K-Wings Add Sova, Kaunisto and Brittain
September 18, 2014 - ECHL (ECHL)
Kalamazoo Wings News Release
KALAMAZOO - As the anticipation builds with just 17 days until the start of training camp, the Kalamazoo Wings continue to construct a solid foundation to their roster with the signing of three players. Earlier this afternoon the K-Wings signed defenseman Joe Sova (SOE-vuh) along with forwards Ray Kaunisto (kah-NIS-toe) and Josh Brittain (BRIT-tan).
A mobile defenseman with plenty of size, Joe Sova returns for his third season with the K-Wings. Sova began last season with the Kalamazoo before heading to the Toledo Walleye as a free agent. After spending just 23 games with the Walleye, Sova was traded back to Kalamazoo.
One of the more productive blue liners last post season, Sova earned three points (3 assists) in six games and was one of the team leaders in blocked shots.
Three seasons ago, Sova spent a majority of the season with the K-Wings. A prospect of the New Jersey Devils, Sova was traded at the NHL trade deadline to the Carolina Hurricanes. After the trade, Sova spent the remainder of the regular season in the American Hockey League with the Charlotte Checkers. Following the regular season Sova headed back to the ECHL to lend a helping hand to the Florida Everblades in capturing the 2011-2012 Kelly Cup.
A five-year pro, Ray Kaunisto returns for his second season in Kalamazoo. The 6'3" forward hard-nose playing style earned him four call-ups to the AHL last season to the Lake Erie Monsters, Syracuse Crunch and Utica Comets (twice).
Over the past four seasons, Kaunisto has played 159 out of his 224 games in the AHL,
A native of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, Kaunisto stayed close to home for college playing four seasons at Northern Michigan University. Following his senior season, Kaunisto signed an entry-level deal with the Los Angeles Kings.
Before heading to college, Kaunisto played three seasons of junior hockey, including the 2004-05 season, where he recorded 40 points (20 goals, 20 assists) for the Soo Indians. During the 2003-04 season, Kaunisto finished second on his team in scoring and was selected to the NAHL's All-Rookie Team.
The newest member of the K-Wings is Josh Brittain. Similar to the last two signings, Brittain adds size to Kalamazoo's roster. The 6'5" forward, who is entering his fifth season as a professional, was selected by the Anaheim Duck during the third round (71st overall selection) of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.
Brittain split last season between the Reading Royals and the AHL's Hershey Bears. Finding ways to score in the clutch, Brittain led the Royals with six game-winning goals including setting a team-record with three consecutive game-winning goals from February 28th-March 7th.
Two seasons ago, Brittain divided his time between the Fort Wayne Komets and the AHL's Norfolk Admirals. With the Komets Brittain was a teammate of current K-Wings assistant coach Colin Chaulk. Brittain finished the season leading the Komets with a plus-10 efficiency rating.
Prior to turning pro, Brittain played four years of junior hockey with the OHL's Kingston Frontenacs, Barrie Colts and Plymouth Whalers, racking up 152 points (80 goals, 72 assists) in 258 games. A former OHL All-Star, Brittain also captured a gold medal for Team Canada at the 2008 Under-18 World Championship.
Season tickets, flexi-plans and group tickets for the 2014-15 season are currently on sale at the K-Wings front office by calling (269) 743-6011.
The additions of Sova, Kaunisto and Brittain gives the K-Wings 12 players signed for the upcoming 2014-15 season.
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ECHL Stories from September 18, 2014
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- Gabriel Desjardins Joins Everblades for 2014-15 Season - Florida Everblades
- K-Wings Add Sova, Kaunisto and Brittain - Kalamazoo Wings
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- ECHL Officials to Work CCM/USA Hockey All-American Prospects Game - ECHL
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