Nick
Bootland is in his second season as Director of
Hockey Operations / Head Coach of the Kalamazoo
Wings Hockey Club. Bootland is the 20th Head Coach,
not including interim coaches, in K-Wings history.
Before coaching, Bootland
has played the previous four seasons in Kalamazoo.
The team captain for his final three seasons, Bootland
wasn't only a vocal leader, but he led by example.
By wearing the "C" for the three seasons,
Bootland joined Ron Wilson, Scott Robinson and Derrick
Smith as the only member of the K-Wings to earn
the honor in three straight years.
During the K-Wings championship
season four years ago, Bootland played a vital role
in bringing Kalamazoo its first professional hockey
championship in 26 years. Bootland earned the United
Hockey League's Most Valuable Player Award in the
playoffs by registering 16 points (10 goals, 6 assists)
in just 13 contests.
Bootland played junior hockey
for the Guelph Storm in the Ontario Hockey League
and was a member of the Storms' Championship team
in 1998. An impact player wherever he has laced
up his skates, Bootland was awarded the Hershey
Bears' Unsung Hero Award during the 99-00 season
and also received the Player of the Year and Fan
Favorite Award during his two seasons with Cincinnati
Cyclone (ECHL). The veteran forward was selected
by the Dallas Stars in the 9th round of the 1996
Entry Draft.
Bootland
resides in Kalamazoo with his wife Christine, his
daughter Makayla and his son Breckyn.