Kalamazoo Names Wes O'Neill Captain, Sam Ftorek & Kory Karlander Assistant Captains

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Kalamazoo, MI- The Kalamazoo Wings, proud member of the ECHL, two-time defending North Division Champions, reigning Eastern Conference Champions and National Hockey League affiliate to the Vancouver Canucks and New Jersey Devils and American Hockey League's Albany Devils, announce its captains for the upcoming 2011-12 season, which begins this Saturday, October 15th at Wings Stadium versus the Cincinnati Cyclones.

Wearing the letters on this year's team, as they did a season ago, will be forwards Sam Ftorek, Kory Karlander, and defenseman Wes O'Neill.

"All three players have demonstrated not only last season, but throughout their careers that they possess the outstanding leadership qualities on and off the ice that helps mold a championship team," said Nick Bootland, director of hockey operations/head coach. "Our captains realize how close we were a season ago and know what we need to do to reach the Finals again."

A five-year pro, O'Neill will wear the "C" for the K-Wings. A former selection by the New York Islanders in the fourth round (115th overall) in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft, O'Neill is entering his second season with the K-Wings. Team captain for the K-Wings a season ago, O'Neill did play in 33 games in the American Hockey for the Bridgeport Sound Tigers, where he also served as the Sound Tigers assistant captain.

Assistant captains for the 2011-12 season will be Ftorek and Karlander. Ftorek, who is a 14-year veteran, is entering his third season with the K-Wings, while Karlander, who is entering his 17th season as a professional season, is returning for his seven season with Kalamazoo