Post by dropthegloves on Aug 16, 2007 21:34:18 GMT
K-WINGS SIGN TEAM MVP AND ROOKIE GOALTENDER
K-Wings Ink Leading Scorer, Kory Karlander and Goaltender Brad Smith
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August 16 , 2007 - Mike Modugno
Director of Public Relations and Broadcaster
Kalamazoo, MI -The Kalamazoo Wings, proud member of the International Hockey League, announce the signings of forward Kory Karlander and goaltender Brad Smith; per team policy the terms of the contracts will be undisclosed.
Building off an average of 84 points over the past two seasons, Karlander is set to return for his fourth straight season and fifth overall with the K-Wings. The 12-year pro is the only current member of the K-Wings that can make claim of representing the K-Wings the last time they played under the IHL umbrella (1999-00).
Assistant Captain the past two seasons and member of the K-Wings 2005-06 Colonial Cup Championship team, Karlander made Kalamazoo’s final season in the United Hockey League a memorable one. The native of Melita, Manitoba shattered the franchise’s UHL record for goals in a single season netting 45 to surpass Jim Duhart, who established the record during the 1999-00 season, when the franchise was located in Madison, Wisconsin.
“Not only is Kory a top goal scorer in our league, he is also one of the top centers when it comes to winning face-offs, “said General Manager Wade Welsh. “Kory is committed to being a K-Wing, he had opportunities overseas, but his first choice was always to return to Kalamazoo.”
A consistent performer during the 2006-07 campaign, Karlander was one of five K-Wings selected to the starting lineup for the 2006 UHL All-Star Game. Karlander rung in the New Year going on an 11-game goal and point streak from 12/31/06-01/26/07. The goal streak was both a season high for the K-Wings and UHL.
