Veteran defenseman Bushee back with K-Wings

KALAMAZOO, Mich -The Kalamazoo Wings have re-signed veteran defenseman Kyle Bushee to a contract for the 2017-18 season.

A native of Otsego, Mich., Bushee completed his ninth season of professional hockey last year in Kalamazoo. The 32-year-old skated in 56 games during the 2016-17 campaign, while registering 31 points (8g-23a). Offensively, Bushee’s goals, assists and points total marked the second-most productive season of his career. His +16 rating was a career-high mark, and earned him the Wings’ team award as the “Plus Performer of the Year.”

On Feb. 12, 2017, Bushee became the 38th player in ECHL history to play in 500 games. He ranks 30th all-time and seventh among American-born players with 524 ECHL games under his belt.

Since turning pro, Bushee has appeared in 582 contests, including 22 in the AHL with Portland, Manitoba, Norfolk, Binghamton, Utica and Adirondack. Over the course of his 10-year journey across three separate leagues, Bushee has amassed 218 career points (59g-159a).

Prior to his pro debut, Bushee appeared in 112 games with the Des Moines Buccaneers of the United States Hockey League and was a member of their 2006 Clark Cup championship team. He competed in 128 games at the collegiate ranks, split between Western Michigan University (2003-05) and Canisius College (2006-08).