WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
The Kalamazoo Wings, proud member of the ECHL, three-time defending North Division Champions and National Hockey League affiliate to the Vancouver Canucks and New Jersey Devils and the American Hockey League’s Albany Devils, announce the organization has signed director of hockey operations and head coach Nick Bootland to a new three-year contract through the 2014-15 season; per team policy, the terms of the contract will be undisclosed.
Just one year after inking a two-year deal, which would have gone through next season, the K-Wings decided to tear up the agreement and reward the fourth-year head coach with a brand new contract.
“We (K-Wings) have prided ourselves as an organization in rewarding our top performers and there is no denying that Nick Bootland is one of the top coaches in minor league hockey,” said general manager Jim Burlew. “Since joining the ECHL three seasons ago, we have had tremendous success and Nick has been the driving force. From being a solid role model in our community, recruiting great talent, creating winning game plans and working with our affiliates, he (Bootland) has proven that he is a true professional and we are extremely excited to reach this new agreement. ”
Guiding the K-Wings to four-straight postseason appearances, Bootland has already won 164 games in his young coaching career, which doesn’t include the playoffs, where he has won another 20 contests over the past two seasons.
“Kalamazoo is more than a city for my family and myself, it is our home; I have spent more time here than anywhere else in my playing or coaching career,” said Bootland. “The support that this organization has shown me is second to none and, we are both committed to bringing another K-Wings professional hockey championship to southwest Michigan.
Since joining the ECHL in 2010, Kalamazoo has captured the North Division in all three seasons and capped off a second straight trip to the Eastern Conference Finals this season.
Season tickets for the upcoming 2012-2013 season of K-Wings hockey are currently on sale at the K-Wings front office. Fans can purchase their tickets during regular business hours of Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. or by calling (269) 349-9772.
Submitted by Mike Modugno
