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The Kalamazoo Wings announced their first signing for the 2020-21 season, forward Raymond Brice.
Brice, 24, and a native of Houghton, Michigan, was captain of the Michigan Tech Huskies last season. In 28 games last year, Brice scored six goals. During his four years at Michigan Tech, Brice played 95 games, scoring 13 goals and adding 13 assists.
“We have been trying to recruit players with a high compete level and Brice’s motor never quits. He is a player that brings it every night,” said K-Wings Head Coach Nick Bootland in a press release. “His character fits perfectly into the culture that we’ve created here.”
Brice has heard many good things about the K-Wings organization. “I know former players that played there,” Brice said. “I’ve heard nothing but good things about the staff and organization. I felt it would be a good fit.”
While he knows about the organization, Brice said he isn’t too familiar with the town. “I’ve only been there a few times. I definitely have some exploring to do when I get there.”
Brice will be coming into his first professional training camp. “Obviously there will be a little bit of an adjustment coming from college, but that is to be expected,” he said.
Although he wore the “C” last year for the Huskies, Brice doesn’t see that as a factor heading into camp.
“I don’t know if that is going to help me coming into camp, to be honest,” Brice said. As someone who leads by example, Brice said that is something he will hopefully be able to use more into the season.
Right now, it is all about training camp.
“I just have to come to camp prepared and I still have a roster to make and I have to be ready for that role as a player and that is what I am focused on.”
As for what he brings to the ice, Brice said that he is a full 200 foot player (length of the ice).
“I play a simple game, skate pretty well and I like to get pucks on the net”, Brice said. “I can play up and down in a lineup and I am a guy who will do whatever it takes to win.”
The coaching staff has seen him play and they know what he is about, so Brice is not worried on that front.
“My pressure is going to come from it being my first camp and being ready to go, fully prepared and up to speed,” Brice said. “As far as making an impression in camp, I think it is important to play my game to the best of my ability. That is probably where my pressure comes in and that kind of pressure can motivate.”
In addition to playing for the Huskies, Brice played 114 games in two seasons with the Soo Eagles and New Jersey Junior Titans in the North American Hockey League. Brice scored 29 goals and had 27 assists with the Eagles and Titans before heading to Michigan Tech.
By: Mark C. McGlothlen
