ECHL Kalamazoo Wings

K-Wings Bolster Lineup with Familiar Faces

Published on August 17, 2015 under ECHL (ECHL)
Kalamazoo Wings News Release


Kalamazoo Wings Forward Lane Scheidl
Kalamazoo Wings Forward Lane Scheidl
(Kalamazoo Wings)

Kalamazoo, Mich.- The Kalamazoo Wings announced Monday that they have agreed to terms with forwards Eric Kattelus, Lane Scheidl, and Justin Kovacs.

Kattelus, 28, returns for his fifth season with the K-Wings in his sixth year as a professional. The 6-foot-1 veteran appeared in 40 games during an injury-shortened season for Kalamazoo last year. However, when healthy, Kattelus was quite productive, registering 40 points (six goals, 34 assists).

"We need Eric to stay healthy for us," K-Wings head coach Nick Bootland said. "He has the ability to take a game over. He's great on draws and plays in all situations for us. He's a difference maker."

The Traverse City, Michigan native played with Bismarck (NAHL), Indiana (USHL), and spent four seasons at Michigan Tech (WCHA) before turning pro. In his five years of professional hockey, Kattelus has racked up 159 points in 249 games with Cincinnati, Chicago (AHL), and Kalamazoo.

Scheidl, 23, enters his second season with Kalamazoo after being a bit of a journeyman in junior hockey and during his early pro years. After coming off an injury-plagued season in 2013-14 (30 games played), the 5-foot-11 forward notched 30 points (13 goals, 17 assists) in 69 games with the K-Wings last season.

"Lane is hard-working and extremely coachable," Bootland said. "Starting the off season 100% healthy is key for Lane. We expect to see his numbers grow this year."

A native of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Scheidl played his junior hockey in the WHL, making stops in Vancouver, Red Deer, and Regina. He joined the Worcester Sharks (AHL) in 2013 on an amateur tryout deal and played 41 games with Worcester and Ontario (ECHL) before joining Kalamazoo last season.

Kovacs, 23, returns to Kalamazoo for his first full season of professional hockey. The 5-foot-11 forward spent four years at Western Michigan University (CCHA/NCHC) before joining Kalamazoo at the conclusion of his college career in March of 2015. In eight games played with the K-Wings last season, Kovacs scored a goal, notched four assists, and was a +5 rating.

"Justin came in at the end of last season and had a chance to see what professional hockey was all about," Bootland said. "He has great speed and tremendous offensive instincts. We expect a lot from Justin in his first full season at this level."

A native of Gross Point Woods, Michigan, Kovacs played his junior hockey in Topeka (NAHL) and Cedar Rapids (USHL) before joining the Broncos at Western Michigan. His scoring touch was discovered in his last two seasons at WMU where he scored 59 points in 75 games.

For the official 2015-16 K-Wings season schedule, visit kwings.com. Season tickets for the 2015-16 season are available through the K-Wings front office by calling (269) 743-6011. For more information about the K-Wings and Wings Event Center, please contact Joe Roberts at (269) 226-0394.

Wings Event Center, owned and operated by Greenleaf Hospitality Group, is home to the minor league hockey team Kalamazoo Wings and a full entertainment venue offering concerts, sporting events, family shows and trade shows. Built in 1974, Wings Event Center values partnerships with the community to bring events and attractions that enrich the lives of residents in the Kalamazoo area.

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Images from this story

Kalamazoo Wings Forward Eric Kattelus
Kalamazoo Wings Forward Eric Kattelus
 Kalamazoo Wings Forward Lane Scheidl
Kalamazoo Wings Forward Lane Scheidl
  



ECHL Stories from August 17, 2015


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