Biography coming Soon!

Unveiled during a press conference this afternoon, Bootland becomes the 20th Head Coach, not including interim coaches, in K-Wings history.

“Priding ourselves on the ability to promote within, Nick, who is a proven leader on and off the ice, lead us to a championship as a player and we feel he will do the same as our Head Coach,” said General Manager Wade Welsh. “We (K-Wings) wanted someone that not only knows what it takes to win in this league, but what it knows what means to be a member of the K-Wings.”

Perhaps the greatest captain in K-Wings’ history, Bootland has played the past four seasons in Kalamazoo. The team captain for the past three seasons, Bootland wasn’t only a vocal leader, but he led by example. By wearing the “C” for the past 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 seasons.

During the K-Wings championship season three seasons ago, Bootland played a vital role in bringing Kalamazoo its first professional hockey championship in 26 years. Bootland earned the UHL’s Most Valuable Player Award in the playoffs by registering 16 points (10 goals, 6 assists) in just 13 contests.

“Getting behind the bench and coaching is something I have thought of doing for the past several years and to get that opportunity here in Kalamazoo is a dream come true,” said Bootland. “Kalamazoo is my family’s home and the K-Wings have been like a second family to us. I look forward to the challenge and relish in the opportunity to guide the franchise back to the pinnacle of minor league hockey.”

The native of Etobicoke, Ontario embarks on his new chapter of his hockey career after concluding a stellar 10-year playing career, in which he played 718 games.