Kalamazoo Times

Defenseman/forward Eric Kattelus rejoined the Kalamazoo Wings in February to assist the ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s Columbus Blue Jackets in its quest for a playoff berth.

The 34-year-old Kattelus returned for his 10th season with the K-Wings, for whom he collected 287 points in 418 games, according to a team-issued press release.

Head coach Nick Bootland said the K-Wings’ familiarity with the Houghton, Michigan native is strong.

“We know how he fits in character wise,” Bootland said on the team’s website. “We know how he fits in compete wise, and we know how badly he wants to win. So, adding a component like him in February is a huge deal for us."

As for the veteran utility man, it’s essentially a full-circle moment for him.

“There’s absolutely no other team I’d consider playing for,” Kattelus said in the release. “Kalamazoo is where I started my career, and where I want to finish it. I’m truly going to enjoy every moment.”

The 6-foot-1, 194-pound Kattelus is a multiple entry in the K-Wings’ annals as he’s ranked sixth in franchise history for games played with 418, eighth in assists and 12th in total points, according to the team’s website.

He first skated for Kalamazoo in the 2011-2012 season, which was his first full professional season after appearing in 25 games for the Cincinnati Cyclones the season before.

Kattelus played collegiate hockey at Michigan Tech, as well as logged 45 games in a two-season span with the American Hockey League’s Chicago Wolves from 2012 to 2014.