IHL 2 Kalamazoo Wings

K-Wings Name Kalamazoo Native with NHL Experience New Equipment Manager

Published on August 23, 2004 under International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Kalamazoo Wings News Release


Kalamazoo, MI- The Kalamazoo Wings of the United Hockey League announce the hiring of Eric Bechtol as Equipment Manager.

Bechtol joins Kalamazoo after spending the past nine seasons with the St. Louis Blues as their Assistant Equipment Manager. In his tenor with the Blues, Bechtol has worked with some of the sports greatest players and served as a member of 2001 All-Star Game.

Besides working with the Blues, Bechtol has also worked in the Central Hockey League with Fort Worth Fire, which was coached by former K-Wings Head Coach Bill McDonald.

"Eric has a wealth of experience and possesses everything we are looking for in an Equipment Manager," said Vice President/General Manager Paul L. Pickard. "His experience at the highest level of hockey as well as his background with the K-Wings made him the perfect person for this job."

The hiring of Bechtol will be a homecoming for Eric. Bechtol is a Kalamazoo native that has grown up in Wings Stadium.

"It's a return to my hockey roots," said Eric Bechtol. "While I'm excited to be returning to the organization I received my start with; it's even more exciting to have my parents and kids there with me."

Bechtol's relationship with Wings Stadium dates back to when he played with the Kalamazoo Optimist Hockey Organization (KOHA). Besides playing in KOHA, Bechtol also was a stick boy for the K-Wings for five years.

Eric went to Loy Norrix High School, where he played varsity hockey. After graduating from Loy Norrix, Bechtol continued his education at Kalamazoo Valley Community College.

The K-Wings will start their 31st season of hockey on October 15th, when they travel to Fraser, Michigan to play in the inaugural game for the Motor City Mechanics. Kalamazoo will start the home portion of their schedule on Saturday, October 23rd, when they host the Port Huron Beacons.

Season Tickets for the 2004-05 season of Kalamazoo Wings hockey are currently on sale at the Wings Stadium Box Office. Fans can save 15% by purchasing their season tickets for next season by paying in full by September 30th. Box Office hours are Monday-Friday 9am-4pm. Fans can either stop by during regular business hours or call (269) 345-5101.

For more information about the hiring of Eric Bechtol as Equipment Manager, please contact Director of Public Relations/Broadcaster Mike Modugno at (269) 349-9772, extension 220.

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International Hockey League 2 Stories from August 23, 2004


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