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(Photo illustration by Grand Rapids Griffins)

GRAND RAPIDS, MI - The Grand Rapids Griffins have taken steps to align themselves just right for the second round of the Calder Cup Playoffs, thanks to the cooperation of a neighboring town with a familiar name.

The Griffins, who Wednesday night start the Western Conference semifinals against the Rockford (Ill.) IceHogs, have gotten nearby Rockford (Mich.) to change its name for the next two weeks.

Welcome to Griffinville.

"Given the high stakes of the Calder Cup Playoffs and our city's ardent support of the Griffins, the last thing we want is for anyone to confuse us with our namesake in Illinois, or to think that we have any residual affinity for anything from there, including the IceHogs," said Michael Young, city manager for Rockford, er, Griffinville.

MORE: Yes, there is a Griffinville Facebook page

"This change, which will remain in effect until May 20 or the conclusion of the Griffins-IceHogs series, reaffirms our residents' allegiance to the Griffins. We hope they 'Bring it back'!"

The last sentence is in reference to the Griffins' slogan. Grand Rapids won the Calder Cup Trophy in 2013.

There is a precedent here. The Michigan town of Rockford was founded as the village of Laphamville in 1856. But the Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad Company had urged residents to adopt a shorter name. Ironically, a newly-arrived resident from Rockford, Ill., suggested it. Thus, in June 1866, Laphamville became the Village of Rockford.

Until now.

The first two games of the best-of-seven series between Midwest Division rivals will be at Van Andel Arena tonight and Friday before the series moves to Illinois. If necessary, Games Six and Seven would take place in Grand Rapids on May 19 and May 20. Griffinville residents are encouraged to attend.

Pete Wallner covers sports for MLive/Grand Rapids Press. Email him at pwallner@mlive.com or follow him on Twitter, Facebook or Google+.