ECHL Kalamazoo Wings

K-Wings Strengthen Organization

Published on June 30, 2009 under ECHL (ECHL)
Kalamazoo Wings News Release


Kalamazoo, MI- The Kalamazoo Wings, proud member of the ECHL, announced the hiring of Dan Belisle as the team's vice president of hockey operations and the promotion of Wade Welsh to vice president and general manager.

Known for making teams optimize their potential, Belisle comes to Kalamazoo with 24 years in hockey management, with the past 12 occurring in the ECHL. For the past four years, Belisle was a member of Victoria Salmon Kings, making the organization one of the most improved teams in ECHL history. Prior to joining the team in 2005, the Salmon Kings had just 15 wins in their inaugural season in Victoria. Since that time, the team has shown marked improvement in each of the past four seasons, including their West Division crown during the 2007-08 season where they achieved a franchise-best 91 points. The 2007-08 campaign also signified the organization's most wins (42) and points in the 20-year history of the ECHL franchise, which includes their tenure as the Erie Panthers (1988-1996) and Baton Rouge King Fish (1996-2003).

"We (K-Wings) made a commitment to our fans that we would compete for the Kelly Cup in year one, and Dan is an individual that has a track record of producing winners," said Paul L. Pickard, president of Wings Stadium and Kalamazoo Wings. "The ECHL represents Premiere ‘AA' hockey, and to be successful we want people who understand the ins and outs of the league."

Prior to joining the Salmon Kings, Belisle spent five seasons with the New Orleans Brass as vice president and general manager and another three seasons with the Atlantic City Boardwalk Bullies. In 2008, Belisle achieved his 400th career win in the ECHL and was named Chairman of the ECHL Rules Committee. Belisle has served on the committee for the past nine years.

In Belisle's previous 12 seasons in the ECHL, clubs he has been associated with have qualified for the Kelly Cup playoffs 11 times. In 2003, the Atlantic City Boardwalk Bullies captured the Kelly Cup Championship while Belisle served as vice president and special consultant for the club. Under Belisle's guidance, the Bullies became one of only six teams at that time to reach 100 points in a single season during the 2003-04 campaign, setting new team record in the process.

Belisle began his professional career in 1984 with the Detroit Red Wings as director of amateur hockey and then went on to spend seven years in the North American Hockey League (NAHL), including 1994, where Belisle was named Executive of the Year while with the Indianapolis Junior Ice.

While much of Belisle's success has occurred behind the scenes, one of his most memorable moments at least for movie fans, occur on screen. Belisle appeared as a stick boy in the 1977 classic film Slap Shot.

Entering his sixth full season with the organization and third as general manager, Wade Welsh has continuously found success for the K-Wings on and off the ice.

In his tenure with the K-Wings, Welsh is involved in every aspect of the K-Wings operations. Since joining the K-Wings, the organization has continued to show increases in corporate and ticket sales, including this past season, where the club had their best season ever in corporate sales.

"Wade's promotion is a testament to his dedication and desire to help our organization grow," said Pickard. "He has a pivotal role in the organization and he is driven to making the K-Wings one of the best organizations in minor league sports."

As a result of his hard work and commitment to the organization, Welsh was honored two years ago as the International Hockey League's General Manager of the Year, a distinction that is voted on by the general managers of all the member clubs of the league.

Season tickets for the upcoming 2009-2010 season of K-Wings hockey are currently on sale at the Wings Stadium Ticket Office. Fans can purchase their tickets during regular business hours of Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-4 p.m. or by calling (269) 345-5101.

For more information about the K-Wings hiring of Dan Belisle and promotion of Wade Welsh, please contact Mike Modugno, director of public relations and broadcaster at (269) 349-9772, extension 220.

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