ECHL Kalamazoo Wings

K-Wings Welcome Trio of Fresh Faces

Published on August 24, 2015 under ECHL (ECHL)
Kalamazoo Wings News Release


Kalamazoo Wings Signee Charlie Vasaturo with Union College
Kalamazoo Wings Signee Charlie Vasaturo with Union College
(Kalamazoo Wings, Credit: Union College)

Kalamazoo, Mich.- The Kalamazoo Wings have etched Blake Hietala, Adam Phillips, and Charlie Vasaturo to contracts for the upcoming season, the team announced Monday.

Hietala, a 25-year-old rookie, joins Kalamazoo after dressing in two ECHL games with the Colorado Eagles last season. The 5-foot-10 forward joined Colorado last April at the conclusion of his collegiate career at Michigan Tech.

"Blake's a mature rookie at 25 years old," K-Wings head coach Nick Bootland said. "He's a skilled, right-shot forward who skates well and fits our theme of character players."

Hietala was a three-time WCHA All-Academic team member in college, and helped lead Michigan Tech to the 2012 Great Lakes Invitational championship. Before joining the Huskies in 2011, Hietala spent a year with Bismarck (NAHL) and two seasons with the Melfort Mustangs (SJHL), where he averaged more than a point per game.

Phillips, 25, comes to Kalamazoo in his second season of professional hockey. As a member of the Stockton Thunder last year, Phillips appeared in 67 games, logging 27 points (nine goals, 18 assists). A sound skater that measures 6-foot-6, Phillips has shown the versatility and creativity to play both forward and defense throughout his career.

"He has a big shot and will help our power play," Bootland said. "He has tremendous skill for his size and he is flexible enough to play forward when called upon."

A native of Farmington Hills, Michigan, Phillips played high school hockey at Farmington Hills Harrison where he was an All-League selection with 56 points in 23 games during his senior season in 2008. He joined the Indiana Ice (USHL) in 2009 for one season before spending the next four at UMass-Amherst.

Vasaturo, 24, turns pro after a decorated, four-year career at Union College (ECAC). A two-time ECAC Hockey All-Academic Team member, 2015 team captain, and member of the 2014 national championship team, Vasaturo garnered a reputation as one of the steadiest defensemen in college hockey during his tenure with the Dutchmen.

"Charlie comes from a winning environment," Bootland said. "He knows how to lead. He was a captain, a national champion, and he consistently shut down top players on a nightly basis."

The 6-foot-2 defenseman is a native of Sewell, New Jersey, and spent two seasons with the Salmon Arm Silverbacks (BCHL) before arriving at Union in 2011.

The K-Wings open their 42nd season of professional hockey against the Fort Wayne Komets on Friday, October 16 at Wings Event Center. For the official 2015-16 K-Wings season schedule, visit kwings.com.

Season tickets for the 2015-16 season are available through the K-Wings front office by calling (269) 743-6011. For more information about the K-Wings and Wings Event Center, please contact Joe Roberts at (269) 226-0394.

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Kalamazoo Wings Signee Charlie Vasaturo with Union College
Kalamazoo Wings Signee Charlie Vasaturo with Union College
(Union College)		   



ECHL Stories from August 24, 2015


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