FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 6, 2026

CANUCKS (AHL) RECALL FORWARD ZACH OKABE

Abbotsford recalls forward Zach Okabe from Kalamazoo.

KALAMAZOO, MI – The Kalamazoo Wings, proud ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League’s Vancouver Canucks, announced Tuesday that the Abbotsford Canucks (AHL) have recalled the loan of second-year forward Zach Okabe from Kalamazoo.

Okabe, 25, is a 5-foot 9-inch, 170-pound, Okotoks, Alberta native with 21 points (7g-14a) in 24 games played this season. Last season, Okabe led all K-Wings in points scored (41) as a rookie (19g-22a) in 72 games for the K-Wings. The forward made his professional debut with Cleveland (AHL) during the 2023-24 season, scoring two goals and adding one assist in 10 games, including one playoff appearance. 

The second-year pro played five seasons at St. Cloud State University (2019-24), scoring 52 goals with 67 assists in 176 games. Okabe served as alternate captain in his final season for the Huskies (2023-24) and is an NCAA (NCHC) Tournament champion (2022-23).

Next up, the K-Wings hit the road for a midweek clash against the Bloomington Bison (14-11-2-2) on Wednesday, January 7, at 8 p.m. EST at Grossinger Motors Arena. 

The K-Wings return home for Canucks Night 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., 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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Suit up for Marvel Day on Saturday, January 11, at 3:00 p.m., as the K-Wings take on the Iowa Heartlanders! From super plays to heroic saves, it's an action-packed afternoon where hockey meets the Marvel Universe. Assemble your squad—it’s game time!

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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