 He was then sent to play on the Red Wings' ECHL affiliate, the Toledo Storm, where he posted 59 points in the regular season and tacked on eight points in the Storm's short playoff run.In the following season, 2003–04, Ellis was called up to the American Hockey League (AHL) to join the Red Wings' top-level affiliate, the Grand Rapids Griffins; he recorded his first AHL point on October 24, 2003, with an assist on the game-winning goal against the Utah Grizzlies.Ellis again took time to adjust to the faster pace of the AHL, but soon found his place with the team.