On Thursday, October 29th, the Kalamazoo Wings announced the signing of American defensemen Eric Kattelus. The two sides agreed to terms on a standard player contract for the upcoming season. For Kattelus, it’ll be his 10th year with the Kalamazoo Wings.
Kattelus, 33-years-old, is a native of a Traverse City, Michigan and spent four seasons with the Michigan Tech Huskies. In 87 games at the college level, Kattelus recorded six goals along with 26 assists which made for 32 points. He did so in 87 games.
From there, he would make his debut in the ECHL with the Cincinnati Cyclones. That was in 2010-11 before ultimately landing with the Wings in Kalamazoo. He agreed to a contract with them in 2011-2012.
Early on in his career, the handed shooter played primarily as a forward. During the 2012-13 season, the K-Wings had multiple call-ups and injuries, and as a result, Eric got the chance to play some games on defence. Kattelus really proved to be quire versatile, being able to play in multiple positions.
He did so in every special teams situation. Over the last nine seasons, Eric has played 418 games, scoring 81 goals along with 206 assists. That would make for 287 points.
In a statement from Eric Kattelus upon signing his contract on Thursday afternoon, he said, “I can’t say enough about the K Wings organization, our fans and the community that continues to embrace us year after year. I found a renewed passion for the game in Kalamazoo and I’m glad to be back. Kalamazoo has become my second hometown. Every season my family seems to grow. From the front office to the locker room, this organization is my hockey family.”
As for the thoughts of Nick Bootland, head coach of the Kalamazoo Wings, he said of the team’s latest signing, “Eric is used in every situation for us and is willing to play any position he is asked. He wants to win and will do anything for his team and teammates.”
Kattelus went viral in Kanas City back on November 29th, 2017. The K-Wings and Mavericks were tied at one with the K-Wings on the power play early on in the third period. Kattelus came off the right-wing wall, picking up a loose puck, making a quick move and firing it home to put his team up 2-1.
He then channeled his inner Michael Jackson and did the moonwalk on skates, celebrating the goal, which must have woke the bench up as they scored two more. They would defeat Kansas City 4-1 that night. His performance of the moonwalk has been viewed plenty on social media and he even made SportsCenter. He shares a love for the game that certainly shows on the ice while also resonating with his teammates.
The K-Wings are set to partake in a 62-game season starting January 15th. This of course is pending jurisdictional approval from both the state and the local government.