FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 1, 2019

K-WINGS GIVE BOOTLAND FOUR-YEAR EXTENSION

Kalamazoo Head Coach returns for 12th season behind bench in 2019-20.

KALAMAZOO, MI – The Kalamazoo Wings, proud ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League’s Vancouver Canucks, announced Thursday the team has signed Head Coach Nick Bootland to a four-year contract extension through the 2022-23 season.

Bootland, 41, enters his 12th season behind the K-Wings bench as the longest-tenured Head Coach in the ECHL. The Shelburne, Ontario native has a career record of 422-301-73 in 796 regular season games, and has led Kalamazoo to the playoffs in nine of his 11 seasons.

“My family and I are extremely excited about this opportunity to continue to lead this amazing organization for another four years,” said Bootland. “The support from Bill and Rhonda for the community and the organization is nothing but first-class.”

Prior to his first season as Head Coach in 2008-09, Bootland spent parts of four seasons with the K-Wings from 2003-2008.

“Coach Bootland is an integral part of the K-Wings franchise,” said Toni Lentini, Director of Business Operations and Governor. “I am extremely pleased to continue working with Nick, both on and off the ice as our fan base continues to grow each season.”

“Joel Martin and I have been building a championship-caliber product this summer and I think the fans are really going to be excited about this year’s team,” said Bootland. “We can’t wait to get on the ice again in October.”

The K-Wings open the 2019-20 season on the road Saturday, Oct. 12 against the Fort Wayne Komets at Memorial Coliseum. Kalamazoo opens the home portion of its schedule Saturday, Oct. 19 at 7:00pm against the Cincinnati Cyclones at Wings Event Center, following Fan Fest.

Kalamazoo Wings full season tickets and partial plans are available now for the 2019-20 season! More information can be found at www.kwings.com.

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.