KALAMAZOO, Mich. — A longtime gathering place, training ground and “second home for athletes, families and fans” is closing its doors this month.
For years, Wings West and has been home to many teams, including the Kalamazoo Optimist Hockey Association (KOHA) and Western Michigan University Stallions, as well as Old Burdick’s Wings West.
However, property owner Catalyst Development and Greenleaf Hospitality Group announced Tuesday that, after careful consideration and a review of a “severe failure” of the ice plant, the property would permanently close after its last day of service on Sept. 12.
“We know how difficult this news may feel. Please know that we are committed to carrying forward the community that has grown here,” officials wrote on Wings West’s website.
Mallory Marcil, a member of the Wings West hockey community, expressed her surprise at the news, which she said she learned through social media. “It was heartbreaking,” she said.
Marcil told News Channel 3 about the deep connection her family and others felt toward Wings West. “It was so special because you would look around and know if you needed anything, people would help,” she said.
Her family even chose their home based on its proximity to the ice arena, according to Marcil, a sentiment she said is shared by many in the community who considered Wings West a second home.
“We as a community, as a group, we spend so much time there. I mean, we’re spending at least six hours a week just for hockey and then another six hours a week just hanging out and getting to know our community and having that friendship and camaraderie with everybody,” Marcil said.
Since the beginning of the summer, Wings West ice programming had temporarily transitioned to the Wings Event Center, as the team said it was extensively reviewing the failure.
Now, ice programs will permanently relocate to Wings Event Center, which houses three sheets of ice, according to the Wings West team.
As of Tuesday, schedules are being built and officials are “confident that 90% of current programs will continue there,” the announcement read.
Wings Event Center is scheduled to stay open through the 2027-28 ice season, ensuring athletes and families “stay supported, connected and inspired,” officials said.
Every Wings West employee is being offered a position within Greenleaf Hospitality Group “so the teammates you know and value will continue to be part of our team,” according to the Wings West statement.
“Our people matter, just as we value our ice community user groups and our greater ice community,” officials wrote in a statement. “Thank you for being part of Wings West. The memories made here will always be part of the story of our community.”
Community members are invited to join Wings West for a final toast at Old Burdick’s Wings West before the venue closes its doors for good Friday, Sept. 12.