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K-WINGS PROMOTE BEN WILSON TO ASSISTANT COACH

Wednesday, August 9th
K-WINGS PROMOTE BEN WILSON TO ASSISTANT COACH

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 9, 2023

K-WINGS PROMOTE BEN WILSON TO ASSISTANT COACH

KALAMAZOO, MI – The Kalamazoo Wings, proud ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League’s Vancouver Canucks, announced Wednesday that Ben Wilson, former K-Wings captain and Video Coach, has been promoted to assistant coach of the team.

Wilson returned to Kalamazoo for his first professional coaching role after retiring from an 11-year playing career following the 2021-22 season. Wilson then excelled in his position as the team’s video coach in 2022-23, propelling him toward promotion to the new role. 

“Ben earned his promotion with the same focus and work ethic that made him a great player,” said Joel Martin, Kalamazoo Wings Director of Hockey Operations and Head Coach. “I’m excited to have him behind the bench and to watch him continue to grow as a coach.”

The former K-Wings captain (2016-2020) played seven seasons in Kalamazoo (2013-2020) before heading to Europe for the final two seasons of his playing career. The Calgary, Alberta native played 377 games as a defenseman in Kalamazoo, ranking him No. 11 in franchise history for games played. 

Wilson is now paired with assistant coach Kohl Schultz to assist Martin this coming season. 

“Thankful to be back for another year and working with the staff and players,” Wilson said. “I'm looking forward to feeling the energy that the K-Wings faithful bring again. Let’s make 2023-24 one to remember.”

The K-Wings will continue rounding out their roster this summer ahead of Training Camp in October. Kalamazoo’s ‘Home Opener’ kicks off the 2023-24 regular season on Saturday, October 21 versus Toledo Walleye at 7:00 p.m. EST at Wings Event Center. 

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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 Vancouver Canucks and the American Hockey League’s Abbotsford Canucks. Kalamazoo plays their 36 regular season home games at Wings Event Center from October through April.

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