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IHL 2 Kalamazoo Wings

K-Wings Roster Grows By Two

August 23, 2005 - International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Kalamazoo Wings News Release


Kalamazoo, MI- The Kalamazoo Wings, proud members of the United Hockey League, announce the signings of defenseman Lee Ruff and goaltender Zach Sikich (sick-ich) for the upcoming 2005-2006 season. Per team policy, the terms of the contracts will remain undisclosed.

Ruff, 29, joins the K-Wings after spending the past two seasons in the Central Hockey League (CHL) with the Colorado Eagles. Last season, Ruff helped the Eagles to their first CHL Championship.

The native of Minnedosa, Manitoba is a multi-talented player that can play both defense and forward. Ruff has earned a reputation as physical player.

"He (Ruff) gives us depth both up front as well as on our blue line," said Vice President/General Manager Paul L. Pickard. "With his experience last season in Colorado, he (Ruff) knows what it takes to win a championship."

Ruff is entering his seventh season as a professional. Besides two seasons in the CHL, the defenseman has played four seasons in the ECHL with the New Orleans Brass, Florida Everblades, and the Dayton Bombers.

Before turning pro, Ruff played four years of college hockey at Northern Michigan University.

The K-Wings have also signed rookie goaltender Zach Sikich. Over the past four years, Sikich has been one of the top goaltenders in college hockey. Sikich, 24, joins the K-Wings after guiding the St. Thomas Tommies (NCAA/MIAC) to a magical run in the NCAA Division III Championships, where the Tommies finished runners up to the Middlebury (VT) Panthers.

Sikich began his college career during the 2001-02 season at the Division I level with the United States Air Force Academy, where he was chosen CHA Rookie Goalie of the Year. After completing his freshman year at Air Force, Sikich transferred to St. Thomas, where he majored in both marketing and psychology, earning a 3.75 GPA.

After finishing his college career, Sikich was selected in the 2005 UHL North American Amateur Draft by the Motor City Mechanics. The native of Gilbert, Minnesota played one game with the Mechanics, winning a 5-2 decision on April 1, 2005 against the Elmira Jackals.

"Zach has performed well at every level he has played in," said Pickard. "We (K-Wings) are looking forward to see what he (Sikich) can bring to our team."

Sikich has also played two seasons of the Junior "A" hockey with the Sioux Falls Stampede.

The signings of Lee Ruff and Zach Sikich give the K-Wings fourteen players signed for the upcoming 2005-06 season, which begins October 22nd, when the K-Wings travel to Port Huron to battle the Flags. Besides Ruff and Sikich the K-Wings have signed forwards Nick Bootland, Mike Manley, Tyler Rennette, Tyler Willis, Joe Seroski, Kory Karlander, and Tim Turner earlier this off-season. Also signed for next season are defensemen Josh Elzinga, Adam Elzinga, Greg Labenski, and Daniel Carriere and goaltender Joel Martin.

Season Tickets for the 2005-06 season are currently on sale at the Wings Stadium Ticket Office. Fans can save 15% by purchasing their season tickets for next season by paying in full by September 15th. Ticket Office hours are Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Fans can either stop by during regular business hours or call (269) 345-5101.

For more information about the signings of Lee Ruff and Zach Sikich, please contact Director of Public Relations/Broadcaster Mike Modugno at (269) 349-9772 extension 220.

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