FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 15, 2024

K-WINGS' KOHL SCHULTZ NAMED BELLEVUE UNIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT

Kalamazoo Assistant Coach Kohl Schultz one of five to receive higher education boost from Bellevue University.

SHEWSBURY, N.J. – The ECHL announced on Thursday that Kalamazoo assistant coach Kohl Schultz has been named to the third class of recipients of scholarships through Bellevue University, the Official Higher Education Partner of the ECHL.

As part of the recently extended partnership, all ECHL players, officials, staff and employees were eligible to apply for a scholarship to start or finish a bachelor’s or graduate degree program of their choice at Bellevue University.

The 2023-24 class of scholarship recipients includes:

• Colton Kehler, Player - Idaho Steelheads (Undergraduate Degree)
• Josh McKechney, Player - Greenville Swamp Rabbits (Graduate Degree)
• Evan Reddick, Referee - ECHL (Graduate Degree)
• Kohl Schultz, Assistant Coach - Kalamazoo Wings (Graduate Degree)
• Trevor Wohlford, Referee - ECHL (Undergraduate Degree)

“The opportunity to award our players, coaches, officials and front office personnel a Scholarship opportunity through Bellevue University to further their academic career is a key component of development in our League,” said ECHL Commissioner Ryan Crelin. “The ECHL/Bellevue partnership offers a unique benefit to our personnel to allow them to grow their careers concurrently both on and off the ice through their versatile online programs and prepare for their future."

“Kohl represents the best of our organization, and we couldn’t be more thrilled for him to attain his dream of earning his Masters Degree,” said Toni Will, Kalamazoo Wings general manager and governor. 

“Working with the ECHL is powerful.  The individual aspirations of these players and sports professionals are being met on the ice and in the classroom,” said Bellevue University President Mary Hawkins. “We look forward to this ECHL class joining our diverse community of learners and furthering their education with Bellevue University.”

About the Kalamazoo Wings

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.

About the ECHL

Formed in 1988-89 with five teams in four states, the ECHL has grown into a coast-to-coast league with 28 teams in 20 states and two Canadian provinces for its 36th season in 2023-24. There have been 745 players who have gone on to play in the National Hockey League after starting their careers in the ECHL, including five who have made their NHL debuts in the 2023-24 season. The ECHL has affiliations with 28 of the 32 NHL teams in 2023-24, marking the 27th consecutive season that the league has affiliations with at least 20 teams in the NHL. Further information on the ECHL is available on its website at ECHL.com.

About Bellevue University

Founded in 1966, Bellevue University is a non-profit university with over 60,000 graduates worldwide. The University is a recognized national leader in preparing students for lifelong success with career-relevant knowledge and skills, while making college affordable. Routinely ranked among the nation’s top military and accessible institutions, the University serves residential students at its main campus in Bellevue, Nebraska, and everyone online with more than 80 degree programs uniquely designed for working adults. The University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org).

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