K-Wings announce first two signings for upcoming season

The roster for the Kalamazoo Wings 2023-24 season is beginning to take shape as the team announced the signings of defenseman Chaz Reddekopp and forward Collin Adams.

Reddekopp, 26, comes to Kalamazoo after spending last season with the South Carolina Stingrays,  where he played in 51 games, scoring one goal, 13 assists, and racking up 109 penalty minutes.

The 6-foot-3 native of West Kelowna, British Columbia, will be entering his sixth pro season.

In a statement released by the team, Joel Martin, Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations, said he feels that Reddekopp will be a good fit in Kalamazoo.

“Chaz was a big future piece of our in-season trades last year,” said Martin.. “He fits our culture as the ECHL’s Community Service Award winner last season. He also brings size and nearly 100 games of AHL experience.”

Reddekopp has played for the Ontario Reign, San Jose Barracuda, Belleville Senators and the Tucson Roadrunners in the AHL.

The K-Wings received the rights to Reddekopp to complete a trade they made with the Stingrays back in March which sent forward Max Humitz to South Carolina.

For his part, Reddekopp is excited to come to Kalamazoo.

“I saw this as a really good opportunity to go to a good organization that I’ve heard nothing but good things about”, Reddekopp said. “Talking to Joel and players who played there in the past, I’ve heard really good things about the organization and how great of a spot it is to play. The players get treated very well and I’ve heard it’s a really good fan base, so it’s definitely an exciting place to play and a really fun division to be in as well.”

With nearly 100 AHL games and over 100 games in the ECHL under his belt, Reddekopp feels he brings experience and leadership to the team that he can in turn use to help others.

“ I think that can go a long way in helping the younger guys and maybe some rookies or new faces kind of get used to the league and just try to help them out the best I can,” Reddekopp said.

Besides the Stingrays, Reddekopp has played with four other ECHL teams: the Manchester Monarchs, Fort Wayne Komets, Allen Americans and the Orlando Solar Bears.

Last season, Reddekopp was honored by being named as the ECHL’s Community Service Award Winner, which is something he said he is extremely proud of.  The award is presented annually to the player who goes above and beyond in community service.

“Giving back to the community is something that I’ve always been passionate about, wherever I’ve played in the past,” Reddekopp said. “I think it’s a lot of fun to give back to the community and the fans who come to watch us play and support us throughout the season and it’s just something I’ve always really enjoyed.”

Last season in Charleston, Reddekopp worked at a Children’s Non-Profit Mentorship that enables youth to develop positive relationships in their lives.

“I had the chance to build many relationships with kids in the community and was able to bring them to games, hang out with them and be an adult mentor to them in their lives,” he said.

Reddekopp also met with a large group of Type 1 diabetic children and was able to pass along advice on how to live with Type 1 diabetes, which he himself has been doing for the past 15 years.

While the season is still a few months away, Reddekopp is ready to hit the ice for the K-Wings.

“I want the Kalamazoo fans to know that I love giving back to the community and interacting with fans as much as possible,” he said.

As for what fans can expect on the ice, Reddekopp says he plays a hard and physical game.

“I love to stick up for my teammates and will give it my all every single night,” he added.

Adams, 25, spent the past two seasons splitting his time between the Worcester Railers (40 games played, 17g, 22a, 25 PIM)) and the Bridgeport Islanders of the AHL (65gp, 8g, 10a, 18 PIM). Adams was selected to the ECHL All-Star team last season.

The native of Brighton, Michigan is thrilled to be joining the K-Wings.

“I’m super excited to be playing in Kalamazoo next season,” Adams said. “It’s special for me to play in my home state and be so close to family. I’ve already heard a lot about how passionate K-Wings fans are and it’s exciting to play in front of such a great fanbase.”

By: Mark C. McGlothlen