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The Kalamazoo Wings, proud member of the ECHL, announce they have agreed to terms with forwards Rick Cleaver, Bryan Jurynec (jer-NICK) and Trent Daavettila (daav-UH-tell-uh) for the upcoming 2009-10 season; per team policy, the terms of the contracts will be undisclosed.
A versatile forward, Cleaver brings speed and scoring to the K-Wings lineup. One of K-Wings premiere signings a year ago, Cleaver started last season in the ECHL with the Phoenix Roadrunners, where he was coached by former K-Wing Brad Church. Cleaver also participated in the 2008 San Jose Sharks Prospect Tournament in Las Vegas, Nevada and attended training camp with the Sharks' AHL affiliate, the Worcester Sharks.
Well decorated in his inaugural pro season, Cleaver earned recognition from the International Hockey League by receiving a selection to their All-Rookie Team and proclaimed their Aquafina Rookie of the Year. Celebrated by his hometown fans, Cleaver also received the K-Wings' Centennial Wireless Rookie of the Year and Otten Trophies Star of the Game Award.
"He (Cleaver) was one of our most dependable and best all-around players," said Wade Welsh, general manager. "Entering his second season, we expect Rick to continue his development as a player and reach his full potential."
The native of Port McNeill, British Columbia led all first-year players with 61 points and also led all rookies with 27 goals and 34 assists.
A pillar of consistency, Cleaver went on a four-game point and goal streak from 12/29/08-01/03/09. Later in the season, Cleaver would surpass his efforts with an eight-game point streak from 03/17/09-04/03/09.
In college, Cleaver was a two-time ECAC East Player of the Year award winner at Norwich University (VT). He last captured the honor two seasons ago during his senior year, recording 31 goals and 50 points in 28 games. Cleaver helped the Cadets to a 23-7-0 mark and a spot in the NCAA Division III Frozen Four.
Entering his second season in Kalamazoo, Bryan Jurynec has already established himself as a fan-favorite by finding a few roles for himself. The native of Orland Park, Illinois had 14 majors last year, which placed him second amongst all IHL rookies. More impressive was Jurynec's defensive ability which garnered him time on the K-Wings' penalty kill.
Before an injury kept him out the later half of the season, Jurynec saw action in 53 games. Bryan recorded his first pro point on an assist on 11/01/08 versus the Muskegon Lumberjacks. Jurynec recorded his first pro goal a few weeks later on 11/14/08 versus the Flint Generals. Bryan went on a personal-high four-game point streak from 12/27/08-01/02/09. Capping off a productive first year as a pro, Jurynec received the K-Wings' Booster Club Appreciation Award and Kalsee Credit Union Unsung Hero.
"Bryan (Jurynec) is a player that every organization would love to have. He will do whatever it takes every night to help his team win," said Welsh. "Battling through some injuries last year, we (K-Wings) are excited to see what a healthy Bryan Jurynec will be able to accomplish on the ice."
Prior to turning pro, Jurynec was a four-year standout at American International College (MA) and was the captain for the Yellow Jackets during his senior season. In 126 NCAA games, Jurynec racked up 48 points (16 goals and 32 assist) and was a four-time Atlantic Hockey all-academic selection.
Receiving national coverage from The Hockey News, the story of forward Trent Daavettila maybe one of the top hockey stories from last season. Daavettila spent a majority of the last year looking to break in to professional hockey playing adult league hockey in his hometown of Howell, Michigan. When his opportunity knocked in March with the K-Wings, Daavettila made the most of it earning nearly a point-a-night. Daavettila, who joined the K-Wings on March 4th, racked up 18 points (9 goal, 9 assists) in Kalamazoo's final 20 games of the season.
Daavettila recorded the first goal of his professional career on 03/06/09 versus the Flint Generals. Trent went on a four-game multiple point streaks from 03/06/09-03/11/09 and 04/04/09-04/10/09.
"Trent (Daavettila) possesses the type speed and agility that is made for the ECHL," said Welsh. "Seeing Trent for only 20 games, he's another player that we have only scratched the surface of when it comes to his potential."
Daavettila's season actually began last week when he participated in the New York Rangers Prospect Development Camp at the Madison Square Garden Training Center. The rookie forward was one of 26 players that attended the week-long camp.
Cleaver, Jurynec and Daavettila are the first three signings for the upcoming 2009-10 season, which will commence on the road Thursday, October 15th against the Reading Royals.
Kalamazoo will open up the home portion of their schedule on Saturday, October 24th versus Reading with a 7:30 p.m. face-off at Wings Stadium.
