ECHL Kalamazoo Wings

Alban Returns Home

Published on September 20, 2002 under ECHL (ECHL)
Kalamazoo Wings News Release


Kalamazoo, MI- The Kalamazoo Wings of the United Hockey League announce the signing of goaltender Chad Alban for the upcoming 2002-2003 season.

"Chad is a solid goaltender and a great person," said Vice President and General Manager Paul Pickard. "As a member of the Junior K-Wings I was able to watch Chad grow up, and for the past few years I have seen him become one of the best goaltenders. I couldn't believe he was available."

The signing of Alban is a homecoming for the 26-year-old goaltender. Chad is a native of Kalamazoo and has played for both the Kalamazoo Optimist Hockey Association (KOHA), as well as the Junior K-Wings.

"It's hard not to be excited returning back home to Kalamazoo," said Chad Alban. "Besides growing up playing at Wings Stadium, I have a lot of family and friends that now will get to watch me play."

Alban is a graduate of Michigan State University. As a member of the Spartans, Chad started accumulating an impressive resume, which includes being MSU's team MVP for three straight seasons (95-98), being named an All-American (97-98), and being honored as Michigan State University's Male Athlete of the Year in 1998. Chad was also a runner-up to the 1998 Hobey Baker Award (NCAA Division I Player of the Year).

Chad continued his success in the pro ranks, as his first season as a professional ended with him receiving a ring. Alban split the 98-99 season with both the Mobile Mysticks (ECHL) and the Houston Aeros (IHL). The Kalamazoo native finished the year with the Aeros who won the IHL's Turner Cup.

After playing another season in Mobile, Chad signed as a free agent with the Dallas Stars. With the Stars organization Alban played a majority of his games with the Utah Grizzlies (IHL 00-01, AHL 01-02). While Chad didn't get any game action in Dallas, the goaltender has dressed in three games for the Stars (1 game during 00-01 season, and 2 games 01-02 season).

Last season with Utah, Alban went 17-15-1 with a 2.94 goals against average. He also recorded 2 shutouts (1/19/02 vs. Manitoba & 3/1/02 vs. Springfield).

Chad ranks fourth on the Grizzlies' all-time list with 54 games played, and fifth with 19 victories. His 1321 saves 2,734 minutes played each rank fourth on Utah's all-time list.

While Chad is new to the K-Wings, it shouldn't take him long to get acquainted with his new teammates. Chad played with Chad Dameworth as a member of the Junior K-Wings. His college roommate was Richard Keyes. Besides playing with Keyes in MSU, the pair also skated with Mike Ford. Alban also grew up with Pepper Pierman.

"I already know a lot of the guys that are coming to camp, so it shouldn't take us long to gel," said Alban. "We have assembled a good team and I look forward to the upcoming season. I remember watching the K-Wings growing up and wishing one day I could become one and now that day has arrived."

Alban becomes third player ever born in Kalamazoo to wear a K-Wings jersey. Both Richard Keyes (first ever player) and Pepper Pierman (second player) are also both signed for the upcoming season.

"We want players that know how to win and that can be positive role models on and off the ice," said Pickard. "Right now we are very excited about the team we have, and we can't wait for the season to begin."

The signing of Alban gives the K-Wings 3 goaltenders signed for training camp, and 22 players signed for the 2002-2003 season. The 29th season of hockey in Kalamazoo will start on October 4th, as the K-Wings host the Fort Wayne Komets in the first of two preseason games between the teams.

Season Tickets for the upcoming 2002-2003 season of K-Wings hockey are currently on sale by calling the Kalamazoo Wings at (269) 345-5101.

For more information about the signing of Chad Alban, contact Mike Modugno, Director of Public Relations and Broadcaster at (269) 349-9772, extension 220. -GET INTO THE GAME-

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