K-Wings sign pair of rookie blueliners

KALAMAZOO, MIich. – The Kalamazoo Wings, ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League’s Vancouver Canucks, announced the addition of defensemen Matt VanVoorhis and James Vermeulento the 2019-20 roster.

VanVoorhis comes to Kalamazoo from Norway, where he spent his first two pro seasons with the Manglerud Star. The Edina, Minnesota Native posted 45 points (11g-34a) in 72 games from 2017-19 and added six assists in 11 playoff games.

The 26-year-old previously played four seasons at the University of Denver, winning a National Championship with the Pioneers as a senior in 2016-17.

Vermeulen begins his pro career after finishing at Northern Michigan University last March. The Spruce Grove, Alberta native had 19 points (3g-16a) in 124 college games for the Wildcats.

Prior to his time at NMU, the 23-year-old skated for the Whitecourt Wolverines in the Alberta Junior Hockey League, where he was an All-Star in 2014-15.