Season tickets for the upcoming 2009-2010 season of K-Wings hockey are currently on sale at the Wings Stadium Ticket Office during their regular business hours of 9 a.m.-4p.m. or by calling (269) 345-5101. Fans can save 15% on their season tickets by paying for their seats in full by October 1st.
A versatile forward, Cleaver brings speed and scoring to the K-Wings lineup. One of K-Wings premiere signings a year ago, Cleaver started last season in the ECHL with the Phoenix Roadrunners, where he was coached by former K-Wing Brad Church. Cleaver also participated in the 2008 San Jose Sharks Prospect Tournament in Las Vegas, Nevada and attended training camp with the Sharks' AHL affiliate, the Worcester Sharks.
Well decorated in his inaugural pro season, Cleaver earned recognition from the International Hockey League by receiving a selection to their All-Rookie Team and proclaimed their Aquafina Rookie of the Year. Celebrated by his hometown fans, Cleaver also received the K-Wings' Centennial Wireless Rookie of the Year and Otten Trophies Star of the Game Award.
"He (Cleaver) was one of our most dependable and best all-around players," said Wade Welsh, general manager. "Entering his second season, we expect Rick to continue his development as a player and reach his full potential."
The native of Port McNeill, British Columbia led all first-year players with 61 points and also led all rookies with 27 goals and 34 assists.
A pillar of consistency, Cleaver went on a four-game point and goal streak from 12/29/08-01/03/09. Later in the season, Cleaver would surpass his efforts with an eight-game point streak from 03/17/09-04/03/09.
In college, Cleaver was a two-time ECAC East Player of the Year award winner at Norwich University (VT). He last captured the honor two seasons ago during his senior year, recording 31 goals and 50 points in 28 games. Cleaver helped the Cadets to a 23-7-0 mark and a spot in the NCAA Division III Frozen Four.
Entering his second season in Kalamazoo, Bryan Jurynec has already established himself as a fan-favorite by finding a few roles for himself. The native of Orland Park, Illinois had 14 majors last year, which placed him second amongst all IHL rookies. More impressive was Jurynec's defensive ability which garnered him time on the K-Wings' penalty kill.
Before an injury kept him out the later half of the season, Jurynec saw action in 53 games. Bryan recorded his first pro point on an assist on 11/01/08 versus the Muskegon Lumberjacks. Jurynec recorded his first pro goal a few weeks later on 11/14/08 versus the Flint Generals. Bryan went on a personal-high four-game point streak from 12/27/08-01/02/09. Capping off a productive first year as a pro, Jurynec received the K-Wings' Booster Club Appreciation Award and Kalsee Credit Union Unsung Hero.
"Bryan (Jurynec) is a player that every organization would love to have. He will do whatever it takes every night to help his team win," said Welsh. "Battling through some injuries last year, we (K-Wings) are excited to see what a healthy Bryan Jurynec will be able to accomplish on the ice."
Prior to turning pro, Jurynec was a four-year standout at American International College (MA) and was the captain for the Yellow Jackets during his senior season. In 126 NCAA games, Jurynec racked up 48 points (16 goals and 32 assist) and was a four-time Atlantic Hockey all-academic selection.
Receiving national coverage from The Hockey News, the story of forward Trent Daavettila maybe one of the top hockey stories from last season. Daavettila spent a majority of the last year looking to break in to professional hockey playing adult league hockey in his hometown of Howell, Michigan. When his opportunity knocked in March with the K-Wings, Daavettila made the most of it earning nearly a point-a-night. Daavettila, who joined the K-Wings on March 4th, racked up 18 points (9 goal, 9 assists) in Kalamazoo's final 20 games of the season.
Daavettila recorded the first goal of his professional career on 03/06/09 versus the Flint Generals. Trent went on a four-game multiple point streaks from 03/06/09-03/11/09 and 04/04/09-04/10/09.
"Trent (Daavettila) possesses the type speed and agility that is made for the ECHL," said Welsh. "Seeing Trent for only 20 games, he's another player that we have only scratched the surface of when it comes to his potential."
Daavettila's season actually began last week when he participated in the New York Rangers Prospect Development Camp at the Madison Square Garden Training Center. The rookie forward was one of 26 players that attended the week-long camp.
Cleaver, Jurynec and Daavettila are the first three signings for the upcoming 2009-10 season, which will commence on the road Thursday, October 15th against the Reading Royals.
Kalamazoo will open up the home portion of their schedule on Saturday, October 24th versus Reading with a 7:30 p.m. face-off at Wings Stadium.
Season tickets for the upcoming 2009-2010 season of K-Wings hockey are currently on sale at the Wings Stadium Ticket Office during their regular business hours of 9 a.m.-4p.m. or by calling (269) 345-5101. Fans can save 15% on their season tickets by paying for their seats in full by October 1st.
