ECHL Kalamazoo Wings

The Big Labenski

Published on October 23, 2003 under ECHL (ECHL)
Kalamazoo Wings News Release


Defenseman Greg Labenski Joins the K-Wings from Cleveland

Kalamazoo, MI- The Kalamazoo Wings of the United Hockey League announces the addition of defenseman Greg Labenski (la-BEN-ski). Labenski joins the K-Wings after being reassigned to the team by the Cleveland Barons of the American Hockey League.

Labenski is a 6 foot 1, 200-pound defenseman from Welland, Ontario, and is entering his sixth season as a professional. Last season, Labenski was a member of the Cincinnati Cyclones of the ECHL. In 69 games with Cincinnati, Labenski registered 35 points and added 173 minutes in penalties. Greg's efforts at defense helped guide the Cyclones to the ECHL semi-finals.

"We were already strong at defense, but we just became a lot stronger," said Director of Hockey Operations and Head Coach Mark Reeds. "We're adding a player that is not only a solid defenseman, but an experienced player that has played at very high levels of our sport."

Labenski started this season with the Barons. In three regular season games in Cleveland, the 25 year old defenseman had 4 minutes in penalties and had a Plus/Minus of even.

In his career, Greg has played 22 games at the AAA level of professional hockey. Labenski also has international hockey experience, as he played 54 games for the Canadian National Team during the 1999-00 season.

Coming to Kalamazoo will be Greg's second tour in the UHL. During the 1998-99 season, Labenski played in 12 post-season games with the Flint Generals.

Before turning pro, Labenski played four seasons in the Ontario Hockey League with the North Bay Centennials.

Greg is expected to be in the lineup as the K-Wings start their 30th Anniversary season this Friday, October 24th on the road against the Missouri River Otters. K-Wing fans can listen to game on the K-Wings Radio Network starting at 8:15 pm with Countdown to Face-Off. Game time in St. Charles, Missouri will be at 8:30 pm.

The first opportunity for fans to see Labenski in Wings Stadium will be Saturday, November 1st as the K-Wings open the home portion of their 03-04 schedule against their arch rivals the Fort Wayne Komets at 7:30 pm.

Before the game, Stadium Management Company along with special guests will unveil "A Wings Tradition". This exhibit will serve as a tribute to the rich tradition that the Wings Stadium Complex has had in southwest Michigan. Photo collages delineating the chronological history of the Wings Stadium Complex and the Kalamazoo Wings will be displayed throughout the main concourse of Wings Stadium. All fans entering Wings Stadium on November 1st will also receive a special Anniversary-themed Magnetic Game Schedule courtesy of Meijer.

Fans are encouraged to stay after the game as the entire K-Wings team will be signing autographs at the Centennial Wireless Autograph zone, and Wings Stadium, along with Cool 101 FM will be hosting the "30th Anniversary Retro Fest 70's Dance" in The Annex. Any fan that purchases a ticket to the K-Wings game will be permitted into the dance FREE. Individuals that would like to attend only the dance may purchase a 30th Anniversary Retro Fest ticket for $10. Also after the game, the band 6FP will play, as fans will have the opportunity to partake in a FREE public skating session (skate rental not included) within Wings Stadium.

Season tickets for the 30th Anniversary season, as well as single game tickets for all regular season home games are on available by calling the Wings Stadium Box Office at (269) 345-5101

For more information about the signing of Greg Labenski, please contact Mike Modugno, Director of Public Relations and Broadcaster at (269) 349-9772, extension 220.

-GET INTO THE GAME -

Check out the Kalamazoo Wings Statistics

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



ECHL Stories from October 23, 2003


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