Askey signs to tend K-Zoo net

Goalie Tom Askey has signed a two-year contract with the Kalamazoo Wings.

The K-Wings’ new net protector joins the team after spending last year with Jokerit Helsinki (FNL). In his ten-year professional career, Askey has patrolled the creases of the top leagues in the world.

“Our goal this season is that same as last season, to win the Colonial Cup. To retain that kind of success you need a big-time goaltender,” said Wings' GM Paul Pickard. “All teams look for an experienced goaltender and with this signing we now have one.”

Askey was drafted by the Anaheim (Mighty) Ducks in the eighth round (186th overall) of the 1993 National Hockey League Entry Draft. The native of Tonawanda, New York put his pro career on hold to finish his collegiate career at Ohio State University. Askey’s NHL aspirations would become reality during the 1997-98 season, when he played in seven games for the Mighty Ducks.

Nine of Askey’s ten pro seasons have been played in either the International Hockey League or the American Hockey League. In the 2000-01 season, as a member of Rochester Americans, the netminder posted a 2.55 goals against average and earned the Harry (HAP) Holmes Memorial Award, given to the AHL goaltender with the lowest GAA.

“Tom has made a career decision to stay close to home with his family who live here in the Kalamazoo area,” said Pickard. “His character and leadership ability will definitely add to the nucleus we have already formed.”