Kalamazoo, MI-For the first time in 38 years the Kalamazoo Wings will retire a jersey number, sending Kevin Schamehorn’s number 26 and Georges Gagnon’s number one to hang in the rafters this season, the organization announced on Thursday morning.
Schamehorn played for the Wings from 1976-79, then again from 1981-85, before finishing his career in 1990. A fourth round draft pick of the Detroit Red Wings in 1976, Schamehorn finished his K-Wings career tied with Mike Wanchuk for the franchise lead in goals (239), and holds the franchise record for points (474), and games played (495). Schamehorn’s jersey will be retired on Opening Night, Oct. 19, when Kalamazoo hosts Fort Wayne.
Gagnon, who suited up from Kalamazoo from 1979-87, finished his career as the winningest goaltender in franchise history with 196 wins. He held that record for 30 years until he was surpassed by Joel Martin in 2017. Gagnon backstopped the K-Wings to their second championship in the 1980 playoffs. He finished his career playing in 403 games. Gagnon’s number one jersey will be retired on January 19 against the Toledo Walleye.
In conjunction with the opening of the announcement the Wings also helped kick off the opening of the Kalamazoo Valley Museum’s new exhibit, Your Kalamazoo Wings! The First 45 Years. The exhibit, open from Sept. 27, 2018, to March 31, 2019, was created so that fans could recall some of the league’s most memorable moments and so that those who are still unfamiliar with the team have a chance to learn about its history. Artifacts and memorabilia from the exhibit are on loan from current and former players, fans, the Wings organization, and the Hockey Hall of Fame. The Kalamazoo Valley Museum, located at 230 North Rose Street in downtown Kalamazoo, is operated by the Kalamazoo Valley Community College and is governed by its Board of Trustees.
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