On Thursday November 12th, the Kalamazoo Wings announced the signing of Canadian forward Kyle Blaney. The two sides agreed to terms on a standard player contract for the upcoming season. For Blaney, it will be his fifth season in Kalamazoo.
A native of Burlington, Ontario, Blaney spent three years playing in the OJHL with the Oakville Blades. During that tenure, he scored 36 goals along with 59 assists in 125 games. The righty later committed to U SPORTS, spending three years skating with the Ryerson Rams.
While attending university, Blaney tallied 15 goals along with 33 assists which made for 48 points. He did so in 45 games. Throughout his last four years with the K-Wings, Blaney amassed 147 points, scoring 38 goals and 109 assists.
In a statement from the 29-year-old, he said on Thursday upon signing his contract, “I’m excited to get back to Kalamazoo and get to work in January. I’m thankful to coach Bootland for the opportunity and I’m looking forward to seeing my teammates and our fans again.”
As for the thoughts on Nick Bootland, head coach of the Kalamazoo Wings, he said of the team’s latest signing, “Blaney has played in all situations for us and is one of the best on draws. He made a commitment to his off-season conditioning this summer and we know he’ll become even more of a consistent contributor.”
When I think of Kyle Blaney, I immediately think of a very dramatic win the K-Wings pulled out last season on February 22nd. The K-Wings and Wheeling Nailers were wrestling for position within the league standings, fighting to try and lock down the last playoff spot. That night, the K-Wings trailed the Nailers by a 2-1 deficit in the game’s third period.
They tied the game midway through the third, and as the game seemingly was heading for overtime, Ben Wilson made a great keep at the point and fed Kyle Blaney, who took a couple quick strides in and netted the puck top shelf, sending 3,480 fans home very happy. I’m sure many fans in Kalamazoo are equally as happy with the latest addition. The K-Wings are set to return on the 15th of January pending state and local approval.