FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 7, 2025

K-WINGS ZACH OKABE NAMED 2026 ECHL ALL-STAR

Roster announced for 2026 Warrior/ECHL All-Star Classic presented by Visit Allen and Allen CDC

KALAMAZOO, MI – The Kalmazoo Wings, proud ECHL affiliate of the Vancouver Canucks, announced Tuesday that K-Wings second-year forward Zach Okabe has been named to the 2026 Warrior / ECHL All-Star Classic presented by Visit Allen, Texas and Allen CDC, to be hosted by the Allen Americans on Monday, Jan. 19 at 6:00 p.m. CT at Credit Union of Texas Event Center.

Okabe, 25, is a 5-foot 9-inch, 170-pound, Okotoks, Alberta native with 21 points (7g,14a,+8) in 24 games played this season and is currently called up to the Abbotsford Canucks (AHL)

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. 

There have been 75 players from the ECHL All-Star Game who have gone on to play in the National Hockey League, including 59 since 2002. 

The 2026 Warrior / ECHL Classic presented by Visit Allen, Texas, and Allen CDC will consist of players from the Allen Americans being combined with the ECHL All-Stars to form two teams - Stars and Stripes. A draft will take place leading up to the All-Star Classic to choose the two teams. CLICK HERE to purchase your tickets today!

* The ECHL All-Stars were determined in a vote of coaches, team captains, media relations directors, broadcasters, and members of the media.

2026 ECHL All-Stars

Goaltenders

• Samuel Jonsson, Fort Wayne Komets
• TJ Semptimphelter, Atlanta Gladiators
• Arsenii Sergeev, Rapid City Rush
• Henrik Tikkanen, Worcester Railers

Defensemen

• Noah Beck, Wichita Thunder
• Dennis Cesana, Savannah Ghost Pirates
• Marcus Crawford, Kansas City Mavericks
• Aidan Fulp, Jacksonville Icemen
• Brent Johnson, Wheeling Nailers
• Jake Johnson, Cincinnati Cyclones
• Charles Martin, Trois-Rivières Lions
• Riley McCourt, Toledo Walleye
• Ben Zloty, Norfolk Admirals

Forwards

• Easton Armstrong, Tulsa Oilers
• Danny Dzhaniyev, Utah Grizzlies
• Brendan Hoffmann, Idaho Steelheads
• Kyle Jackson, Bloomington Bison
• Brooklyn Kalmikov, Maine Mariners
• Spencer Kersten, Orlando Solar Bears
• Kyler Kupka, South Carolina Stingrays
• Ethan Leyh, Greensboro Gargoyles
• Kevin Lombardi, Indy Fuel
• Brannon McManus, Adirondack Thunder
• Jack O’Brien, Atlanta Gladiators (NOTE: was traded to Atlanta by Iowa after roster was determined)
• Zach Okabe, Kalamazoo Wings
• Massimo Rizzo, Reading Royals
• Anthony Romano, Florida Everblades
• Carter Savoie, Greenville Swamp Rabbits (NOTE: signed in Europe after roster was determined)
• Sloan Stanick, Tahoe Knight Monsters

Highlighting Fan Fest will be an appearance from Hockey Hall of Famer Mike Modano, who will sign autographs and pose for photographs from 1-3 p.m. Fan Fest will also feature interactive games, live music, celebrity autographs and more. CLICK HERE to purchase tickets.

The 2026 Warrior /ECHL All-Star Classic presented by Visit Allen, Texas and Allen CDC will include the induction of the 18th class into the ECHL Hall of Fame on Monday, January 19, 2026, at the Courtyard by Marriott Dallas/Allen at the Event Center, the official host hotel of the 2026 Warrior/ECHL All-Star Classic.

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About the Kalamazoo Wings

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.

About the ECHL

Formed in 1988-89 with five teams in four states, the ECHL has grown into a coast-to-coast league with 30 teams in 23 states and one Canadian province for its 38th season in 2025-26. There have been 776 players who have gone on to play in the National Hockey League after starting their careers in the ECHL, including eight who have made their NHL debuts in the 2025-26 season . The ECHL has affiliations with 30 of the 32 NHL teams in 2025-26, marking the 28th 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.

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