ECHL Kalamazoo Wings

K-Wings Roster Changes Hours before Home Opener

October 24, 2014 - ECHL (ECHL)
Kalamazoo Wings News Release


KALAMAZOO- Tonight the Kalamazoo Wings will have several changes to their roster as they host the Fort Wayne Komets at 7:30 p.m. during the 11th Annual Orange Ice Game, presented Meijer and Townsquare Media. Earlier today the Vancouver Canucks reassigned defenseman Jeremie Blain to the K-Wings. Kalamazoo has also signed free-agent goaltender Peter Mannino.

Blain started the season in the AHL with the Utica Comets. A third year pro Blain spilt last season with both the K-Wings and with the Comets. The blue liner was productive with Kalamazoo posting 15 points (3 goals, 12 assists) in 24 games. Blain is a former 4th round (91 overall) selection of the Edmonton Oilers in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.

Before turning pro, Blain spent four seasons in the QMJHL with the Victoriaville Tigres and the Acadie-Bathurst Titan.

A seven-year pro, Mannino split last season with the AHL's Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins and the ECHL's Wheeling Nailers. With the Penguins, Mannino appeared in 18 games and posted a record of 11-4-1 with a minuscule 1.56 GAA. Mannino brings NHL experience to Kalamazoo. The netminder has played in six NHL games with the New York Islanders, Atlanta Thrashers and Winnipeg Jets. The native of Farmington Hills, Michigan won his first ever NHL start on March 15, 2009 helping the Islanders to 4-2 decision over the Chicago Blackhawks.

In college, Mannino spent four seasons at the University of Denver. During his Freshman year, Mannino guided the Pioneers to the NCAA championship and was named the MVP of the Frozen Four. In his one season with the Tri-City Storm (USHL), Mannino shined earning a record of 27-7-0, while leading the entire league with a 2.11 GAA.

In separate transactions, the K-Wings have waived emergency goaltender Michael McDonald and defenseman Derrick Pallis. Kalamazoo has also placed defenseman Zach McCullough on the reserve list.

During tonight's 11th Annual Orange Ice Game fans are encouraged to dress in costumes and participate in Halloween festivities. The winners of both the child and adult costume contests will each receive $100. Friday night's media partner Townsqaure Media will be hosting an intermission contest where the winner will receive a cash prize of $1,033 courtesy of WKFR.

Tickets for all K-Wings home games are currently on sale at the Wings Stadium Ticket Office, all Ticketmaster locations, including www.ticketmaster.com and through www.kwings.com.

Individual ticket prices for home games are $14 and $18 for adults and only $8 for kids ages 12 and under. The price for all K-Wings premium night games (all colored ice games and the New Year's Eve game) are just $1 more. Fans can save money by purchasing K-Wings single-game tickets in advance. Tickets purchased on the day of a game increase by $2 (adults only).

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ECHL Stories from October 24, 2014


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