KALAMAZOO, MI- Tanner Sorenson proves that you can go home again, for a second time, as the Kalamazoo Wings announced that the 30-year old forward has signed with the team.
Sorenson, who played for the K-Wings from 2015-17, before he departed to play in Switzerland, returned to the team in 2018 and played three seasons. Following the 2022 season, Sorenson signed to play with the Nottingham Panthers in England.
Hailing from Anchorage, Alaska, Sorenson spent four years at Michigan State University before coming to the K-Wings.
“Michigan is definitely a second home to me,” Sorenson said. “I have been here since 2011 and not sure when or if I will ever go a year without being in Michigan at some point.” Ironically, before coming to the K-Wings, Sorenson played three games with the Alaska Aces, formerly of the ECHL.
In regards to his coming and going with the K-Wings, Sorenson said simply that “life is a roller coaster.”
“You kind of just go with the punches you’re dealt,” Sorenson said. “With Maggie and I having our first child, wanting to be close to home was a factor and that’s where we ended up!”
With their first child set to make their debut around the start of hockey season, Sorenson is beyond ready for his new title of dad.
“It means the world to be a dad,” Sorenson said. “I am pretty lucky to have a child with an amazing person so that makes it all the better.”
Sorenson said the reason he keeps coming back is simple.
“It truly is a top organization in how they run things and how they treat people,” Sorenson said. “The fans have been loyal and obviously you see that with the attendance improving and no playoff appearances.”
Even with the increased attendance, the fact that the K-Wings have missed playoffs the last few seasons doesn’t sit well with Sorenson.
“I’d like to think that changes this year,” Sorenson said. “These loyal fans deserve a playoff taste after so long and that taste will leave them wanting to feast in the playoff atmosphere.”
To make the playoffs, the K-Wings started making dramatic changes toward the end of last season, sending several familiar faces to other teams in trades that in turn, brought several new players to the fold.
“It’s been a few years since they saw postseason hockey which means something needs to change to make the next step,” Sorenson said. “I think what they have done this summer as far as organizational movement and player signings, it’s an exciting time”.
With former teammates Joel Martin, head coach, and Ben Wilson, one of two assistant coaches,
Sorenson is not surprised that they ended up behind the bench.
“The way they treated and prepared for the game as players is very professional and I know they will do everything they can and more to do the right things as coaches,” Sorenson said of the pair.
Sorenson continued, “I have no doubt in my mind those guys will do everything they can to win. You want to do well for them because you really just don’t want to let them down. It will be a fun time for me but I also know I have a job to do myself.”
When Sorenson hits the ice this fall, he will be closing in on a couple of milestones: 100 goals and 300 ECHL games. Admitting that he hasn’t thought about those things, he does acknowledge that he is a fortunate guy.
“It just means I have been around too long,” Sorenson said. “I have been very fortunate, I will say that. Very lucky to play the game I love this long and share it with friends, family and people I share memories with for a lifetime now !”
Sorenson is glad to share the triumphs of others, but his own moments won’t be lost on him.
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“I am getting to that point where it may be my last (season), so I definitely will cherish those little moments, as I think we all should. I will be excited for the guys on our team this year to share their first goals, first wins,” Sorenson said, adding, “Hopefully we will be celebrating a lot of stuff this season!”
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