ECHL Kalamazoo Wings

K-Wings Reinforce Blue Line with Kaunisto, Wilson

Published on September 2, 2015 under ECHL (ECHL)
Kalamazoo Wings News Release


Kalamazoo, Mich.- The Kalamazoo Wings announced Wednesday the signings of veteran defensemen Steven Kaunisto and Ben Wilson.

Kaunisto, 28, returns to Kalamazoo after appearing in 12 contests with the K-Wings last year. Beginning the 2014-15 season with the Rapid City Rush, Kaunisto was traded to the Florida Everblades on February 12. After skating in just two games with Florida, Kaunisto was traded to Kalamazoo, where he completed the season. In his 12 games with Kalamazoo, he registered four points (one goal, three assists), and was a +3 rating.

"Steven's a puck-moving defenseman," K-Wings head coach Nick Bootland said. "He's got the ability to join the rush, create offense, and he has a very professional approach to his game on and off the ice."

A native of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, Kaunisto has played for 11 teams since turning pro in 2010. His 284 career pro games have included stops in the ECHL, CHL, and SPHL. Before he was a professional, Kaunisto played for the Soo Indians (NAHL), Cedar Rapids Roughriders (USHL), and spent four years at Lake Superior State University (CCHA).

Wilson, 24, gears up for his fifth season of professional hockey and his third with the K-Wings. The gritty defenseman appeared in 52 games last year for Kalamazoo and registered five points (one goal, four assists) and 117 penalty minutes.

"Ben Wilson has tremendous character," Bootland said. "He is one of the hardest working players on our team and he competes at an outstanding level. He plays with reckless abandon and will always stick up for his teammates."

The Woodstock, Ontario native played with the Olds Grizzlys (AJHL) and Calgary Hitmen (WHL) before turning pro in 2011 with the Lake Erie Monsters (AHL). Wilson has played 38 career AHL games, 51 career CHL games, and 83 career ECHL games during first four years of professional hockey.

The K-Wings open their 42nd season of professional hockey against the Fort Wayne Komets on Friday, October 16 at Wings Event Center. 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.

Check out the Kalamazoo Wings Statistics

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