KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WOOD) — When the Kalamazoo Wings take the ice for their 2024-25 season, one player will be making a special return to the sport of hockey.

Since he was a young child, Joey Raats has lived and breathed hockey.

“I started playing hockey at 2 years old; right when I could walk my parents got me on the skates,” Raats said.

K-Wings player Joey Raats. (Oct. 8, 2024)
K-Wings player Joey Raats. (Oct. 8, 2024)

His time in the sport took him all over, from playing with the Arizona State University Sun Devils to spending time overseas in France and the UK.

“It means the world to me. The fans, the culture, the guys in the locker room. It’s honestly the best sport that I can name for sure,” Raats said.

In May of 2022, Raats’ hockey dreams were put on hold as he entered a battle for his life. After finishing up a professional season in the United Kingdom, he was diagnosed with testicular cancer.

“I had a few different forms of tumors spread throughout my body. It went to my lungs, I had a football-sized tumor on my neck and I wasn’t given that much longer to live,” Raats said.

Through various treatments, the support of his wife and his faith, Raats persevered. 

In June of this year, he was declared cancer-free, allowing him to think about playing hockey again after a two-year absence.

“If I was going to make a comeback it was now. My body is more capable than ever, I have so much energy, and I just want to inspire others to know that their bodies are so capable when they treat their bodies right,” Raats said.

This summer, the Kalamazoo Wings showed interest in Raats. K-Wings head coach Joel Martin learned about him through his coach at ASU.

“He said, ‘Well, another player you should look at is Joey,'” Martin said. “Told me a little bit of his story and he’s a two-way defenseman, he’s good at moving pucks.”

Joey Raats practicing on the K-Wings. (Oct. 8, 2024)
Joey Raats practicing on the K-Wings. (Oct. 8, 2024)

Raats eventually signed a contract with the K-Wings for the upcoming season. Martin said his ability to overcome adversity brings a good message to the team.

“At the end of the day there’s life and then there’s hockey and he experienced some of the toughest parts of life. So that’s a good lesson for our group. Showed tremendous strength going through all that,” Martin said.

Raats told News 8 he’s grateful for the opportunity.

“I can’t wait to play in front of these fans and play with these guys in the locker room. There’s just so much support and love and we have such an incredible family here in Kalamazoo,” Raats said.

The K-Wings home opener is scheduled for next Saturday, Oct. 19 against Cincinnati.