Kalamazoo press release:
Adding to their bench staff on Monday afternoon, the Kalamazoo Wings named Colin Chaulk assistant coach.
Chaulk, who replaces Josh Harrold in the same role, is very familiar to Wings Stadium. For seven seasons, including last year, Chaulk made many visits to Wings Stadium as a member of the K-Wings biggest rival, the Fort Wayne Komets.
Chaulk, who spent 10 of his 15 professional seasons in Fort Wayne, announced his retirement in April. In his 909 game career, Chaulk played in the top leagues in both North America and Europe, including the original International Hockey League and the American Hockey League.
“As a player, Colin has shown that he knows how to win championships and has done so in a leadership role,” said general manager Jim Burlew. “Competing on the ice for 15 years professionally, Colin is a proven winner and leader, and while his playing days have concluded, he has plenty of knowledge and passion for the sport of hockey that he now will pass on to our players.
Being a part of championship teams is something that Chaulk is no stranger to. In his career, Chaulk has helped hoist six championships, all with the Komets, the last occurring just two seasons ago.
While the native of Toronto, Ontario has always showed a knack for scoring, it is his defensive awareness that garnered the attention of the K-Wings.
“After he (Colin) announced his retirement, we (K-Wings) pursued him for this role because of all the intangibles he brings,” said director of hockey operations/head coach Nick Bootland. “Colin has always been a student of the game, which is evident with the accolades he has earned as a top defensive-forward many times throughout his career.”
Chaulk joins Bootland, who is returning for his fifth season behind the K-Wings bench. In his career, Bootland has posted a record of 198-129-37 (64.7%) and has guided Kalamazoo to three ECHL North Division crowns, two appearances in the Eastern Conference Finals and a trip to the Kelly Cup Finals.
