Sports stats



ECHL Kalamazoo Wings

K-Wings Finalize Bench Staff

August 19, 2003 - ECHL (ECHL)
Kalamazoo Wings News Release


Kalamazoo Hires Two Hockey Veterans for Athletic Trainer/Equipment Manager Positions

Kalamazoo, MI- The Kalamazoo Wings of the United Hockey League announce the hiring's of Mike Plandowski as Athletic Trainer and Jim Chesnut as Equipment Manager for the upcoming 2003-2004 season, per team policy, the terms of the contracts will be undisclosed.

Mike Plandowski joins the K-Wings after serving in a similar capacity last season with the Quad City Mallards (UHL). Plandowski's credentials include a Bachelor's Degree in Sports Medicine/Athletic Training from Capital University in Columbus, Ohio. Mike also earned a Master's Degree in Kinesiology/Biomechanics from the University of Kentucky and is certified by the National Athletic Trainers' Association. Besides last season in Quad City, Plandowski has also been the Head Athletic Trainer for the Amarillo Rattlers (CHL), Border City Bandits (CHL), and with the Rio Grande Valley White Wings of the Texas-Louisiana Professional Baseball League.

"Mike is a welcomed addition to our staff," said Vice President/General Manager Paul L. Pickard. "His past experience in hockey as well as his vast knowledge of sports medicine makes him one of the top Athletic Trainers in our league."

Like Plandowski, Jim Chesnut spent last season with the Quad City Mallards. Chesnut is no stranger to professional hockey. Jim's hockey resume includes tenure with the New Orleans Brass (ECHL), and three seasons with the Topeka Scarecrows (CHL).

"The role of the Equipment Manager is an important one to an organization," said Pickard. "When looking for a good Equipment Manager, you need a person who knows the sport of hockey, as well as can make sure the players receive the proper tools of the trade, while staying within the parameters of his budget, and with Jim's experience I know he is the right man for the job."

With the hiring of both Plandowski and Chesnut the K-Wings have solidified their bench staff for the upcoming season. Both gentlemen will join Director of Hockey Operations and Head Coach Mark Reeds behind the bench for the 2003-2004 campaign, which will be the K-Wings 30th Anniversary season.

The bench staff brings not only a wealth of knowledge, but all three have been associated with "winning" a key ingredient to our success.

Season Tickets for the K-Wings can be purchased by calling the Wings Stadium Box Office at (269) 345-5101. The K-Wings home opener is Saturday, November 1st against their arch rivals the Fort Wayne Komets.

For more information about the hiring's of Mike Plandowski or Jim Chesnut , contact Mike Modugno, Director of Public Relations and Broadcaster at (269) 349-9772.

-GET INTO THE GAME-

Check out the Kalamazoo Wings Statistics

• Discuss this story on the ECHL message board...

ECHL Stories from August 19, 2003


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