IHL 2 Kalamazoo Wings

Five-Time Fan Favorite Tyler Willis Returns to Kalamazoo in Time for Two-Game Home Stand

Published on November 13, 2008 under International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Kalamazoo Wings News Release


Kalamazoo, MI- The Kalamazoo Wings, proud member of the International Hockey League, announce the signing of forward Tyler Willis to a mid-season player tryout agreement. Awaiting approval of his immigration papers, Willis couldn't be signed to a standard contract, which also delayed the K-Wings announcement of his signing.

In one of the worst kept secrets in hockey history, the K-Wings signed with Willis to a mid-season tryout earlier this morning. Kalamazoo is confident that Willis' immigration papers will be approved in time for him to make his K-Wings' season debut tomorrow night, November 14th versus the Flint Generals.

The 2008-09 season is the 12th in Willis' professional career and his sixth in Kalamazoo. After starting the season in the Newcastle Vipers of the EIHL, Willis returning to the K-Wings on November 13th is fitting, as fans will once again see the fan-favorite don his familiar number 13 jersey.

Whether it is through physical play or scoring, Willis has been a spark plug for the K-Wings. For five straight seasons (2003-present), the fans have voted Willis the team's WLKM Most Popular Player.

"In our commitment to providing a championship team, we deemed it necessary to have a player the caliber of Tyler," said General Manager Wade Welsh. "He (Willis) brings energy and feistiness that will be contagious to both our team and fans."

In his tenure with the K-Wings, the former 8th round draft pick of the Vancouver Canucks (1995 NHL Entry Draft), has played 304 games, recorded 211 points (60 goals, 161 assists) and amassed 1,326 minutes in penalties. Willis' best season as a K-Wing was during the 2005-06 season, when he set personal career highs in goals (20), assists (45) and points (65).

Willis has had success at every level of professional hockey he has played, including the AHL. Willis' best year in the AHL was back in the 1998-99 season when he tallied 18 points on 8 goals and 10 assists, accumulating 227 minutes in penalties.

Fans will have two chances to his Willis in action this weekend. Willis will make his K-Wings Tomorrow night (11/14) at 7:30 p.m., Kalamazoo will host Flint on Noisemaker Night, presented by Meijer.

The K-Wings are encouraging all fans to bring in a non-perishable food item, such as macaroni and cheese or pasta to the game and use it as a noisemaker. Following the contest, fans can donate their food item and place it in any of the Meijer boxes that will be located through Wings Stadium. All items collected will go to local food pantries in southwest Michigan.

On Saturday, November 15th, the K-Wings will remain home at Wings Stadium to battle the Fort Wayne Komets at 7:30 p.m. on Star Wars Night.

Besides being encouraged to dress as their favorite Stars Wars character, fans will have the opportunity to take pictures with characters from the movie. In total, nearly 20 characters from the Star Wars movies will be represented. Photographs will occur at Hospitality Hall, which is located behind section 16. Photos will cost $5 with proceeds going to the Southwest Michigan Boy Scouts.

Fans coming to the game will also receive a rally towel courtesy of the United Kennel Club.

Single-game tickets for any of the K-Wings 38 regular season home games are currently on sale at the Wings Stadium Ticket Office. Ticket Office hours are Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. For more information, call Wings Stadium Ticket Office during regular business hours at (269) 345-5101.

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International Hockey League 2 Stories from November 13, 2008


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