IHL 2 Kalamazoo Wings

K-Wings Add Four More

Published on September 4, 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 defenseman Jason Robinson, forward/defenseman Blair Stayzer, defenseman Lane Moodie and goaltender John Hallas; per team policy, the terms of the contracts will be undisclosed.

Adding to their blue-line, the K-Wings have inked veteran defenseman Jason Robinson. A former draft pick of the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 1996 NHL Entry Draft (5th round, 125 overall selection), Robinson returns to North America after spending the past five seasons in Europe.

At 6'2" and 210 pounds, Robinson gives the K-Wings both size and a physical presence at defense.

A strong stay-at-home blue-liner, Robinson adds even more stability to an improved K-Wings defense core.

"He (Robinson) will be a great compliment to our blue-line," said Welsh. "Robinson has the size, ability and experience to be one of the top defensemen in our league."

Robinson has played in the IHL in two previous occasions, during the 1998-99 season with the Cleveland Lumberjacks and in 1999-00 with the Detroit Vipers.

A former draft pick of the Calgary Flames in the 1999 NHL Entry Draft (7th round, 190th overall selection), Stayzer is a nine-year veteran that can play both forward and defense.

Stayzer joins the K-Wings after spending the past four years in the Central Hockey League, most recently with the New Mexico Scorpions. A physical player, Stayzer brings a gritty style of play that usually agitates the opposition.

"With the elimination of injured reserve, we need players that have the ability to play forward and defense," said General Manager Wade Welsh. "Not only is he (Stayzer) is a solid skater and two-way player, he's a guy that will stick up for his teammates."

Besides the CHL, the native of Dunnville, Ontario has played in both the American Hockey League and ECHL. Before turning pro, Stayzer spent four seasons in the Ontario Hockey League with the Windsor Spitfires.

Ready for his for his first year pro, Moodie joins the K-Wings after spending the past two seasons with the Windsor St. Clair Saints, which is a collegiate team that had to play in the Ontario Hockey Senior League due to no affiliation with any Canadian or American collegiate leagues.

After beginning his amateur career as a forward in the OHL during the 2001-02 season with the Ottawa 67's, Moodie has since found his true calling as a defenseman.

"Moodie sees the ice well and can move the puck," said Welsh. "We expect Moodie to be more seasoned than the average rookie because he has had the opportunity to play against older and more experienced players, including former K-Wing Jeff Brown."

Since moving to the blue-line, Moodie has found an offensive touch. Moodie's most productive season as an amateur occurred in the 2005-06 season with the Oakville Blades of the OPJHL, when he recorded 40 points (8 goals and 32 assists) in 48 games.

Over the years the K-Wings have been able to find stellar young goaltenders, that trend may continue with the signing of John Hallas.

Playing collegiate hockey at Division-1 St. Lawrence University for four years, Hallas began his pro career last year with the Mississippi Sea Wolves (ECHL).

"He's (Hallas) a young goaltender that comes highly recommended to us," said Welsh. "Hallas will have a good great opportunity to learn the pro game from Jason Tapp,"

The addition of Robinson, Stayzer, Moodie and Hallas gives the K-Wings eighteen 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, Jan Yas, Bill Zalba and Jayson Zilkie. Also signed for this season are defensemen Rod Aldoff, Casey Handrahan, Jordan Little, 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.

Check out the Kalamazoo Wings Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



International Hockey League 2 Stories from September 4, 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.

OurSports Central