Kalamazoo, MI- The Kalamazoo Wings, proud member of the ECHL, announce they have agreed to terms with defenseman/forward Sam Ftorek (fuh-TORE-ick) for the upcoming 2009-10 season; per team policy, the terms of the contract will be undisclosed.
Whether at forward or at defense, Ftorek has had a productive 12-year career. The native of Wolfeboro, New Hampshire will join the K-Wings after spending last season in the Central Hockey League with the Amarillo Gorillas.
Primarily used as a defenseman last year, Ftorek enjoyed is best season as a professional recording 65 points (20 goals, 45 assists) for the Gorillas.
“His (Ftorek) versatility to give us production as a forward or at the blue line is a major attribute,” said Wade Welsh, vice president/general manager. “With the ability to only have four veterans (260 games played, excluding goaltenders); we need our vets to play a pivotal role on and off the ice.”
Familiar with the ECHL, Ftorek has spent half of his career in the Premiere ‘AA’ Hockey League, most recently with the Cincinnati Cyclones during the 2006-07 season.
In his career, Ftorek has registered 425 points (183 goals, 242 assists) in 641 games and has played in the American Hockey League and the top leagues in Europe.
Coming from an excellent pedigree, Ftorek is the son of Robbie Ftorek, who played eight seasons in the National Hockey League with the Detroit Red Wings (2), Quebec Nordiques (3) and New York Rangers (3). The elder Ftorek also possesses an impressive coaching resume with 21 years experience, 10 of which in the NHL.
The addition of Ftorek gives the K-Wings eight players signed for the upcoming 2009-10 season, which will commence on the road Thursday, October 15th against the Reading Royals. Also signed for next season are forwards Rick Cleaver, Trent Daavettila, Andrew Fournier, Bryan Jurynec and Anton Kharin, as well as defenseman Devin Featherstone and Jon Landry.
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.
For more information regarding the signing of Sam Ftorek, please contact Mike Modugno, director of public relations and broadcaster at (269) 349-9772, extension 220.
-www.kwings.com-
