IHL 2 Kalamazoo Wings

K-Wings Going Big Willie Style

Published on August 2, 2006 under International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Kalamazoo Wings News Release


Kalamazoo, MI. - The Kalamazoo Wings, proud member of the United Hockey League and 2005-06 Central Division, Tarry Cup and Colonial Cup Champions, announce that the team and forward Tyler Willis have agreed to terms on a new two-year contract; per team policy the terms of the contract will be undisclosed.

The 2006-07 campaign will be Willis' fourth in Kalamazoo. In his tenure with the K-Wings, no player has been more popular than Willis. In fact, Willis has received the K-Wings' WLKM Most Popular Player Award in all three previous seasons with the K-Wings (2003-2004, 2004-2005, 2005-2006).

Last season was a memorable year for the veteran forward. Known for his physical play, the K-Wings UHL all-time leader in PIMS (954) showed a scoring touch by harvesting a career best in points (66), goals (20) and assists (46).

"Over the past three seasons, Willis has found a home in our community.," said Vice President/General Manager Paul L. Pickard. "In fact, Willis' love for the city has grown to the point where he is looking to purchase a house."

The season was also filled with milestones as Willis played in his 500th career game against the Flint Generals on December 7th and netted his 100th career goal on January 14th versus Motor City. The native of Princeton, British Columbia reached a K-Wings plateau by registering his 100th point as a member of the K-Wings during the Annual New Year's Bash versus Muskegon.

Tyler proved to be a clutch performer for Kalamazoo by tying the K-Wings UHL single-season record for game-winning goals (6) in a season. Tyler capped off his best year as a pro by registering a point in eleven straight games, which included a K-Wings season high nine-game assist streak.

"Willis brings a lot of energy to our team," said Pickard. "Whether it's his physical play or offensively, he finds ways to help our team win."

Willis, who is entering his 10th year in professional hockey, is a former 8th round draft pick of the Vancouver Canucks (1995 NHL Entry Draft).

The return of Willis gives the K-Wings five players signed for their defense of the Colonial Cup, which will begin on Friday, October 13th with a road game against the Elmira Jackals. Also signed for next season is forward and UHL Playoff MVP Nick Bootland and defensemen Adam Elzinga, Joe Markusen and Nick Toneys.

Kalamazoo will open up the home portion of their schedule on Saturday, October 21st versus the Flint Generals. The K-Wings will raise their championship banners and unveil their Colonial Cup Championship Rings during a ceremony prior to face-off against the Generals.

Season tickets for the upcoming 2006-2007 season of K-Wings Hockey are currently on sale at the Wings Stadium Ticket Office during their regular business hours of 9 a.m.-4 p.m. or by calling the (269) 345-5101. Fans can save 15% on their season tickets by paying for their seats in full by September 15th.

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International Hockey League 2 Stories from August 2, 2006


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