K-WINGS REVEAL FAN-DESIGNED JERSEY CONTEST WINNER

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 20, 2021

K-WINGS REVEAL FAN-DESIGNED JERSEY CONTEST WINNER

A record number of fan votes help select Kalamazoo-themed jersey, designed by Kristopher Kern, to be worn Dec. 31.

KALAMAZOO, MI – The Kalamazoo Wings, proud ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League’s Columbus Blue Jackets, announced Friday the winner of the team’s fourth Fan-Designed Jersey Contest, presented by Discover Kalamazoo.

Following a record number of fan votes, a jersey designed by Kristopher Kern was chosen as the winner. The jersey will be worn by the K-Wings on December 31, 2021, in a game against the Tulsa Oilers.

Interested parties were encouraged to submit a jersey/sock design showcasing something highlighting the Kalamazoo community. These jerseys will be worn during game action and then auctioned off at the conclusion of the contest, with the proceeds benefiting the First Day Shoe Fund.

“I’m passionate about sports design and hockey design has always been something of a hobby,” said Kern. “To have it go from a sketch on a Post-It note to a design concept to something that will have a much broader appeal and have an impact on a charitable level is amazing.”

The prize for winning this year’s contest includes tickets to the Dec. 31 game, a K-Wings Fan Experience, and the opportunity to be the Puck Dropper of the Game. Kern also will receive a personalized specialty jersey that night with a custom name and number.

“When I saw the contest this year, I started doing some research on Kalamazoo,” said Kern, an Oklahoma City resident. “The aeronautical museum Air Zoo was one of the first things that stuck out because it was a pretty close association with the team name and the city nickname of ‘The Zoo’.”

The Kalamazoo Wings received jersey designs from around North America and narrowed the field down to 10 finalists after a difficult selection process. A record number of votes were then cast during a week-long voting period, and Kern’s design was selected the winner.

A full 2021-22 promotional schedule will be revealed in the coming weeks, and single-game tickets will go on sale in September.

The K-Wings open the 2021-22 season at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 23 against the Toledo Walleye at Wings Event Center. Fans can guarantee seats to the Home Opener by purchasing a Home Opener Ticket Package or securing a Season Ticket Plan.

--

25% of the time commitment. 100% of the fun. Check out our brand new 9-Packs! They can be purchased HERE.

Back by popular demand, K-Wings 5-Packs are on sale NOW, including two different options! Find out more HERE.

Book a group outing of 10 people or more and receive discounted tickets as low as $13 per ticket! Check out the perks and more information HERE.

--

The Kalamazoo Wings are a professional hockey team located in southwest Michigan that has been a staple in the Kalamazoo, MI professional sports landscape since 1974. The K-Wings compete in the ECHL and are the AA affiliate of the National Hockey League’s Columbus Blue Jackets and American Hockey League’s Cleveland Monsters. Kalamazoo plays their 36 regular season home games at Wings Event Center from October through April.

###