FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 13, 2026

K-WINGS FALL TO HEARTLANDERS FRIDAY

Kalamazoo keeps it tight until the third, as Iowa claims the middle tilt.   

BOX SCORE

KALAMAZOO, MI – The Kalamazoo Wings (19-19-3-3), proud ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League’s Vancouver Canucks, fell in the second of the three straight games against the Iowa Heartlanders (14-28-2-2) on Friday at Xtream Arena, 5-2.

The Heartlanders took the early advantage with a goal at the 1:37 mark of the first period. 

Nolan Walker (14) responded by tucking the puck inside the left post to even the score at the 14:04 mark. On the play, David Keefer (13) crossed a pass through the crease from right to left after Andre Ghantous (13) fed him on the rush, and Walker did the rest. 

Unfortunately, Iowa answered with a trio of goals, the first coming at the 16:17 mark of the first and the next two at the 4:46 & 8:07 marks of the third period. 

Josh Bloom (4) then narrowed the deficit with an iso snipe that banged against the right post and into the twine at the 14:49 mark. On the goal, Davis Pennington (23) sent a zone-to-zone pass to Zach Okabe (24), who quickly relayed to a firing Bloom from the left circle for the goal. 

The Heartlanders found an empty net, short-handed, tally with three seconds remaining in regulation to finalize a 5-2 score. 

Jonathan Lemieux (7-6-1-3) made 22 saves, and the K-Wings were 3-for-3 on the penalty kill. 

Next up, the K-Wings finish the three-game series in a Valentine's Day matchup against the Heartlanders (14-28-2-2) at 7 p.m. EST on Saturday, February 14, at Xtream Arena. 

Kalamazoo returns home for a $3 Friday as the K-Wings take on the Indy Fuel on Friday, February 20 at 7:00 p.m. EST. Enjoy $3 beers, sodas, and hot dogs until 8 p.m.—the perfect combo of hockey action and unbeatable deals!

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Grab your robes and wands, Wizards, Wands & Wings Night is back on Saturday, February 21, at Wings Event Center, presented by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Michigan! Puck drop is at 4:30 p.m., presented by Discover Kalamazoo. Get swept into a spellbinding night of hockey magic, complete with wizard-themed fun and fanfare. Stick around postgame for our Specialty Jersey Auction, with proceeds supporting BBBS Southwest Michigan. Whether you're Gryffin-scoring or Slyther-winning, this night is pure wizarding wonder on ice!

Our local first responders put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe. For that, we want to say, ‘Thank you.’ Join us to celebrate Kalamazoo’s finest on First Responders Night, honoring our local police officers, firefighters & EMTs at Wings Event Center. Plus, take advantage of the best food & drink deal in Kalamazoo via $3 Friday ($3 Beers, Sodas & Hot Dogs), presented by Bud Light.

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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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