Kalamazoo, MI- The Kalamazoo Wings, proud member of the ECHL, three-time defending North Division Champions and National Hockey League affiliate to the Vancouver Canucks, announce the completion of a trade with the Toledo Walleye for defenseman Kyle Page in return for future considerations. The K-Wings also announce the signing of Page, as well as defensemen Joe Charlebois (SHAR-la-bois) and Elgin Reid; per team policy, the terms of the contracts are undisclosed.

A four-year pro, Page has played the first three seasons of his professional career patrolling the blue line of the Walleye. The native of Wixom, Michigan was an assistant captain for Toledo a year ago, posting 14 points (2 goals, 12 assists) in 61 games. 

“Kyle’s ability to move the puck and his overall mobility makes him a great fit for our system,” said Nick Bootland, K-Wings director of hockey operations and head coach. “Watching him play against us for the past three seasons, we felt he was a player that could help us this season and, once he became available, we worked quickly to acquire him.”

A player with leadership qualities, Page was the Captain for his final two seasons at Bowling Green State University.  A member of the CCHA All-Rookie Team during the 2006-07 season, Page was also the Falcons Top Defensive Player in 2006-07, as well as the 2009-10 season. 

Doing what it takes to win, Page established a BGSU team record for blocked shots in a single-season knocking down 71 during the 2009-10 campaign.

Reuniting with Page will be Charlebois, who was a teammate of his for two seasons (2009-11) in Toledo. A four-year pro, Charlebois is the K-Wings two-time reigning Fifth-Third Bank Defenseman of the Year.   

A former sixth round (188^th overall) selection in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft of the Chicago Blackhawks, this season will be the third in a K-Wings jersey for Charlebois, who had 15 points (3 goals, 12 assists) in 52 regular season appearances for Kalamazoo.

Rewarded for his efforts last season, Charlebois received two call-ups to the AHL from the Manchester Monarchs and the Lake Erie Monsters.

“He (Charlebois) responded well for us in an expanded roll,” said Bootland. “Joe is not only a stable defenseman, but he is also a vital component of our penalty kill.”

Before turning pro, Charlebois played collegiate hockey at the University of New Hampshire. Charlebois was named Hockey East’s Best Defenseman during the 2007-08 season and had a team best “plus-26”. The defenseman was also a leader of UNH being selected team captain during his senior campaign (2008-09).

Adding an offensive touch to the back end, Reid returns for his second season in Kalamazoo. The five-year pro notched 27 points (9 goals, 18 assists) in 45 games for the K-Wings last year.  

Contributing in the postseason with six points (3 goals, 3 assists) in 11 appearances, Reid’s playoff run was cut short with an injury in game one of the Eastern Conference Finals.

One of the K-Wings biggest playoff highlights from last season was generated by Reid, when the defenseman scored two goals in a span of 14 seconds versus the South Carolina Stingrays in game two of the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals.  

“Elgin helps us create offense from the blue line and energizes our power-play,” said Bootland. “He is a difference maker in our lineup. If his unfortunate injury in the first period of the conference finals didn’t occur, it could have been a different series.”

While a majority of his career has been spent in the ECHL, Reid has also played in the AHL with the Albany River Rats and the Houston Aeros.  

Before turning pro, Reid played five seasons of Junior hockey in the Ontario Hockey League.

The addition of Page, Charlebois and Reid gives the K-Wings seven players signed for the upcoming 2012-13 season which will commence on Friday, October 12^th on the road against the Fort Wayne Komets. The K-Wings will begin the home portion of its schedule against the Komets a week later at Wings Stadium on Friday, October 19^th with a 7:30 p.m. face-off.

Also signed for this season are forwards Aaron Clarke and Kory Karlander, defenseman Sam Ftorek (fah-TORE-ick) and goaltender Joel Martin.

Season tickets for the upcoming 2012-2013 season are on sale at the Wings Stadium Ticket Office. Ticket Office hours are Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. For more information about tickets, give the Wings Stadium Ticket Office a call during regular business hours at (269) 345-5101.

For more information about the signing of Kyle Page, Joe Charlebois and Elgin Reid, please contact Mike Modugno, director of public relations and broadcaster at (269) 226-0384, extension 220.