NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA, CFL stats



Kalamazoo Wings

Former NHL All-Star joins K-Wings

September 24, 2004 - International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Kalamazoo Wings News Release


Kalamazoo, MI- The Kalamazoo Wings of the United Hockey League announce the signing of defensemen Zarley Zalapski (zar-LEE Za-LAP-ski) for the upcoming 2004-2005 season. Per team policy, the terms of the contracts will be undisclosed.

Zalapski brings a wealth of experience to the K-Wings locker room. The native of Edmonton, Alberta is a 15-year professional, which includes 12 seasons in the National Hockey League.

The veteran defenseman was selected in the 1986 NHL Entry Draft in the first round with the fourth overall pick of the Pittsburgh Penguins. Zalapski rookie season was with the Penguins during the 1987-88 season.

Zalapski spent four seasons in Pittsburgh; however, during the 1990-91 season, after helping the Penguins to one of their franchises best regular season records and in a season that Penguins would eventually go on to win the Stanley Cup, Zalapski was the anchor of a five player deal that sent Ron Francis to Pittsburgh and Zalapski to Hartford.

Besides playing for both the Penguins and the Whalers, Zalapski has also don the jersey of the Calgary Flames, Montreal Canadiens and the Philadelphia Flyers.

"He's a marquee player and a major piece for us to reach our goal of the Colonial Cup," said Vice President/General Manager Paul L. Pickard. "Having a player with the capability of Zarley makes everyone on the team better. He's a solid d-man with good offensive skills and he can help with the development of our younger players."

In his career, Zalapski has played in the NHL All-Star Game in 1993, and was selected to NHL All-Rookie Team in 1989.

In Addition to the NHL, Zalapski has also played professionally with Zurich (LNSw), Long Beach (IHL), Utah (IHL), Houston (IHL), Munich (DEL), and Merano (Italy).

Before turning pro, Zalapski played two seasons of Junior A hockey with the Fort Saskatchewan Traders (AJHL) and three seasons with the Canadian National Team.

The signing of Zalapski gives the K-Wings eleven players signed for the 04-05 season, which begins October 15th, when the K-Wings travel to Fraser, Michigan to play in the inaugural game of the Motor City Mechanics.

Season Tickets for the 2004-05 season of Kalamazoo Wings hockey are currently on sale at the Wings Stadium Box Office. Fans can save 15% by purchasing their season tickets for next season by paying in full by September 30th. Box Office hours are Monday-Friday 9am-4pm and Saturday's 10am-2pm. Fans can either stop by during regular business hours or call (269) 345-5101.

Check out the Kalamazoo Wings Statistics

• Discuss this story on the International Hockey League 2 message board...

International Hockey League 2 Stories from September 24, 2004


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

Other Recent Kalamazoo Wings Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central