KALAMAZOO,MI: The Kalamazoo Optimist Hockey Association (KOHA) is pleased to announce the addition of Tyler Kindle to its Skills Staff for the 2019-20 season. Born at Bronson Hospital, Kindle grew up in Portage, attended Portage Northern High School, and played in KOHA through PeeWee (12U) AA. After playing Bantam Minor through Midget Major for the AAA West Michigan Warriors, Kindle player Junior hockey in Bozeman, MT, four years of Division 1 at Wayne State University for Head Coach Bill Wilkinson, and nine years of professional hockey in North America and Europe.

“Having a homegrown success story who wants to give back to our young players is tremendously important. Tyler not only started with KOHA, he played locally until Juniors. He was able to fulfill his dream of playing Division 1 college and then nearly a decade of pro hockey before returning home to start a family, have a career beyond hockey, and help groom the next generation of players and community leaders,” said Matt Kakabeeke, KOHA’s Hockey Director. “I am excited to have Tyler on our staff this season to have him share his passion and knowledge of the game at the highest levels with our players and families.”

Kindle played 16 regular season games and 20 playoff games for the K-Wings (UHL) in 2007, taught for seven years as a Head Instructor for the LaFontaine Hockey School and, more recently, was the Head Coach for the Kalamazoo United High School Hockey Club for five seasons. “I am really looking forward to having fun with the kids as they learn and grow this season. KOHA is where it all started for me, and I am thankful I have the opportunity to share some of what I have learned over the years - on and off the ice,” said Kindle.

Kindle, a civil engineer specializing in water and wastewater, currently resides in Portage with his wife, Beth, and their two year old son, Graham.