Wichita Goalkeeper Steven Hamersky Retires

The Wichita Wings announce today that goalkeeper Steven Hamersky will retire ahead of the 2022-2023 season. The team bids farewell to Hamersky as a player, but looks forward to utilizing him in a coaching capacity. 

Hamersky, who had dealt with numerous concussions over the last two years made a final decision at the beginning of October to take a step back and focus on his career in law enforcement. Hamersky served on the Newton Police force during his stint with the Wings and quickly became known as "The Lawman" amongst Wings fans.  

AN ERA OF SUCCESS 

Hamersky was a key factor in the team successes since 2019 when the team was revived. During the 2019-2020 season Hamersky helped Wichita to an MASL2 playoff birth, but the season was canceled in March due to the national covid-19 lockdown with the Wings in second place behind the Chihuahua Savage. 

The 2020-2021 season began in November of 2020 before being suspended once again due to more CDC guidlelines. After months of delays the season would eventually return in the summer of 2021 with minimized event capacities. Hamersky however would pick up right where he left off and show once again why he is considered one of the top goalkeepers in the league, and would lead the Wichita Wings to it's first ever National Championship game in July. The team ultimately came up short finishing second to the Cleveland Crunch, but they didn't have time to sulk as season 3 was just around the corner with an anticipated December start.

After just two months off the Wings were back in training camp and hopeful that venue restrictions could be lifted and they could once again pack the stands with their loyal Orange Army. As expected the fans would return and the team would continue to soar. At the conclusion of league play Wichita earned the Supporters Shield by finishing first in their Conference before losing in the playoffs. 

A Letter to the Fans 

In a letter to Wings fans Steven Hamersky wrote "I promise this decision has not come without heartache, as soccer has been my love for as long as I can remember. That love of playing a larger stage has definitely come from you all. The atmosphere you all provide is second-to-none and I could not ask for a better support system. "

Full Letter to the Fans

Players and Staff 

"It's going to be hard to replace Hamersky's intensity and experience on the field. He's been a clear leader out of the back the last 3 seasons for us and will be missed." - Roger Downing, Head Coach

"Hamersky's intensity, dedication, and willingness to put his body on the line is unmatched. He was a joy to play with." - Kevin Ten Eyck, Captain/Assistant Coach

"Steven has been brilliant over the years as both a player and a steward of the game in Wichita. We will always have a home for him and wish him well in the next chapter of his life."  - Blake Shumaker, Owner

2022-2023 Season Notes 

The Wings will host two Holiday games on back-to-back Friday's at Hartman Arena. The home opener is set for December 23, 2022 and the other will be played on December 30, 2022. The full schedule will be released later this week. 

Tickets go on sale November 1, 2022.