Madison Kodiaks relocate to Kalamazoo, MI

by UHL Press Release
July 27, 2000 - International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)

UHL Press Release

LAKE ST. LOUIS, MO . . . The United Hockey League announced today that the Madison Kodiaks will relocate to Kalamazoo, MI and begin play at the 5,113-seat Wings Stadium in October 2000. The League also announced the team has been granted the rights to the name Kalamazoo Wings by former Michigan K-Wings (IHL) owner R.T. "Ted" Parfet.

"The United Hockey League is looking forward to keeping the strong tradition of hockey alive in Kalamazoo. Mr. Parfet is dedicated to the fans of Kalamazoo and made it a priority of his to keep pro hockey in Wings Stadium. I commend him on his hard work to avoid a year without hockey in Kalamazoo," UHL Commissioner/C.E.O. Richard Brosal said.

"Keith Decker [team owner] has exhibited an incredible dedication and commitment to the United Hockey League. He is an extremely hard worker with a strong business sense and a proven track record in the business world. I know Keith's number one priority will be to put together a team the fans of Kalamazoo are proud to call their own and are excited about watching," Brosal added.

The 2000-01 season will be the team's second in the UHL after posting a 35-33-6 record during its inaugural season as the Madison Kodiaks in 1999-2000.

Kalamazoo and Wings Stadium were home to the International Hockey League's Michigan K-Wings for 26 seasons before the team ceased operations in June.

The 2000-01 UHL Schedule, released in June, required only minor changes to accommodate the relocation to Kalamazoo. Divisional alignment will not be changed.

The 2000-01 season marks the United Hockey League's 10th Anniversary. The League began during the 1991-92 season as the Colonial Hockey League with five teams in Michigan and Ontario. Prior to the 1997-98 season, the name was changed to the United Hockey League to better show the direction of the League. The UHL will celebrate its 10th Anniversary season with a record 17 member clubs covering ten states.

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International Hockey League 2 Stories from July 27, 2000

• Madison Kodiaks relocate to Kalamazoo, MI - OSC Original by UHL Press Release

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