ECHL team will host two free NHL STREET Hockey Camps this summer, with a significant investment towards the future

KALAMAZOO, MICH. (June 24, 2024) – The Kalamazoo Wings (K-Wings) today announced they are set to become the first professional hockey team to become an official NHL STREET operator. The K-Wings, the ECHL affiliate of the Vancouver Canucks, will be hosting two free NHL STREET Youth Camps in Kalamazoo, Mich., on Wednesday, July 17 and Wednesday, Aug. 14 for youth players ages 7-12. The K-Wings expect NHL STREET Leagues to begin the summer of 2025 and say this is the beginning of a growing investment in NHL STREET for local youth.

“The K-Wings are proud to partner with NHL STREET and provide viable access to our game for Kalamazoo’s children and families,” said Toni Will, Kalamazoo Wings General Manager and Governor. “We see the value in hockey year-round in Kalamazoo and are thrilled to provide this investment for local youth to have fun and grow the game. We’re excited to be the first ECHL team to work with this amazing organization.”

Launched in 2023, NHL STREET is the premier ball hockey experience designed to provide kids ages 6 to 16 years old and their families with the best of what youth sports can be: having fun, staying active, making friends and creating great memories. NHL STREET brings new style, energy and gameplay to the sport, offering families an affordable, neighborhood-based model that gives kids across North America an opportunity to learn and play hockey. A year later, NHL STREET has more than 100 league operators in the U.S. and Canada with more than 2,500 youth enjoying the game of street hockey, including in places where hockey has previously been unavailable.

“The Kalamazoo Wings’ integration of the NHL STREET program is a fantastic stride in expanding the reach and appeal of hockey, and a demonstration of the great things that happen when we collaborate in the hockey ecosystem,” said Kevin Westgarth, NHL Vice President of Hockey Development and Strategic Collaboration. “The enthusiasm and commitment shown by the K-Wings organization to take on this initiative highlights their dedication to community growth and youth engagement. We are incredibly excited about inspiring the next generation of hockey players and fans and to deepen the hockey connection in our communities.”

By partnering with RCX Sports, the leader in youth sports experiences, as well as local nonprofit organizations, the K-Wings are bringing the game to a new generation and breaking down barriers for youth athletes to get involved in sports.

“I’ve been passionate about bringing hockey to Kalamazoo’s intercity for many years,” said Joel Martin, Kalamazoo Wings Head Coach and Director of hockey operations. “I’m excited to introduce the game in the North Side of Kalamazoo with camps this summer, and just as excited to bring the game all over the city in the coming years.”

“At RCX Sports, our mission is to create the best youth sports experiences while also reducing the barriers to entry to ensure that every child can have access,” said Tom Garavaglia, Director of NHL STREET for RCX Sports. “We’re grateful to the K-Wings for their support and investment in the futures of local kids through these camps. We know sports have the power to change lives, and I’m excited to see the impact in Kalamazoo.”

In addition to the free camps, the K-Wings will organize an NHL STREET League later this year and plan to make the summer camps an annual occurrence. Both camps will take place at LaCrone Park in Kalamazoo on July 17 and August 14, 2024. Interested families can register for the camps at

www.kwings.com/nhlstreet.

For more information on the Kalamazoo Wings, visit kwings.com. For more information on NHL STREET, visit nhlstreet.com.

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ABOUT THE KALAMAZOO WINGS

The Kalamazoo Wings are a professional hockey team located in southwest Michigan that has 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 their 36 regular season home games at Wings Event Center from October through April.

ABOUT RCX SPORTS

RCX Sports is the premier youth sports experiences business, running and operating leagues, camps, combines, tournaments, and events. Working directly with professional leagues, national governing bodies, and sports-centric businesses, such as MLS, NFL, Jr. NBA, MLB, NHL, and NAIA, RCX is committed to improving the accessibility and inclusivity of sports by creating opportunities for all athletes to play. For more information, visit rcxsports.com.