IHL 2 Kalamazoo Wings

Mission to Mars

Published on August 29, 2006 under International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Kalamazoo Wings News Release


Kalamazoo, MI- The Kalamazoo Wings, proud member of the United Hockey League and 2005-06 Central Division, Tarry Cup and Colonial Cup Champions, announce the signing of defenseman Casey Handrahan and forward Olof Mars; per team policy the terms of the contact will be undisclosed.

The signing of Handrahan gives the K-Wings six players returning from their championship season of a year ago. The third year pro dressed in 24 regular season games for Kalamazoo and all 13 of their playoff games.

Handrahan started his professional career in 2004-05 in the SPHL with the Macon Trax. Last season, Handrahan split the year between Kalamazoo and the Florida Seals (SPHL).

"Casey improved all season long and he stepped up his play in the playoffs," said Vice President/General Manager Paul L. Pickard. "With already being familiar with our system, we expect him to continue to develop as a player."

The native of Niagara Falls, Ontario played his college hockey across the border at Niagara University (NY).

The K-Wings also announce the addition of Olof Mars. Mars, who is a native of Osterund, Sweden, is the first overseas import for the K-Wings since the 2003-04 season.

Last season, Mars was out of this world putting up 36 points in 35 games for IF Troja Ljungby of Sweden 1. Division League.

"Olof is a power forward with a scoring touch," said Pickard. "He has produced at the top levels in Swedish hockey and we are excited to see what he can accomplish in our league."

Coming to Kalamazoo marks the second time Mars has played hockey in the United States. The forward played one season of Junior Hockey with the Billings Bulls (AWHL).

The addition of Handrahan and Mars gives the K-Wings nine players signed for their defense of the Colonial Cup, which will begin on Friday, October 13th with a road game against the Elmira Jackals. Signed for next season are forwards Nick Bootland, Jay Dardis, Kory Karlander and Tyler Willis Also inked for the upcoming season are defensemen Adam Elzinga, Joe Markusen and Nick Toneys.

Kalamazoo will open up the home portion of their schedule on Saturday, October 21st versus the Flint Generals. The K-Wings will raise their championship banners and unveil their Colonial Cup Championship Rings during a ceremony prior to face-off.

Season tickets for the upcoming 2006-2007 season of K-Wings Hockey are currently on sale at the Wings Stadium Ticket Office during their regular business hours of 9 a.m.-4 p.m. or by calling the (269) 345-5101. Fans can save 15% on their season tickets by paying for their seats in full by September 15th.

Check out the Kalamazoo Wings Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



International Hockey League 2 Stories from August 29, 2006


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.

OurSports Central