IHL 2 Kalamazoo Wings

Adding A Scoring Punch

Published on September 19, 2007 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 signings of forward Matt Elich and defenseman John Miller for the 2007-08 season, per team policy the terms of the contracts will be undisclosed.

Selected by Tampa Bay Lightning in the third round (61st overall) of the 1997 NHL Entry Draft, Elich began his professional career in the Lightings' former IHL affiliate, the Detroit Vipers. Impressing his parent club in his rookie year, Elich was called up to Tampa Bay, seeing action in eight games.

In his nine-year career, Elich has made his presence felt, recording 217 points (111 goals, 109 assists) in 398 career games.

"If he (Elich) plays to his ability, we (K-Wings) will have one of the dynamic offenses in the IHL," said General Manager Wade Welsh. "Adding Matt to the already established forwards we has signed gives us incredible depth and experience upfront."

A seasoned veteran, the 2007-08 campaign will be the ninth in Elich's career. Spending last season overseas in Europe, Elich last played in North America during the 2005-06 season, when he split the year in the United Hockey League with both the Flint Generals and Roanoke Valley Vipers, averaging nearly a point a night.

Elich played four seasons of Junior "A" hockey in the Ontario Hockey League, two and a half seasons with the Windsor Spitfires and a year and a half with the Kingston Frontenacs.

Joining the K-Wings on the blue line will be John Miller. A rookie defenseman, Miller initiated himself to professional hockey by playing six games with the Lubbock Cotton Kings of the Central Hockey League and 12 games in the Division 2 League in Sweden with Boro/Vetanda. Miller adapted to life in Sweden racking up 11 points (6 goals, 5 assists) in just 12 games.

"He (Miller) has to potential to elevate his game and become a solid defenseman in our league," said Welsh. "With limited opportunity last year, he proved he will make the most of his time on the ice."

Before turning pro, Miller was a four-year standout at Northern Michigan University, preceded by a season of Junior "A" hockey in the United States Hockey League with the Sioux City Musketeers.

The addition of Elich and Miller gives the K-Wings fifteen players signed for the upcoming 2007-08 season, which will commence on Saturday, October 20th on the road against the Muskegon Fury. Signed for the 2007-08 season are forwards Nick Bootland, Daniel, Calitri, Glenn Detulleo, Lucas Drake, Kory Karlander, Mike Manley, Joel Rechicz, Mark Versteeg-Lytwyn and Tyler Willis. Also signed for this season are defenseman Ed Campbell and goaltenders Tony Quesada, Brad Smith and Jeremy Symington.

Kalamazoo will open up the home portion of their schedule on Saturday, October 27th versus Muskegon during the 4th Annual Orange Ice Game.

Single-game tickets for both the preseason and regular season will go on sale Saturday, October 6th. Tickets for all K-Wings home games range in price from $9-$14. Fans can purchase individual game tickets at the Wings Stadium Ticket Office or at any Ticketmaster outlet. The price for all K-Wings premium night games (all colored ice and New Year's Eve game) will be increased by $1. Preseason tickets for the game on October 12th will be $5. All tickets that are purchased for any K-Wings game (including the pre-season) on game-day will be increased by $1 per ticket.

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International Hockey League 2 Stories from September 19, 2007


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