K-Wings sign defenseman Jutzi

KALAMAZOO, Mich. — The Kalamazoo Wings, ECHL affiliate of the Vancouver Canucks, have signed second-year defenseman Jon Jutzifor the 2017-18 season.

Jutzi is coming off a strong rookie campaign in which he appeared in 45 games with the Orlando Solar Bears, earning 14 points (2g-12a) and a +20 rating. The native of Tavistock, Ontario, was assigned to the Solar Bears from the Toronto Marlies of the American Hockey League, who signed him to an AHL contract before the season kicked off.

The 26-year-old made his professional debut in 2016 with the AHL's Manitoba Moose and appeared in six games once his collegiate career at Minnesota State University-Mankato, came to a close.

During his four-year stint with the Mavericks, Jutzi skated in 144 games and earned 44 points (9g-35a). He was an alternate captain during his senior year and earned a reputation as a steady blueliner by blocking 166 shots during his stay. He was also named to the WCHA All-Academic team for three consecutive seasons (2013-16).

Prior to college, Jutzi appeared in 213 career junior games with the Elmira Sugar Kings (GOJHL) and the Powell River Kings (BCHL), where he racked up 121 points (36g-85a).