ECHL Kalamazoo Wings

In the Final Hour

Published on March 13, 2003 under ECHL (ECHL)
Kalamazoo Wings News Release


K-Wings Finalize Deal with Quad City and Sign Free Agent

Kalamazoo, MI- The Kalamazoo Wings of the United Hockey League announce a trade with Quad City Mallards. The K-Wings receive forward Brian Bolf (rhymes with Golf) and defenseman Lubos Velebny (Loo-bohsh vuh-LEB-knee), in return the Mallards will receive forward Michael Ford and the K-Wings 2nd round draft pick in the 2004 UHL Amateur Draft.

In 50 games this season, Bolf has scored 25 points (10 goals, 15 points) for the Mallards. Brian also possesses a plus/minus rating of +6. In his rookie season (00-01), Bolf was named the UHL All-Rookie Team. Brian, who didn't play hockey last season, is in the midst of his second season as a professional. Before starting his professional career, Bolf played college hockey for the University of St. Thomas. In 2000, Brian helped St. Thomas reach the Division III National Title Game.

The addition of Velebny gives the K-Wings some size at the blue line. The Toronto Maple Leafs in the 7th round of the 2000 NHL Entry Draft selected the defenseman from Slovakia. The 6-2 rookie also played for Slovakia in the 2001 and 2002 World Junior Championships. Before turning pro, Lubos played in the USHL with Waterloo, and in the OHL with London and Belleville. While in the USHL, Velebny was selected to represent the World Team in the 2001 USHL Prospects Game, which was comprised of the top import players in the USHL selected by NHL Central Scouting.

The Mallards will receive forward Michael Ford. The third year K-Wings has played in 46 games with Kalamazoo this season and scored just 15 points and had a plus/minus rating of –14. Quad City will also receive the K-Wings 2nd round pick in next year's UHL North American Amateur Draft.

In an additional move, the K-Wings have signed veteran forward Jarret Whidden. Through his career Whidden has been close to be a point a night player. In 340 games as a professional Whidden has tallied 323 points. The native of Cleveland, Ohio, had his best season during the 98-99 season a member of the Arkansas Glaciercats (WPHL), where he scored 96 points (41 goals, 55 assists).

For more information about the trade with Quad City or the signing of Jarret Whidden, contact Mike Modugno, Director of Public Relations and Broadcaster at (269) 349-9772, extension 220.

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