K-Wings Snag Rookies: Forward Mark Hillier & Defenseman Evan Orr
ECHL Kalamazoo Wings

K-Wings Snag Rookies: Forward Mark Hillier & Defenseman Evan Orr

Published on September 23, 2026 under ECHL (ECHL)
Kalamazoo Wings News Release


KALAMAZOO, MI - The Kalamazoo Wings, proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL's Vancouver Canucks, announced Wednesday that the team has signed rookie forward Mark Hillier to a Standard Player Contract (SPC) and rookie defenseman Evan Orr to a Player Tryout Agreement (PTO) for the 2026-27 season.

Hillier, 24, is a 6-foot 1-inch, 181-pound, Labrador City, NL native entering his first season of professional hockey. In 2025-26, the left-shot forward captained Merrimack College (NCAA) while appearing in 37 games (6g, 4a, +4), leading his school to its first NCAA (Hockey East) Championship.

"I couldn't be more excited and grateful for the opportunity to join the K-Wings this season," Hillier said. "I've heard great things about the organization and the fans in Kalamazoo, and I'm looking forward to sharing the atmosphere and energy with my teammates at every game."

Hillier played in 114 games (11g, 22a) in three seasons (2021-24) at Merrimack. The forward was named captain for his senior season (2025-26), going in the books as the most successful team in Merrimack College history (21-15-1). Before college, Hillier put up 26 points (13g, 13a) in 18 games, and 7 points (3g, 4a) in five playoff appearances, for the Summerside Western Capitals of the MJAHL.

Orr, 25, is a 5-foot 11-inch, 185-pound, Shelby Township, MI native entering his first professional season. In 2025-26, the left-handed defenseman was named captain of Stonehill College (NCAA), playing in 35 games (5g, 13a) before appearing in 14 games for the Atlanta Gladiators to round out last season.

"I'm very excited to have the opportunity to come to Kalamazoo," Orr said. "It's a city with a great hockey history and an even better environment to play in. I'm looking forward to meeting everyone and getting started."

Prior to last season, Orr saw time in 34 games (2024-25) at Stonehill, amassing 15 points (8g, 7a, 18 PIM) as an alternate captain. The defender spent his first two collegiate seasons (2022-24) at Michigan Tech (NCAA) with 42 games played and 8 total points (3g, 5a). His team won the Central Collegiate Hockey Association Championship (CCHA) in 2023-24, before transferring to Stonehill. Orr played four seasons (2018-22) of juniors across the NAHL, USHL, and BCHL with 2021-22 being his most productive season, lacing up in 59 games and scoring 34 points combined (9g, 34a, 108 PIM, +18) and 5 playoff appearances (1g, 3a, 2 PIM, +2) split between the NAHL's Odessa Jackalopes and Northeast Generals.

The Home Opener, presented by Bronson, is scheduled for October 30 at 7 p.m. ET versus the Toledo Walleye at Wings Event Center. This matches the date of the K-Wings' very first home opener in 1974. The game is already trending toward max capacity. Click here to select your seats now for the Home Opener!

Tickets for the 2027 Outdoor Game are on sale NOW! Click HERE to purchase tickets! The game takes place at 3:00 p.m. ET on January 31 versus the Toledo Walleye at Waldo Stadium.

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ECHL Stories from September 23, 2026


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