History/Alumni

Team History

History

Not only does Kalamazoo hold a strong tradition of professional hockey-the K-Wings, in various leagues, have played at Wings Stadium since 1974-it also has a long and storied history in the NAHL.

The last time southwest Michigan had a junior program of its own was 1988-94. During the 1988-89 season, the team was named the West Michigan Wolves. Following the completion of their inaugural season, the Wolves donned the moniker of the Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings because the K-Wings brand is interwoven into the fabric of the community of southwest Michigan. 

Paul Pickard was the owner, general manager and head coach of the original Jr. K-Wings team that was also a member of the NAHL. Under the direction of Pickard, the Jr. K-Wings in their six-year existence (1988-94) earned a record of 137-86-25-1-0 and hoisted the Robertson Cup on two separate occasions (1991, 1993).

Even more impressive than the two championships, the original Jr. K-Wings’ developed over 50 players for Division I hockey and three NHL draftees in the six seasons they were in the NAHL.

Junior K-Wings graduate, Mike Knuble, played four years at the University of Michigan before embarking on a lengthy career in the NHL. He's currently in his second season with the Washington Capitals.