College teammates Strand, Helliwell ink deals with K-Wings

Action photos of Hunter Starnd and Ryan Helliwell

KALAMAZOO, Mich. – The Kalamazoo Wings, ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League’s Vancouver Canucks, announced that rookie forward Hunter Strand and rookie defenseman Ryan Helliwell have signed contracts for the 2025–26 season.

Strand, 22, posted 16 points (8g-8a) in 38 games last season at Notre Dame. Across four seasons with the Fighting Irish, he tallied 65 points (25g-40a) in 151 games. Throughout his collegiate career, Strand was honored with three Academic All-Big Ten awards (2023-25) as well as the 2024 Big Ten Sportsmanship Award. Strand never missed a game from sophomore year on, skating in 111 straight games for the Fighting Irish.

Helliwell, 23, recorded 12 points (2g-10a) in 113 games (2g-10a) over four years with Notre Dame. He scored a career high seven points (1g-6a) in 37 games for the Irish last season. In a shootout victory against Penn State on Jan. 3, 2025, Helliwell scored the game-winning goal at Wrigley Field, securing a conference point for the Fighting Irish in the touted outdoor game. Before playing at Notre Dame, Helliwell spent three seasons with the Trail Smoke Eaters in the British Columbia Hockey League, totaling 46 points (10g-36a) in 113 games.