Last Season's K-Wings MVP Chad Alban is Set to Return Between the
Pipes

Kalamazoo, MI- The Kalamazoo Wings of the United Hockey League
announce the signing of goaltender Chad Alban for the upcoming 2003-
2004 season, per team policy, the terms of the contract will be
undisclosed.

In Chad's first season in Kalamazoo, he proved to be a human
highlight reel. The Kalamazoo native's season started during training
camp, when he scored a perfect 21 out of 21 in a physical fitness
that is similar to ones used in the NHL. Alban's success carried into
the regular season, where he earned the UHL's Sher-Wood Goaltender of
the Week twice last year.

Alban was 4th in the UHL in both saves (1502) and minutes (3084).
Chad also proved to be an "ironman" for the K-Wings as he appeared in
38 straight games between the pipes, including 37 straight starts.

The 5-9 netminder finished the season with a record of 21-25-5, a
goals against average of 3.40, and a .896. Chad's ability to make the
big save also earned him the K-Wings' Kalamazoo Gazette Most Valuable
Player.

"The K-Wings have always been a strong organization, and I know with
the people we already have in place we will definitely finish on a
higher note," said Chad Alban. "While last year did have it's ups and
downs, however, I know how committed we (K-Wings) are to winning, and
I am excited to be part of those plans."

While last season was Alban's first with the K-Wings it wasn't his
first at Wings Stadium. Growing up the Kalamazoo native, played for
both the Kalamazoo Optimist Hockey Association (KOHA), as well as the
Junior K-Wings.

Alban is a graduate of Michigan State University. As a member of the
Spartans, Chad started accumulating an impressive resume, which
includes being MSU's team MVP for three straight seasons (95-98),
being named an All-American (97-98), and being honored as Michigan
State University's Male Athlete of the Year in 1998. Chad was also a
runner-up to the 1998 Hobey Baker Award (NCAA Division I Player of
the Year).

Chad continued his success in the pro ranks, as his first season as a
professional ended with him receiving a ring. Alban split the 98-99
season with both the Mobile Mysticks (ECHL) and the Houston Aeros
(IHL). The Kalamazoo native finished the year with the Aeros who won
the IHL's Turner Cup. After playing another season in Mobile, Chad
signed as a free agent with the Dallas Stars. With the Stars
organization Alban played a majority of his games with the Utah
Grizzlies (IHL 00-01, AHL 01-02). While Chad didn't get any game
action in Dallas, the goaltender has dressed in three games for the
Stars (1 game during 00-01 season, and 2 games 01-02 season).

Last season with Utah, Alban went 17-15-1 with a 2.94 goals against
average. He also recorded 2 shutouts (1/19/02 vs. Manitoba & 3/1/02
vs. Springfield).

Chad ranks fourth on the Grizzlies' all-time list with 54 games
played, and fifth with 19 victories. His 1321 saves and 2,734 minutes
played each rank fourth on Utah's all-time list.

"To win games at this level you need strong goaltending, and Chad
gives us that," said Director of Hockey Operations and Head Coach
Mark Reeds. "Last season, he was a difference maker in many of the
games that I coached against him, and I know he will be an even
bigger difference this year."

With the signing, Alban becomes the third player signed for the
upcoming season, which will be the K-Wings 30th Anniversary season.
Chad will join defenseman Chad Dameworth and Guy Dupuis, whom the K-
Wings signed earlier this off-season. Season Tickets for the upcoming
2003-2004 season of K-Wings hockey are currently on sale by calling
Wings Stadium Box Office at (269) 345-5101. Fans can save 15% on
their season tickets by reserving their seats for this historic
season.