Mainolfi and Hoyt sign with Kalamazoo Wings of the ECHL

WOLFVILLE, N.S. — Former Acadia Axemen teammates Orie Mainolfi and Peyton Hoyt have signed contracts with the Kalamazoo Wings of the ECHL, extending their playing careers together into the professional ranks.

Both graduated from Acadia University in 2025 with degrees in community development. Mainolfi, from Richmond Hill, Ont., played 88 conference games on the blue line for the Axemen, finishing with four goals and seven assists. Hoyt, from Lincoln, N.B., matched that total in games played and recorded 27 goals and 26 assists over four seasons.

The signing process

For Mainolfi, the decision came after conversations with the Wings’ coaching staff and former players who spoke highly of the team and city.

“I had spoken with the head coach and defence coach a few times about a month or so before the signing process and after hearing what they had to say about Kalamazoo, it sounded like it was going to be a very good fit for me there,” he said. “I also took some time to speak with my family, coaching staff, and some guys that had played in Kalamazoo previously and I heard nothing but good things about the town, the hockey culture and the coaching staff there which made my decision easier” .

Hoyt’s connection to Kalamazoo dated back to the previous season.

“Last season when I went to Toledo Walleye I had gotten released from them and Kalamazoo had picked me up from waivers, but I decided to come back home and graduate,” he explained. “So they had my rights until they signed me.”

Reaction to signing

Both players described the moment as a mix of excitement and gratitude.

“I was grateful and excited for the opportunity,” said Mainolfi. “You put in work your whole life with the end goal of playing pro hockey. Now it’s about continuing to put in the work that got me to this point and proving myself every day” .

Hoyt echoed that sentiment.

“I was very happy and grateful after signing. I have heard great things from other players that have been there.”

Looking ahead

Mainolfi and Hoyt both see their first professional season as an opportunity to prove themselves.

“My goals are to contribute where I’m needed, earn the trust of the coaches, and help the team win,” said Mainolfi. “I want to keep improving my game every day” .

Hoyt added: “My goals are to establish myself onto this team as someone who is reliable and will do their job every day.”

Lessons from Acadia

Both credited their time at Acadia for preparing them for the demands of professional hockey.

“Acadia pushed me to grow not only as a player but as a person,” said Mainolfi. “I feel that the standard there prepared me for the demands of pro hockey” .

Hoyt reflected on the balance between academics and athletics.

“Over the last years at Acadia there have been some ups and downs. With playing hockey and going to school, times can be stressful dealing with both. Now going into a league with much more games, I think Acadia has provided me with the ability to take on such things because of how much school and hockey takes when in U SPORTS,” he said.

He also credited the influence of former teammates.

“Some of the things that have shaped me into the player and person today are just all the past players that have gone through Acadia with me. Everyone there tells a different story and you get to meet so many guys from different parts of the country. For everyone to come together and buy into the culture is something that shaped me.”

Reuniting in Kalamazoo

After four years together in Wolfville, Mainolfi and Hoyt will continue as teammates in Michigan.

“It’s special,” said Mainolfi. “Peyton and I have played together the last four years here at Acadia and have built a strong friendship. We have always pushed each other on and off the ice to be better and having him sign in Kalamazoo makes the transition that much easier” .

Hoyt agreed.

“Having the opportunity to play with Orie in Kalamazoo is something I wouldn’t have imagined. It’s one thing to go play in the East Coast but to have a past teammate and more importantly friend go there too is something special.”

The signings mark the beginning of a new chapter for both Axemen alumni, who will look to bring the lessons of their time at Acadia into the professional game.