WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
KALAMAZOO –The old saying that everything is relative took on a whole new meaning for the Kalamazoo Wings yesterday afternoon when they announced the latest changes to their line-up.
Defenseman John Kivisto was released from the team on Monday afternoon as the K-Wings announced the signing of his cousin and National Hockey League player Dwight Helminen.
Helminen, who began this season playing with the Pirati Choutove in the Czech Republic, is not expected to be with the team this weekend as they travel south to take on the Greenville Road Warriors and Gwinnett Gladiators. The forward scored 4 goals and 14 assists for the Pirati Choutove this season.
A native of Hancock, Michigan, Helminen played 27 games in the NHL, including eight postseason games with the Carolina Hurricanes and San Jose Sharks. In addition, the eight-year pro played for the University of Michigan as well as the Hartford Wolf Pack, Albany River Rats and Worcester Sharks of the American Hockey League.
No stranger to the ECHL, Helminen played 28 games with the Charlotte Checkers during the 2004-05 season. Playing his best season for the Wolf Pack during the 2005-06 season Helminen scored 32 goals and 23 assists.
In other K-Wings transactions, forward Eric Kattelus was activated from the 7-day IR and defenseman Steven Anthony was moved to the 7-day IR
