling defensive play. The downside was that despite 139 shots (fourth on the team), he didn't contribute much offensively.
2002-03: Assigned to Toledo (ECHL) where he was the teams second leading scorer with 27 goals and 59 points. Excellent rookie season for Ellis as the organization took note of his strong all around play and hustle.
Role: Checking Center
Projection: 3rd or 4th Line NHL Checking Winger

Statistics:
Season Team Lge GP G A PTS PIM +/- GP G A PTS PIM +/-
1998-99 St Michael's Majors OHL 47 10 8 18 6 -23
1999-00 St Michael's Majors OHL 59 15 20 35 20 -9
2000-01 St Michael's Majors OHL 68 21 24 45 19 10 18 4 8 12 6 -2
2001-02 St Michael's Majors OHL 66 38 51 89 20 47 15 8 6 14 6 3
2002-03 Toledo Storm ECHL 71 27 32 59 34 16 7 3 5 8 0 9
2003-04 Grand Rapids Griffins AHL 64 5 10 15 23 -4 4 0 0 0 2 -2
2004-05 Grand Rapids Griffins AHL 79 18 23 41 59 10
2005-06 Grand Rapids Griffins AHL 74 20 28 48 61 18 16 4 1 5 20 -2
2006-07 Grand Rapids Griffins AHL 65 26 23 49 44 0 7 4 3 7 4 0
Detroit Red Wings NHL 16 0 0 0 6 -1
Griffins Totals 282 69841531872427 8 4 12 26-4

Transactions
5/10/02 Signed 3 yr contract with Detroit (NHL)
9/25/02 Assigned by Detroit (NHL)
10/6/02 Assigned to Toledo (ECHL)
4/20/03 Recalled from Toledo (ECHL)
9/5/03 Recalled by Detroit (NHL) for Training Camp
9/20/03 Assigned by Detroit (NHL)
9/1/04 Recalled by Detroit (NHL) for Prospects Camp
9/15/04 Assigned by Detroit (NHL)
8/24/05 Signed 2 yr contract with Detroit (NHL)
9/1/05 Recalled by Detroit (NHL) for Training Camp
9/29/05 Assigned by Detroit (NHL)
9/1/06 Recalled by Detroit (NHL) for Training Camp
9/26/06 Assigned by Detroit (NHL)
12/18/06 Recalled by Detroit (NHL)
12/26/06 Assigned by Detroit (NHL)
1/26/07 Recalled by Detroit (NHL)
1/27/07 Assigned by Detroit (NHL)
2/23/07 Recalled by Detroit (NHL)
3/21/07 Assigned by Detroit (NHL)
5/3/07 Recalled by Detroit (NHL)
6/22/07 Signed 1 yr contract with Detroit (NHL)