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When they take the ice for the 2021-22 season, there will be at least three familiar faces in the lineup for the Kalamazoo Wings.
The team announced that forwards Tanner Sorenson, Matheson Iacopelli and Justin Taylor have all signed contracts to return to the K-Wings.
Iacopelli, 27, a native of Brownstown, Michigan who spent two seasons with the Western Michigan University Broncos before turning pro, will be returning for his second season. During the 2019-20 season, Iacopelli scored 16 goals and added 15 assists in 41 games.
Iacopelli is more than ready to hit the ice this fall. “I am very excited to be back doing what I love,” he said.
With the K-Wings sitting out last season due to COVID, some players opted to play for one of the 14 teams that did play.
“I did think about it,” Iacopelli said of signing with another team, “but decided to stay home, work, train and skate.” Aside from training 4 days a week, Iacopelli said that he skated as much as he could, wherever he could.
“Iacopelli is a high-end skater with a tremendous shot,” said Head Coach Nick Bootland in a press release. “He is a streaky goal-scorer and we need him to start the year the way he finished his last.”
Sorenson, 28, hails from Anchorage, Alaska, will be coming back for his fifth season in Kalamazoo. Splitting the 2019-20 season between the K-Wings and the AHL Utica Comets, Sorenson scored 10 goals and 16 assists in 30 games. In 12 games with the Comets, Sorenson had two assists.
Sorenson is excited for the upcoming season. “I can’t wait to get back, the locker room, the ice, battling, training, the fans, the games, road trips, bumps, bruises, you name it I miss it all,” Sorenson said. “I am positive that will be the feeling of every player and fan this year! Everything will be like the first time again!”
Instead of signing with another team last season, Sorenson changed careers and became a realtor in Kalamazoo.
“I saw it as a good career change for life after hockey as well as during,” Sorenson said. “It is a job where you kind of create your own chaos and schedule so that gives me a chance to really focus on hockey when I need to and then can switch to real estate when needed. I have enjoyed getting to work with friends, family and new clients and just getting to know the people makes it all the better.”
“Tanner is a dynamic skater and has the ability to create offense on his own,” said Bootland in a release from the team . “He makes the players around him better.”
Coming back for his 11th season in Kalamazoo, Justin Taylor spent last season playing for the Tulsa Oilers. In 62 games with the Oilers, Taylor scored 9 goals and added 12 assists.
“I was fortunate enough to get a phone call from the head coach of the Tulsa Oilers Rob Murray,” Taylor said of his decision to play last season. “Rob has seen me play for years and I think he knew I could help bring some balance to a very young team in Tulsa”
Taylor agreed to head to Tulsa, and in two days headed west. With this wife and son remaining in Kalamazoo, Taylor said it was very difficult being away from them.
“It was a big change for me, as they are a huge part of my life, both at and away from the rink. But being able to play and keep myself engaged and prepared to continue my hockey journey, we both agreed it was necessary for me to play.”
Taylor said the K-Wings coaching staff was very supportive of his decision, and his thoughts on playing, even if it wasn’t in a K-Wings uniform. Even though it was hard to be away, Taylor said he enjoyed his time in Tulsa.
“I am very excited to be back in Kalamazoo for this upcoming season,” Taylor said. “I know the coaching staff has put in a lot of work to put together a winning season. I am very fortunate that they want me to be a part of it. I am eager to put on the KWings uniform again!”
During his tenure with the K-Wings, Taylor has played in over 500 games and holds the record for most games played in their 47-year history.
“Justin is a player who plays big minutes for us and has played against other teams’ top lines for years in this league,” said Bootland in a statement.
With COVID protocols still in place, the guys still have the same focus and drive: to play hockey.
“Going through a hockey season at the height of all the extra precautions and medical testing, the game of hockey doesn’t change,” Taylor said. “As a professional athlete, it’s important to be able to adapt to different circumstances on and off the ice.”
Iacopelli said he wasn’t sure what it will be like this season, but whatever rules are put into place will be followed accordingly.
“It’s so hard to tell what will happen, as you can see the rules and regulations change on a weekly basis,” Sorenson said. “I am just hoping it leads to a hockey season where life can go on! “
The K-Wings kick off their Covid-delayed 47th season on Saturday, October 23 when they host the Toledo Walleye at 7 pm.
Submitted by Mark McGlothlen
