K-Wings Week in Review
Published on October 9, 2006 under International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Kalamazoo Wings News Release
The Kalamazoo Wings opened up the preseason on Wednesday (10/4) at home against the Muskegon Fury. After Muskegon jumped out of the gates scoring two goals, the K-Wings answered back in the second period. Defenseman Joe Markusen (1) took advantage of a loose puck in the Fury zone by scoring on a slap shot 6:43 into the period. Less than two minutes later, Kalamazoo pulled even with their rivals, when Craig MacDonald (1) deflected a Markusen shot past Fury netminder Clayton Pool. The third period became a see-saw battle, as the teams traded a pair of goals to force the contest into a shootout. The Fury outscored the K-Wings 3-2 in the extra session going on to win 5-4.
The K-Wings continued the preseason on Friday with a road trip to Fort Wayne. While Kalamazoo started the scoring sparks just 23 seconds into the encounter with a goal from Mike Renzi (1), the rest of the night belonged to the Komets. With a majority of their regular season roster seeing action, the Komets exploded for eight unanswered goals against the K-Wings rookie laden roster. Kalamazoo wrapped up the scoring late in the final period with a power-play goal from Martin Stuchlik (2), but it was not enough, as Fort Wayne defeated Kalamazoo 8-2.
The same two teams met on Saturday (10/7) at Wings Stadium. The contest was the preseason finale for the arch-rivals. Down one-nothing early in the contest, Kalamazoo tied things up with a goal from forward Nick Bootland (1), who was seeing his first action of the preseason. The K-Wings scoring barrage continued just over a minute later, when Scott Dobben (1) lit the lamp to give Kalamazoo a 2-1 lead. The Komets drew even in the late stages of the first period with a goal from Matt Syrazynski (2). The teams remained tied until the third period, when the Komets pulled ahead withtwo unanswered goals. Kalamazoo attempted a rally with Dobben's (2) second goal of the night but the comeback fell short and Fort Wayne skated away with the 4-3 victory.
Fast Forward
Kalamazoo will start the regular season this weekend with a pair of road games against the Elmira Jackals. The two teams will meet on Friday (10/13) night at 7:30 p.m. with the return engagement occurring on Sunday (10/15) at 4 p.m. With only playing one an intra-squad scrimmage during training camp, the Jackals are looking forward to skating against another UHL team. In past years the K-Wings and Jackals have been in separate divisions; however, with the new league alignment, the teams will compete in the Eastern Division and compete more frequently.
Right Where He Left Off
Last year's Colonial Cup Playoff MVP, Nick Bootland scored in his lone appearance of the preseason. Besides the goal against the Komets, Bootland led the team with seven shots in Saturday's game.
First Impressions
Rookie forward Martin Stuchlik has made a favorable impression in training camp. With four points in three games, Stuchlik led all K-Wings in scoring.
Starting Off Light
To start the season, the K-Wings game load is fairly light. Kalamazoo will hit the ice only four times in the first 16 days of the season.
Cutting Down the Roster
Like all the teams in the league, the K-Wings will wrap up their training camp by trimming down their roster. The K-Wings will reduce their roster to 19 players by the start of the season this Friday.
The Obscure Stat of the Week
The K-Wings start the regular season this Friday against the Elmira Jackals. Since moving to Kalamazoo from Madison, Wisconsin the K-Wings are 4-2-0 in season openers, including 3-0-0 under Mark Reeds.
Tickets, Get Your Tickets!!
Tickets for all K-Wing home games are now on sale. Catch all the action as your K-Wings play the very best the UHL has to offer. Tickets are on sale now by calling the Wings Stadium Ticket Office at (269) 345-5101.
Get On-Line
This season, the best way to keep track of the K-Wings is to log onto www.kwings.com. The site has player profiles, photos, information about Wings Stadium events, and much much more.
Bootland and Willis on the Radio
Join special guests Nick Bootland and Tyler Willis, as they join Head Coach Mark Reeds and the "Voice of the K-Wings" Mike Modugno on "K-Wings Live". The show is on Your Local Sports Leader AM 1660 WQSN Monday's from 6-7 PM at The Cabana Bar and Grille inside the Holiday Inn Kalamazoo on South 11th Street.
K-Wings on Radio
Catch all the K-Wings games home and away on the K-Wings Radio Network (WLKM 95.9 FM and Your Local Sports Leader AM 1660 WQSN). Join the "Voice of the K-Wings" Mike Modugno for all 76 regular season games plus the playoffs. Pre-game coverage begins with the Digital Highway Pre-Game Show 15 minutes prior to face-off. For the most complete coverage of the K-Wings from the Opening Face-Off to the Final Buzzer, keep your radio tuned this season to the K-Wings Radio Network.
Upcoming Games
Friday, October 13th @ Elmira 7:30 PM
Sunday, October 15th @ Elmira 4:00 PM
Saturday, October 21st Vs Flint 7:30 PM
(Home Opener Presented by WZUU 92.3 FM and Meijer)
Saturday, October 29th Vs Muskegon 7:30 PM
(3rd Annual Orange Ice Game Presented by WRKR)
International Hockey League 2 Stories from October 9, 2006
- Preview of the "U" - IHL 2
- Jackals Coach's Show Airs Tonight; Jackals Trim Camp Roster - Elmira Jackals
- Komets release seven from camp - Fort Wayne Komets
- K-Wings Week in Review - Kalamazoo Wings
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
