Kalamazoo, MI- The Kalamazoo Wings announce the organization has been accepted as a Member club of the ECHL and will commence play this October during the 2009-2010 season.
The upcoming season will be the 36th consecutive season of professional hockey in Kalamazoo for the K-Wings and first in the ECHL.
“Built on hockey-rich traditions, we (K-Wings) feel joining the ECHL is in the best interest of the organization and our loyal fans and corporate partners, said William D. Johnston, president, director and chairman of Greenleaf Companies. “The ECHL is one of the top leagues in professional hockey and shares in our belief in creating a quality product on and off the ice.”
This year, the ECHL will be celebrating its 22nd season making it the third-longest tenured professional hockey league behind only the National Hockey League and the American Hockey League.
“Having a history in ECHL, I have first-hand knowledge of the similarities between our organization and our new league, said Paul L. Pickard, president of Wings Stadium and Kalamazoo Wings. “With the K-Wings and the ECHL having strong business models and sharing similar philosophies, we (K-Wings) expect a smooth transition into the league.”
In addition to giving its fans fast-paced and affordable entertainment, the ECHL also provides a top-notch hockey environment for the best young players who are not playing in the AHL or NHL. The ECHL continues to build their relationship with the Professional Hockey Players’ Association (PHPA) as the two work to grow the sport at the ‘AA’ level.
“We are proud to welcome Kalamazoo to the ECHL,” said ECHL commissioner Brian McKenna. “The city has a long hockey tradition, solid community-based ownership and this will allow K-Wings fans to renew rivalries with Cincinnati and Toledo.”
A press conference with full details of joining the ECHL will be held this Friday, June 12th at 1 p.m. in the Wings Stadium lobby at 3600 Vanrick Drive. Besides media, the K-Wings are encouraging fans to come welcome the franchise to its new league.
Scheduled to attend the press conference will be ECHL commissioner Brian McKenna, K-Wings president Paul L. Pickard, general manager Wade Welsh and director of public relations and broadcaster Mike Modugno.
Media is urged to arrive at the press conference as early as possible, as it will commence promptly at 1 p.m.
For more information about Friday’s press conference, please contact Mike Modugno, director of public relations and broadcaster at (269) 349-9772, extension 220.
-www.kwings.com-
