KALAMAZOO, Mich. -- During its annual Alumni and Friends Weekend, the Western Michigan hockey program will honor Paul Szczechura for his contributions to the program by inducting him into the Ring of Honor. The Alumni and Friends Weekend is set for July 18-19, 2025.

A native of Brantford, Onatrio, Szczechura joined the Western Michigan program for the 2003-04 season. He would go on to be one of the most productive players in program history, totaling 130 points on 44 goals and 86 assists. A two-time assistant captain for the Brown and Gold, Szczechura was a CCHA All-Rookie Team honoree in 2003-04 and was named the team's Most Valuable Player in 2006-07. The Canadian forward was also a two-time recipient of the CCHA Scholar-Athlete Award during his time on campus. He played in 153 consecutive games for the Brown and Gold. 

Following his time in Kalamazoo, Szczechura went on to play professionally. He made his NHL debut with the Tampa Bay Lightning on Dec. 2, 2008, skating against the Philadelphia Flyers. He would go on to play in 92 career games, scoring 20 points on 10 goals and 10 assists. He tallied four goals and five assists during his rookie season in Tampa Bay and played a career-best 52 games with the Lightning in 2009-10. 

After his time in the NHL, he played nine more seasons between Russia and Poland. Across those nine seasons, Szczechura was able to total 251 points on 101 goals and 150 assists. In his last year with GKS Tychy, he had 15 points on seven goals and eight assists in 13 playoff games.