FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 9, 2026

CANUCKS (AHL) RECALL DEFENSEMAN DEREK DASCHKE

Abbotsford (AHL) recalls Derek Daschke from Kalamazoo after 8-points in nine games played.

KALAMAZOO, MI – The Kalamazoo Wings, proud ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League’s Vancouver Canucks, announced Friday that the Abbotsford Canucks (AHL) have recalled the loan of defenseman Derek Daschke.

Daschke, 28, is a 6-foot 2-inch, 194-pound, Troy, MI native in his third pro season and returns to the Canucks (AHL) after scoring 8 points (5g, 3a) in 9 games played for the K-Wings this season. Daschke joined to the K-Wings after playing for Utah in the 2024-25 season, having amassed 17 goals and 39 assists in his 65 games played for the Grizzlies. Daschke has played eight games for the Canucks (AHL) this season. 

Last season with Utah, Daschke took home 2024-25 All-ECHL First Team honors, finishing No. 2 in the ECHL for defensive goals scored and defensive power play goals (9) and No. 3 in defensive points scored (56).

The left-shot played five seasons of collegiate hockey (NCAA) from 2018-2023 for Miami University (Ohio) and the University of Minnesota-Duluth (2022-23). Across his five seasons, Daschke logged 101 points (26g, 75a) in 170 games played.

Next up, the K-Wings return home for Canucks Night versus the Iowa Heartlanders (8-19-2-0), as we honor our NHL affiliate, the Vancouver Canucks, on Saturday, January 10, presented by Bell's! Puck drop is at 4:30 p.m. EST, presented by Discover Kalamazoo! 

The K-Wings will hit the ice in Canucks-inspired specialty jerseys, then auction them off post-game with proceeds benefiting the South County Firefighters Association. A night of hockey, hometown pride, and a touch of the Pacific Northwest!

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Celebrate love, pride, and hockey at our 5th Annual Rainbow Ice Night on Friday, January 16! The ice will shine bright, and so will the fans at Wings Event Center in a show of unity and support. Don’t miss this vibrant night of inclusion, celebration, and K-Wings hockey! Stick around post-game for the specialty jersey auction.

Take it easy on the wallet with the K-Wings Rainbow Ice Ticket Package! For just $89, you and your crew get four great seats (White or Blue level) to the exciting Rainbow Ice game plus a free game of bowling at Airway Fun Center, perfect for pre- or post-game fun. Even better: 10% of your purchase goes to support United Way of South Central Michigan, so you’re scoring big both on and off the ice. Don’t wait — this limited-time package brings fans together for thrilling hockey and good times!

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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.

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