K-Wings add veteran defenseman Jeff Brown

The Kalamazoo Wings have completed a trade with the Bloomington PrairieThunder.

The Wings received veteran defenseman Jeff Brown and a player to be named later in return for the rights to forward Tyler Rennette.

“Championships are won with strong defense and Jeff Brown definitely strengthens our blueline,” said K-Wings' GM Paul Pickard. “Brown has played in the American Hockey League as well as Europe and we are excited to have Jeff and his family here in Kalamazoo.”

The veteran brings nine years of professional experience to Kalamazoo. Brown, who was the first round pick (22nd overall pick) of the New York Rangers in 1996, spent last season in the UHL with both the Missouri River Otters and Port Huron Flags.

The native of Mississauga, Ontario was acquired by Bloomington during the league’s dispersal draft in June.

Brown’s resume includes four years of Major Junior A hockey in the Ontario Hockey League, as well as international experience. During the 1998-99 season, Brown represented his country by playing for Team Canada.