Vancouver Canucks Organization Announce the Signing of Two Notre Dame University Standouts
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The Vancouver Canucks organization has announced the signing of two NCAA alumni, including a British Columbia native, for the upcoming 2025-26 season.
Later this week, the Vancouver Canucks will open up their training camp, marking the end of the National Hockey League's offseason and for the club's two affiliates, they're still putting the finishing touches on their respective rosters.
Earlier this month, the ECHL's Kalamazoo Wings made a couple of additions to their roster, which including the son of former NHLer Mike Knuble and on Monday, two more players were signed by the Michigan-based club, both of whom have NCAA experience.
Vancouver Canucks affiliate announces signing of two ex-NCAA clubs
In a press release on Monday morning, the Kalamazoo Wings announced the signing of former Notre Dame forward Hunter Strand and defenseman Ryan Helliwell to one-year contracts for the 2025-26 season.
"The Kalamazoo Wings, proud ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League's Vancouver Canucks, announced Monday that rookie forward Hunter Strand and rookie defenseman Ryan Helliwell have signed Standard Player Contracts (SPCs) for the 2025-26 season." the Wings said.
Strand and Helliwell both spent the last four seasons in the NCAA with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, registering 65 points in 151 games and 12 points in 113 games, respectively.
Before heading to the NCAA, Helliwell, a native of Vancouver, British Columbia, spent four seasons in the BCHL with the Langley Rivermen and Trail Smoke Eaters, while Strand went the USHL route, most notably suiting up for the Tri-City Storm.
"I can't wait to get started in Kalamazoo. I've heard great things and already met some amazing people. Looking forward to being a part of the Kalamazoo community and team." Strang said.
Helliwell added, "I'm extremely excited to join the Kalamazoo Wings. It's such a well-respected organization and a tremendous place to start my pro career. Can't wait to get going."
Helliwell added, "I'm extremely excited to join the Kalamazoo Wings. It's such a well-respected organization and a tremendous place to start my pro career. Can't wait to get going."
The Kalamazoo Wings will open up the 2025-26 ECHL season on Friday, October 10th against the Toledo Walleye.
Source: Kalamazoo Wings
K-WINGS ADD IRISH ROOKIE PAIR IN STRAND & HELLIWELL FOR 2025-26
K-WINGS ADD IRISH ROOKIE PAIR IN STRAND & HELLIWELL FOR 2025-26
Previously on CanucksDaily
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 15 | 563 ANSWERS Vancouver Canucks Organization Announce the Signing of Two Notre Dame University Standouts Which player do you think will have a bigger impact on the Kalamazoo Wings this season? | ||
| Hunter Strand | 276 | 49 % |
| Ryan Helliwell | 287 | 51 % |
| List of polls | ||
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