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ECHL Kalamazoo Wings

K-Wings Sign Two Rookies, Forward Jordan Seyfert & Goaltender Hayden Stewart

September 20, 2023 - ECHL (ECHL)
Kalamazoo Wings News Release


KALAMAZOO, MI - The Kalamazoo Wings, proud ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League's Vancouver Canucks, announced Wednesday that the team has signed rookie forward Jordan Seyfert to a Standard Player Contract for the 2023-24 season.

The team also announced rookie goaltender Hayden Stewart signed a Professional Tryout contract (PTO).

Seyfert, 24, is an Annville, Pennsylvania native who turns pro after four seasons at Merrimack College. The forward suited up in 100 games for the Warriors from 2018 thru 2023, recording twelve goals and 25 assists in that span.

"Jordan Seyfert is a heart and soul player that fits our culture," said Joel Martin, Kalamazoo Wings director of hockey operations and head coach. "He can play up and down the lineup."

Prior to joining Merrimack, the 5-foot 10-inch, 185-pound centerman won two USHL titles with the Chicago Steel (2016-17: 23 GP, 1g, 3a, 8 PIM) and Fargo Force (2017-18: 15 GP, 4g, 5a, 41 PIM). Seyfert joined both championship teams as a key midseason addition, registering one goal and three assists across 24 career Clark Cup playoff games.

"It's an honor to play for this organization," Seyfert said. "Community is something I take pride in, and I've heard the fans bring excitement every night. Those two things make this opportunity to pursue a championship even more rewarding."

Last season, Seyfert also helped lead Merrimack to its third NCAA D-I Tournament (2022-23: 35 GP, 7g, 6a, 10 PIM, +11) in North Andover.

Stewart, 28, is a 6-foot 3-inch, 205-pound Rockford, IL, native who has spent the last three seasons with the SPHL's Birmingham Bulls. In 2022-23, Stewart went 12-8-1 as a starter with two playoff victories for the Bulls (22 GP, 2.71 GAA, .905 SV%).

"Hayden Stewart is a big goalie that uses his size and technical ability to frustrate shooters," said Martin.

The left-trapping netminder played collegiately at Cornell University from 2015 thru 2018, going 6-7-1 in 14 career starts for the Big Red. Stewart's ECHL debut came with the Cincinnati Cyclones in 2017-18 (4 GP, .901 SV%, 2-2-0), and he's made other appearances with Orlando (2018-19: 5 GP), Fort Wayne (2018-19: 1 GP), and Rapid City (2021-22: 1 GP) in his career.

"Growing up watching the K-Wings play often, I am looking forward to being a piece of such a historical organization," Stewart said. "I have heard about how passionate the fans are in Kalamazoo, and I can't wait to experience that in person."

Stewart is also credited with the first goal scored by a goaltender in SPHL history, finding the empty net in a 3-0 win over Evansville with the Bulls in March of last season.

Kalamazoo's 'Home Opener' kicks off the 2023-24 regular season on Saturday, October 21 versus Toledo Walleye at 7:00 p.m. EST at Wings Event Center.

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