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ECHL Kalamazoo Wings

Kalamazoo Adds Three

August 24, 2009 - ECHL (ECHL)
Kalamazoo Wings News Release


Kalamazoo, MI- The Kalamazoo Wings, proud member of the ECHL and affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers and San Jose Sharks of the National Hockey League, announce they have agreed to terms with forwards Sean O'Conner, Erik Johnson and defenseman Matt Krug for the upcoming 2009-10 season; per team policy, the terms of the contracts will be undisclosed.

One of the top rookies in the International Hockey League a season ago, O'Conner joins the K-Wings after spending last season with the Fort Wayne Komets.

Posting 47 points (23 goals, 24 assists) in only 59 games, O'Conner was fifth among all first-year IHL players in scoring and was tied for third among all rookies with a +20.

While most rookies hit the wall during their inaugural season, O'Conner broke through it finishing the regular season on an 11-game point streak, as well as racking up 24 points in his final 23 games of the regular season.

The native of Brownstown, Michigan kept his scoring touch in the postseason, logging 11 points (2 goals, 9 assists) in 11 playoff games en route to helping the Komets secure their second straight Turner Cup.

"The top two rookies in the IHL last year were Sean (O'Conner) and Rick Cleaver, and to have both signed with us (K-Wings) for the upcoming season adds speed, scoring and depth to our roster." said Wade Welsh, vice president/general manager. "Sean not only brings playoff and championship experience, but he has produced in those high-pressure games."

Before turning pro, O'Connor spent five seasons playing junior hockey in the Ontario Hockey League with the Erie Otters, Plymouth Whalers and London Knights.

During the 2006-07 campaign, O'Connor was a member of the Whalers team that captured the J. Ross Robertson Cup, given to the OHL playoff champion. O'Connor was joined on the team with Andrew Fournier, who signed with the K-Wings earlier this season.

The K-Wings have added even more scoring up front with the addition of Erik Johnson. Last season in the ECHL with the Wheeling Nailers, Johnson chimed in with 19 goals and earned 24 assists in 65 contests. Johnson also received a call-up last season to the Norfolk Admirals of the American Hockey League.

Entering his fourth full season of pro hockey, Johnson has spent a majority of his time in the ECHL with the San Diego Gulls, Cincinnati Cyclones, Pensacola Pilots and Wheeling. Johnson also spent a season in the Central Hockey League with the New Mexico Scorpions and Youngstown Steelhounds.

"Over the past two seasons, Erik has found more ways to contribute offensively, and we feel, coming off of a 19-goal season, he will be able to continue to produce," said Welsh. "Eric possesses the speed and vision necessary to succeed in the ECHL."

Before turning pro, Johnson was a four-year standout at Mercyhurst College (Erie, PA) and also spent two seasons of junior hockey in the United States Hockey League with the Sioux City Musketeers and the Des Moines Buccaneers.

Joining the K-Wings at the blue line will be Matt Krug. While preparing for his first regular season as a professional, Krug already has been part of a pro championship. After finishing his collegiate career at Robert Morris University (Pittsburgh, PA), Krug played in one postseason game for the Texas Brahmas of the CHL, which went on to capture the Ray Miron President's Cup.

"Matt is a young defenseman that brings size to our blue line," said Welsh. "He has performed well at the collegiate level, and we are excited to see how his game will mature at the next level."

The native of Livonia, Michigan began his colligate career at Wayne State University (Detroit, MI). After his junior season, the hockey program at Wayne State was terminated. Krug continued his collegiate career with one year at Robert Morris.

Krug also spent two seasons playing junior hockey in the NAHL with the Texas Tornados.

The additions of O'Connor, Johnson and Krug give the K-Wings 12 players signed for the upcoming 2009-10 season, which will commence on the road Thursday, October 15th against the Reading Royals. Also signed for next season are forwards Rick Cleaver, Trent Daavettila, Andrew Fournier, Bryan Jurynec and Anton Kharin. Also signed for this season are defensemen Devin Featherstone, Sam Ftorek and Jon Landry and goaltender Ryan Nie.

Kalamazoo will open up the home portion of their schedule on Saturday, October 24th versus Reading with a 7:30 p.m. face-off at Wings Stadium.

Season tickets for the upcoming 2009-2010 season of K-Wings hockey are currently on sale at the Wings Stadium Ticket Office during their regular business hours of 9 a.m.-4p.m. or by calling (269) 345-5101. Fans can save 15% on their season tickets by paying for their seats in full by October 1st.

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