FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 10, 2026

K-WINGS HONOR CANUCKS, DOWN HEARTLANDERS SATURDAY AT HOME

Kalamazoo holds off Iowa in another tight clash between the two teams. 

BOX SCORE

KALAMAZOO, MI – The Kalamazoo Wings (11-14-2-2), proud ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League’s Vancouver Canucks, regained the lead in the third and never let go to beat the Iowa Heartlanders (9-20-2-0) Saturday at Wings Event Center, 2-1.

After a scoreless first period, Ryan Cox (7) continued his hot streak with his third goal in his last four games, starting the scoring for the K-Wings at the 8:50 mark of the second period. On the play, Cox’s faceoff win kicked to Jayden Lee (10) above the right circle. Lee then sent the puck down to Andre Ghantous (11) at the goal line, who immediately fed Cox in the right circle for the tic-tac-toe goal.

Unfortunately, the Heartlanders knotted the game at one with just 22 seconds left in the second period. 

Andre Ghantous (7) broke the stalemate just 52 seconds into the third period. On the setup, Davis Pennington (10) passed to Collin Saccoman (5), who fired a bomb from downtown that ricocheted back to his feet. The captain then fed Ghantous on the left edge of the crease for the game-winning goal. 

Ty Young (4-1-0-0) was fantastic in net, making a season-high 34 saves, and the K-Wings went 1-for-1 on the penalty kill. 

Next up, Kalamazoo suits up for Marvel Day on Sunday, January 11, at 3:00 p.m., as the K-Wings run it back versus 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!

The Dark Side invades Wings Event Center on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 4:30 p.m., presented by Discover Kalamazoo, as the K-Wings battle the Toledo Walleye on Star Wars Night! Join the Resistance, wear your Jedi best, and get ready for an epic showdown in a galaxy not-so-far away.

--

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.

###