Kalamazoo, MI- The Kalamazoo Wings, proud member of the ECHL and affiliate of the New York Islanders of the National Hockey League, announce the signings of goaltender Ryan Nie (NYE), forward Bryan Jurynec (jer-NICK) and defenseman Ross Rouleau (roo-low); per team policy, the terms of the contracts will be undisclosed.   

Protecting the creases in professional rinks for five years, Nie is returning for his third season with the K-Wings and was the team’s Kalamazoo Gazette Most Valuable Player a year ago.

Receiving accolades all season long, Nie began last year in the training camps of the San Jose Sharks of the NHL and Worcester Sharks of the AHL. Nie was named the Reebok ECHL Goaltender of the Week for the week of October 19th-25th.  On November 5th, Nie earned the ECHL Goaltender of the Month for October.

More than the ECHL noticed Nie’s performance, as the native of Nanticoke, Ontario earned three call-ups to the AHL with the Portland Pirates, Houston Aeros and Worcester Sharks.

“He (Nie) is a work-horse that demonstrates poise and leadership between the pipes,” said Nick Bootland, director of hockey operations and head coach.  “Ryan’s performance during the regular season played a vital role in us winning the division.”

Starting his pro career on a high note, Nie had a memorable rookie campaign in Kalamazoo during the 2006-07 season, in which he helped guide the K-Wings to within one game of capturing their second consecutive United Hockey League Colonial Cup championship.

After his rookie season in Kalamazoo, Nie spent two seasons in the ECHL compiling a record of 51-25-6.  Last season, Nie returned to where his career started and helped the K-Wings capture the ECHL’s North Division crown.

Nie was been stellar between the pipes last season for the K-Wings compiling a record of 28-12-4, while allowing a goals against average (GAA) of 3.09 and a save percentage of 0.904.

In his career, Nie has posted a record of 99-45-14 with a GAA of 2.78 and a save percentage of 0.905.

Entering his third season in Kalamazoo, Jurynec has already established himself as a fan-favorite by finding a few roles for himself. Before ending the season with an injury, the native of Orland Park, Illinois played in 37 contests for the K-Wings recording 15 points (4 goals, 11 assists) and amassing 102 minutes in penalties (PIMS).

The injury to Jurynec marked the second time in as many seasons, the forward’s year was cut short due to injury. During this rookie season, Jurynec saw action in 53 games earning 13 points (6 goals, 7 assists) and 108 PIMS.

Jurynec is a two-time recipient of the K-Wings’ Booster Club Appreciation Award (given to the player that makes the most public appearances) and was the Kalsee Credit Union Unsung Hero during the 2008-09 season.

“He (Jurynec) brings a lot of passion and energy to our lineup,” said Bootland. “Bryan is the type of player that will do whatever it takes to help us win.”

Prior to turning pro, Jurynec was a four-year standout at American International College in Massachusetts and was the captain for the Yellow Jackets during his senior season. In 126 NCAA games, Jurynec racked up 48 points (16 goals and 32 assists) and was a four-time Atlantic Hockey League all-academic selection.

An iron man, Jurynec only missed six games during his career at American International College. Coming from a hockey family, his father, Mick, played in the Ontario Hockey League with the Sudbury Wolves.

 

Rouleau is entering his third season of professional hockey. The native of Hancock, Michigan played his first two seasons in the Central Hockey League with the Texas Brahmas.

During the 2008-09, the blue-liner was a member off the Brahmas CHL championship team and last season he played one game in the AHL with the Aeros.

“He (Rouleau) is an up and coming defenseman that possesses a heavy shot,” said Bootland. “Ross comes highly regarded and we look forward to seeing what he can do with us this season.”

Before turning pro, Rouleau played two seasons of collegiate hockey at Finlandia University in Michigan.

The additions of Nie, Jurynec and Rouleau gives the K-Wings 10 players signed for the upcoming 2010-11season, which will commence on the road Saturday, October 16th against the South Carolina Stingrays. Also signed for next season are forwards Patrick Asselin (as-LYNN), Trent Daavettila (daav-UH-till-uh), Andrew Fournier (four-KNEE-ay), Sam Ftorek (fah-TORE-ick), Kory Karlander, and Anton Kharin (hah-REEN) and defenseman Jon Landry.

Kalamazoo will open up the home portion of their schedule on Saturday, October 23rd versus the defending Kelly Cup champion’s, the Cincinnati Cyclones with a 7:30 p.m. face-off at Wings Stadium during the 7th annual Orange Ice game.

Season tickets for the upcoming 2010-2011 season are on sale at the Wings Stadium Ticket Office. Ticket Office hours are Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-4 p.m. For more information about tickets, give the Wings Stadium Ticket Office a call during regular business hours at (269) 345-5101.

For more information about the signings of Ryan Nie, Bryan Jurynec and Ross Rouleau, please contact Mike Modugno, director of public relations and broadcaster at (269) 349-9772, extension 220.

 

 

 

                                                           -www.kwings.com-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                         

 

 

                                        

 

                                                              

 

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