Kindle to get UHL homecoming tonight

Tyler Kindle is coming home as the Kalamazoo Wings signed the 29-year-old defenseman today.

Whether as a collegiate or now as a professional, the Portage native has felt at home on the blue line. A four-year pro, Kindle will have a homecoming Friday night, as he joins the K-Wings when they host the Muskegon Fury for a 7:30 p.m. faceoff at Wings Stadium.

Kindle comes to Kalamazoo after dividing this season between the Fresno Falcons and Reading Royals (ECHL). Tyler’s entire four-year career has been spent in the ECHL, where he averaged 31.5 points a season at the point.

“His integrity, team commitment and ability will make us better down the stretch,” said Wings' GM Paul Pickard. “He gives us a quarterback for our power play, which is something we have lacked this year.”

Kindle split his rookie season in 2003-04 with the Cincinnati Cyclones, Trenton Titans and Pensacola IcePilots. In 2004-05, Kindle spent the entire season with the Pee Dee Pride, leading the team with a +9 rating, and finishing tied for 17th among ECHL defensemen in scoring.

Remaining in state for college, Kindle played collegiate hockey at Wayne State University, missing only one game in his four-year career and graduated as the school’s all-time leader among defensemen in goals (29), assists (69) and points (98).