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ECHL Kalamazoo Wings

NHL Experience, Draft Pick Inked by Kalamazoo

September 29, 2015 - ECHL (ECHL)
Kalamazoo Wings News Release


KALAMAZOO, MI- The Kalamazoo Wings announced Tuesday the additions of Darren Archibald and Brett Ponich to the preseason roster.

Archibald, 25, is set to skate in his fifth season of professional hockey as he returns to the K-Wings for the first time since 2012-13. The native of Newmarket, Ontario has spent the last four seasons in the Vancouver Canucks organization. His career includes 67 games in the ECHL with Kalamazoo, 204 games in the AHL with Chicago and Utica, and 16 games in the NHL with the Canucks.

"Darren was a fan favorite when he was here," K-Wings head coach Nick Bootland said. "His game has improved tremendously. He's got great size, strength, and one-on-one skill."

Archibald was signed by the Canucks organization as an undrafted free agent in 2010 while playing with Niagara in the OHL. The 6-foot-3 forward has attended camps with the Detroit Red Wings, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Vancouver Canucks.

"The experience that Arch has gained in the NHL will be of value to all our players," Bootland added. "He plays the game with great enthusiasm, and we want to help him get back to the NHL."

Archibald scored nearly a point per game during his time in the OHL from 2008-11 (174 points in 186 games), and made his pro debut with the Chicago Wolves (AHL) in 2011. During his periodic stints with Kalamazoo from 2011-13, he tallied 58 points in 67 games.

Ponich, 24, also gears up for his fifth season of professional hockey in 2015. Having skated in 66 games over two seasons with the K-Wings from 2013-15, the defenseman is no stranger to Kalamazoo. A 2009 draft pick of the St. Louis Blues (round two, pick 48), Ponich has logged time with six different teams since 2011.

"Brett has great leadership qualities, Bootland said. "His massive frame and active stick make him a great shut-down defenseman."

Before turning pro, the native of Beaumont, Alberta spent five seasons with the Portland Winterhawks in the WHL from 2006-11. His professional debut came in 2011 with the Peoria Rivermen (AHL), and his five-year career has seen stops in Peoria, Evansville (ECHL), Alaska (ECHL), Chicago (AHL), Kalamazoo (ECHL), and Springfield (AHL).

"Brett's a tough player that's going to stick up for his teammates," Bootland added. "He does a great job taking away time and space from his opponents and he possesses a solid first pass."

With the addition of Archibald and Ponich, the K-Wings' roster features 16 games of NHL experience and five NHL draft picks.

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.

Single-game tickets are now on sale! Tickets can be purchased at kwings.com or at the Wings Event Center box office. Box office hours are Monday-Friday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

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.

Wings Event Center, owned and operated by Greenleaf Hospitality Group, is home to the minor league hockey team Kalamazoo Wings and a full entertainment venue offering concerts, sporting events, family shows and trade shows. Built in 1974, Wings Event Center values partnerships with the community to bring events and attractions that enrich the lives of residents in the Kalamazoo area.

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