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ECHL Kalamazoo Wings

K-Wing Alumnus Makes NHL Debut with Tampa Bay

December 16, 2015 - ECHL (ECHL)
Kalamazoo Wings News Release


Former Kalamazoo Wing Yanni Gourde
Former Kalamazoo Wing Yanni Gourde
(Kalamazoo Wings)

KALAMAZOO, MI - Yanni Gourde made his NHL debut last night for the Tampa Bay Lightning against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Air Canada Centre, marking the second time this season that a Kalamazoo Wing alumnus has made his debut at hockey's highest level.

In last night's contest with the Lightning, Gourde logged 6:55 of ice time and registered an assist in Tampa Bay's 5-4 overtime win.

Gourde, 24, appeared in 30 games with Kalamazoo during the 2013-14 season, and registered 34 points on 15 goals and 19 assists. The native of St. Narcisse, Quebec, made his professional debut in 2012 with the Worcester Sharks of the AHL.

Gourde was undrafted out of Victoriaville in the QMJHL, but the centerman had quite the decorated career in juniors. In the 2011-12 season, Gourde led the QMJHL in points with 124 and was awarded the Jean Beliveau Trophy as the league's top scorer. He played in 58 games with Worcester before spending eight games with the San Francisco Bulls (ECHL) and eventually landing in Kalamazoo.

This season, Gourde has played in 24 games with the Syracuse Crunch (AHL) and has registered five points and eight assists.

Gourde joins Alex Grenier (Vancouver) as former Wings that made their NHL debuts this season. The 24 year old became the 581st former ECHL player to make it to the NHL.

The Kalamazoo Wings continue their season-long five-game home stand this weekend with three contests. Thursday marks the second education day game of the year, with a special 10:30 a.m. start time, while Friday and Saturday are Bell's nights, presented by Bell's Brewery.

The first 500 fans through the doors on Friday and Saturday will get Bell's branded cowbells, as the brewery will be set up around the concourse to give away merchandise, the concession stands around the arena will feature Bell's beer. Buddy the Elf will be in attendance on Friday and Saturday, and Santa will be at the game on Saturday, where he will be available for photos.

Single-game tickets are now on sale! Tickets can be purchased at kwings.com or at the Wings Event Center box office. Box office hours are Monday-Friday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. A $2 discount is applied on all tickets purchased before the date of the game. Any student that shows a valid ID can get tickets for just $10.

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Former Kalamazoo Wing Yanni Gourde
Former Kalamazoo Wing Yanni Gourde
   



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