Tom McCollum, who has appeared in more games with more wins than any goalie in the history of the Grand Rapids Griffins, is ready to come back - this time in a new league as an inline player.

McCollum was the second overall pick of the Grand Rapids Warthogs of the fledgling National Roller Hockey League draft.

He wasn’t the only one involved with local ties. Forward Tyler Spezia, who has appeared in 15 games this season with the Griffins, was also selected. The Port Huron Yeti made him the third pick.

The four-team league plans to open its inline hockey season in May with a 26-game schedule and two playoff rounds that run until August.

The NRHL is conducting a draft round each week through Feb. 29.

McCollum, who is with the New York Rangers organization and currently with AHL affiliate Harford Wolfpack, said Monday he was in touch with the team and is interested in playing for them.

"We've had a few preliminary discussions with them ahead of time," McCollum said. "So, now it's a matter of figuring out who the coach will be, and I have to figure out the logistics of still maintaining my summer training and getting on the ice. But it's something I'm interested in."

We are excited to announced our first pick of the 2020 NRHL DRAFT.

With the second pick in the 2020 NRHL DRAFT, the Grand Rapids Warthogs select Tom McCollum - Goaltender.

Tom currently plays professional ice… https://t.co/dJqCxVOO1q — Grand Rapids Warthogs (@GRWarthogs) January 19, 2020

McCollum, 30, appeared in 263 games with 123 wins as a member of the Griffins from 2009-16, 17-18. This season he has played in three games with Hartford (0-1-1) with a 2.20 Goals Against Average and .904 save percentage. He’s also played 14 games in the ECHL with Maine and Florida.

McCollum, who grew up in Sanborn, New York, said the opportunity to return to Grand Rapids and also stay sharp in the offseason makes it an appealing opportunity.

“This could fill the gap when I’m not playing ice hockey,” he said before adding some thoughts about the city:

“Honestly, Grand Rapids will always have a special place in my heart. Obviously, I grew up in western New York but West Michigan is kind of where I went from a teenager to being an adult. I’ve had some many great experiences and know so many great people from there.”

Spezia, meanwhile, a Clinton Township native, is currently with the Griffins (3-3-6 in 15 games). He’s also played 19 games with Toledo in the ECHL (10-10-20). He has an inline hockey background as he played for TEAM USA at the IIHF Inline Hockey World Championships.

The Warthogs and Yeti are joined in the NRHL by the Detroit Dragons and St. Louis Vipers.

NRHL teams will have an initial salary cap of $500,000. After the draft, a free-agent signing period is scheduled in February with a supplemental draft in March. Training camps open in May.

The Warthogs, who have not named a coach, joined the league as the fourth franchise in August and are scheduled to play at the DeltaPlex Arena. Mike Hewitt is the general manager. NRHL president is Matt Wiedenhoeft, who is from Grand Rapids.