FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 24, 2025

K-WINGS SIGN ROOKIE DEFENSEMAN ORLANDO MAINOLFI, ADD TWO PLAYERS ON PTO

K-Wings add depth with signings of defensemen Orlando Mainolfi, Ben Schultheis, and forward Jack Jaunich.

KALAMAZOO, MI – The Kalamazoo Wings, proud ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League’s Vancouver Canucks, announced Wednesday that rookie defenseman Orlando Mainolfi has signed a Standard Player Contract (SPC). The team has also signed rookie defenseman Ben Schultheis and rookie forward Jack Jaunich to Player Tryout Contracts (PTO) for the 2025-26 season.

Mainolfi, 25, is a 6-foot-1, 194-pound Richmond Hill, ON native who is primed to make his professional debut after skating in 25 games for Acadia University last season, charting three goals and four assists.

“Starting my pro career with Kalamazoo is something I’m really looking forward to,” Mainolfi said. “I’ve heard positive things about the organization, the staff, and the incredible support from the fan base. Kalamazoo is a real hockey town, and I’m excited to experience that firsthand.”

The rookie defenseman played four collegiate seasons with the Axemen (2021-25), appearing in 88 games, totaling four goals and seven assists. 

Schultheis, 25, is a 6-foot-3, 205-pound, Mount Juliet, TN native heading into his first professional season out of Utica University, notching 12 points (3g-9a) in 30 games last season. The defenseman also played four years for Ferris State (2020-2024), with a career 18 points (1g-17a) in 107 games played. 

Jaunich, 27, is a 6-foot, 181-pound White Bear Lake, MN native who looks to finish his first pro season after joining the Savannah Ghost Pirates for three games at the end of the 2022-23 season. Over the past two seasons (2023-25), Jaunich emerged as a key offensive contributor for the Huntsville Havoc (SPHL), amassing 80 points (36g-44a) in 105 games played.

The forward played collegiately at Aurora University (2019-2023), scoring 96 points (39g-57a) in 93 games played. Jaunich was named NCAA III (AHCA) Second Team All-American (West), NCAA III (All-USCHO) Second Team and NCAA III (NCHA) All-Conference in his final season with the Spartans (2022-23). 

The K-Wings will continue announcing signings weekly, leading up to their home opener on October 18 against the Fort Wayne Komets at Wings Event Center.

--

Single-game tickets for the 2025-26 season are available NOW! Head to kwings.com to check out this season’s epic promotional schedule and secure your tickets today. 

GRAB A 6-PACK!!! Your K-Wings started the Colored Ice game in pro hockey, and we’re giving you the opportunity to witness it in person at a price the whole family can afford! Click here to get tickets to all six of our painted ice events in 2025-26 WITH PERKS!

Season Tickets for 2025-26 are available NOW. Click here to join the ranks of the High Flyers and catch all the action next season with all the perks!

--

The Kalamazoo Wings are a professional hockey team based in southwest Michigan, having 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 its 36 regular-season home games at Wings Event Center from October through April.

###