Aaron Irving named to ECHL All-Rookie Team

KALAMAZOO, MI— Kalamazoo Wings defenseman Aaron Irving has been named to the ECHL All-Rookie team for the 2017-18 season, the ECHL announced Thursday.

Irving, 22, is tied for first among all rookie defenseman with 15 goals, and leads rookie blueliners with 47 points in 57 games played this season.

“It’s an honor just knowing how many good, young players there are in this league,” Irving said. “Our team has so many and any one of them could have been named to this team. A lot of this is attributed to the players and coaches I’ve been with all year.”

Before turning pro, the native of Edmonton, Alberta, spent four years in the Western Hockey League with the Edmonton Oil Kings and Everett Silvertips. He was a sixth round (162nd overall) draft pick of the Nashville Predators in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft.

“It’s pretty impressive for a young man to come in and make the impression that he has,” head coach Nick Bootland said. “He’s got amazing leadership qualities and he’s a true professional already in year one.”

Irving is the second Kalamazoo Wing to earn ECHL All-Rookie Team honors, joining forward Matt Caria (2013-14) in the exclusive company.

The ECHL All-Rookie team is voted upon by league coaches, public relations directors, broadcasters, and members of the media.

2017-18 ECHL All-Rookie Team

G- Mitch Gillam, Worcester Railers (40 GP, 22-14-2, 2.18 GAA, .924 SV%)

D- Aaron Irving, Kalamazoo Wings (57 GP, 15 G, 32 A, 47 PTS)

D- TJ Melancon, Norfolk Admirals (58 GP, 14 G, 28 A, 32 PTS)

F- Grant Besse, Norfolk Admirals (62 GP, 30 G, 32 A, 62 PTS)

F- Justin Danforth, Cincinnati Cyclones (44 GP, 28 G, 31 A, 59 PTS)

F- Reid Gardner, Wheeling Nailers (56 GP, 28 G, 26 A, 54 PTS)

Since the ECHL began naming the All-Rookie team in 2000-01, 18 players selected have gone on to play in the National Hockey League.

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Wings Event Center, owned and operated by Greenleaf Hospitality Group, is home to the Kalamazoo Wings professional hockey team and a full entertainment venue offering concerts, sporting events, family shows and trade shows. Built in 1974, Wings Event Center values partnerships with the community to bring events and attractions that enrich the lives of residents in the Kalamazoo area.

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