WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
KALAMAZOO – The Kalamazoo Wings may be headed to the ECHL Kelly Cup Playoffs, but after the regular season concluded on Saturday night following a 4-0 playoff clinching victory over the Toledo Walleye, the team handed out their end of year awards.
The Most Valuable Player Award was given to goaltender Joel Martin. Martin, 33, had a career year for the K-Wings. In his seventh year with the team and 14th as a pro, Martin led the ECHL in saves (2084), minutes played (3,777) and wins (36). Martin also had three shutouts, including Saturday night, on the season. In addition, Martin moved up from 12th to fifth on the ECHL all-time wins list for goaltenders and became the K-Wings all-time wins leader as a goaltender. Martin was also named as Goaltender of the Week last week for his ECHL-record setting eighth time.
Anton Cederholm was named as the “+/-“Award winner and the Most Improved Player. In 69 games this season, the defenseman scored three goals and added 14 assists and had a plus/minus of +17.
The Unsung Hero Award was given to Lane Scheidl. Scheidl played in all 72 of the K-Wings regular season games and scored 17 goals and notched 25 assists.
Cory Pritz earned Rookie of the Year honors. The 28 year old Pritz scored three goals and 29 assists in 57 games
The Defenseman of the Year Award was given to Ben Wilson and the Sportsmanship Award was presented to defenseman Brett Ponich.
Eric Kattelus was presented with the Community Service Award and Justin Taylor was named as the Most Popular Player, as voted by the fans.
By: Mark C. McGlothlen
