K-Wings' Assistant Named To Danbury Ring Of Honor

The Kalamazoo Wings announced Thursday that the Danbury Hat Tricks will induct K-Wings assistant coach Billy McCreary into the Danbury Ring of Honor this Saturday ahead of their Alumni Night game on March 29.

McCreary coached the Hat Tricks for three seasons, in 2019-20 and from 2022 to 2024, and won the franchise's first FPHL Commissioner's Cup title in 2023. He finished his Hat Tricks coaching tenures with a 106-38-14 record, including a 7-3 record in the Commissioner's Cup playoffs.

“I am truly humbled and honored to be inducted into the Danbury Ring of Honor,” McCreary said in a statement. “This recognition is not a reflection of any personal achievements, but of the incredible support and encouragement I've received from my family, players, staff, mentors, and everyone who believed in me along the way. “

The Southampton, ONt. native led Danbury to a 29-12-2-3 record and an Eastern Division title in his first season at the helm en route to the FPHL Coach of the Year award in 2019-20.

McCreary holds the franchise record in career wins (106) and set a single-season high mark in wins (44) in 2022-23, which resulted in a first-place finish in the league at 129 points.

McCreary coached the Hat Tricks in their inaugural season, serving as the bench boss of the NAHL's Hat Tricks in the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons, and returned to the Hat Tricks' bench in 2022-23.

In the 2021-22 season, McCreary also received the FPHL Founder's Award, an honor given to those who provide outstanding service and commitment to the league.

“I humbly share this moment with all of you, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have made a lasting impact in such a storied hockey community,” McCreary said. “Congratulations to the other ring of honor inductees and thank you again for the incredible honor that we all now share. Danbury will forever hold a special place in my heart.”

The K-Wings will try and bounce back from a 3-1 loss at home to the Cincinnati Cyclones Wednesday night, as they host the South Carolina Stingrays Friday.

It will be Stanley Cup Night, as the most coveted trophy in sports makes its way to Wings Event Center. K-Wings’ Season Ticket Holders and VIPs will have access to the event starting at 4:45 Pm. General Admission patrons have access to the event starting at 6:00 p.m. Plus, it’s a $3 Friday, presented by Bud Light.

Puck drop is set for 7 Pm ET.