IHL 2 Kalamazoo Wings

K-Wings Add Experience

Published on August 21, 2008 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 Jan Jas (Yan Yas) and defenseman Rod Aldoff , Jordan Little and Casey Handrahan; per team policy, the terms of the contracts will be undisclosed.

Returning to North American after a season in Europe is right winger Jan Jas. A native of Presov, Slovakia, Jas split last season in Italy with Valpellice and Pontebba.

A skilled two-way player, fans of the K-Wings will remember Jas from the 2006-07 season when he played for the Flint Generals. As a member of the Generals Jas averaged a point-a-night, notching 46 points (15 goals and 31 assists) in 43 games.

"Jan is a player that can fit on one of our top two lines," said General Manager Wade Welsh. "He caught our eye back in the 2006-07 season, especially during the playoffs when we battled Flint in the first round."

A 10-year pro, Jas has played the majority of his career in the Central Hockey League/Western Professional Hockey League.

Adding veteran leadership to the blue line, the K-Wings have signed Rod Aldoff. An offensive-minded defenseman, Aldoff has registered 366 points (93 goals and 273 assists) in 603 games in his career.

Last season in Bloomington, Aldoff registered 19 points (4 goals and 15 assists) in only 42 games and was tied for third among all PrairieThunder players in plus/minus with a +6. While a majority of his 13-year career has been spent in North America, Aldoff has also played in the top European leagues.

"Aldoff is a character guy that will be a leader on and off the ice," said Welsh. "What we (K-Wings) like about him is his capability to play all facets of his position."

Before turning pro 13 years ago, Aldoff was a four-year standout in college at the University of Minnesota-Duluth.

Increasing the size of the defense, the K-Wings have re-signed Jordan Little. A physical defenseman, Little is a four-year pro who, in his inaugural year in Kalamazoo, racked up 117 minutes in penalties and 10 points (3 goals and 7 assists).

"We expect Jordan to play with a lot of grit and passion this season," said Welsh. "With his size and strength, there is no reason why he can't be one of the more physical defensemen in our league."

Prior to coming to Kalamazoo, Little played in the Central Hockey League with the Rocky Mountain Rage and saw action in four games with the Edmonton Roadrunners of the American Hockey League.

Kalamazoo's third addition to the blue line is Casey Handrahan. A solid defenseman, Handrahan brings championship experience to Kalamazoo. As he was a member of the K-Wings 2006 Colonial Cup team.

"He (Handrahan) has improved in all areas of his game since he left Kalamazoo back in 2006-07," said Welsh. "Casey is familiar with our organization and the systems Coach Bootland plans to implement, so his transition should be smooth."

A three-year pro, Handrahan played the past two seasons in Bloomington and also had a call-up last year with the Peoria Rivermen.

Before turning pro, Handrahan played four seasons of collegiate hockey at Niagara University, where he was a teammate of current K-Wing forward Justin Cross.

The addition of Aldoff, Handrahan, Little and Jas gives the K-Wings thirteen players signed for the upcoming 2008-09 season, which will commence on the road Saturday, October 18th against the Bloomington PrairieThunder. Signed for the 2008-09 season are forwards Justin Cross, Glenn Detulleo, Lucas Drake, Bryan Jurynec, Ryan Kindret and Jayson Zilkie. Also signed for this season are defensemen John Miller, Kevin Wilson and goaltender Jason Tapp.

Kalamazoo will open up the home portion of their schedule on Saturday, October 25th versus the Fort Wayne Komets during the 5th Annual Orange Ice Game presented Outdoor Services.

Season tickets for the upcoming 2008-2009 season of K-Wings Hockey are currently on sale at the Wings Stadium Ticket Office during their regular business hours of 9 a.m.-4p.m. or by calling (269) 345-5101. Fans can save 15% on their season tickets by paying for their seats in full by October 15th.

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International Hockey League 2 Stories from August 21, 2008


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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