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Ben Wilson, who once patrolled the ice as a defenseman and enforcer for the Kalamazoo Wings, is adding a new title to his resume: assistant coach.
Wilson, 32, suited up for the K-Wings for seven seasons (2013-2020) and served as captain from 2016-2020. During his time in Kalamazoo, Wilson played in 377 games, which is 11th in franchise history, scored 15 goals, 57 assists and racked up 543 penalty minutes.
Wilson played the final two seasons of his 11-year professional career overseas, returning to Kalamazoo last season in a new role as the team’s video coach.
When K-Wings head coach Joel Martin approached him about joining him and fellow assistant coach Kohl Schultz behind the bench, Wilson said it was an easy decision to say yes.
While his role is not set in stone as of yet, Wilson did say the plan is to have one of them run the defense, one run the offense, and the other float between the two.
In a statement released by the K-Wings, Martin explained his reasons for the promotion.
“Ben earned his promotion with the same focus and work ethic that made him a great player,” Martin said. “I’m excited to have him behind the bench and to watch him continue to grow as a coach.”
Wilson and Martin spent five years as teammates in Kalamazoo. Wilson played under Martin for two years after he retired from playing hockey and was named as the assistant coach under then head coach Nick Bootland.
“I think it helps me in working with someone that I have worked under before and I know how he wants his team to perform,” Wilson said.
Reflecting on his years with the team, Wilson discussed the ups and downs.
“Not making playoffs always stings,” Wilson said. “(There were) lots of highs, but what I really enjoyed was the everyday pursuit of becoming a better player. I feel like I have had some teammates in the past that really embodied this and made it fun to play with them.”
It is those moments that Wilson said he will use to his advantage as a coach.
“I guess you could say that those experiences remind you of how you felt at the moment, after the moment, and how you can relate to those feelings,” Wilson said.
As an assistant coach, Wilson is front and center in the recruiting process, which he says is going well.
“Recruiting has been good,” he said. “We are looking for guys that want to be here. We sell the players on our organization. There are so many resources we can offer the players that someone from the outside might not see.”
With the season rapidly approaching, Wilson feels the team is headed in the right direction.
“I feel the team is shaping up well, although I am new to this and you can’t win anything in August,” said Wilson. “K-Wing fans should expect to see a team that is going to come out of the gates hard and fast with lots of passion.”
K-Wings News and Notes: The K-Wings recently announced the signings of goaltender Hunter Vorva and defenseman Jay Keranen.
Vorva, 27, played in 28 games with the K-Wings last season, posting a 13-9-3 record and a 2.61 goals-against-average.
Keranen, 25, played three seasons with the University of Michigan where he saw action in 69 games, scoring 3 goals and 6 assists.
Submitted by Mark McGlothlen
