I had a chance to have a few conversations with both Mike Martinez and Kane Waselenchuk this past weekend at the 2008 USA Racquetball National Singles Championships, and both seem very excited to start the 2008-2009 season. Kane looked to be in great shape, and seemed back at home while mingling and signing autographs on the tournament scene at National Singles. His new signature racquet, the Krowning Moment KM 175, had some great graphics, and will undoubtedly be in high demand this season. He was also sporting some custom clothing, featuring Kane’s signature “GBWM” logo.
ProKennex International Signs Kane Waselenchuk
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Orange County, CA . May 26, 2008
ProKennex International Co., Ltd., a world leader of graphite sports equipment and technology is proud to announce the signing of Kane Waselenchuk. The agreement between ProKennex and Kane will include the development, manufacturing and marketing of the Krowning Moment line of products. The first product introduction will be the KM 175 racquet built to Kane.s personal playing characteristics and specifications.
Waselenchuk was the #1 racquetball player in the World in 2004-05-06. In addition, he holds 3 consecutive U.S.Open Singles titles and over 25 tour victories.
“I am very pleased to welcome aboard one of the most gifted and dynamic players in history” said Mike Martinez, VP North America, ProKennex International Co .This business relationship represents innovation and commitment to provide premium equipment for the serious player.
“This is a great opportunity for me to compete for the #1 World Ranking and have a significant role in the future of ProKennex Racquetball” said Waselenchuk.
The KM 175 racquet will be available June 15, 2008.
ProKennex International Co., Ltd. is based in Taichung City, Taiwan and specializes in graphite sports equipment and technologies. ProKennex designs, manufactures and distributes tennis, racquetball, squash and badminton products to over 60 distributors around the world.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT PROKENNEX:
racquetball@prokennexusa.com
May 28th, 2008
by Geoff Thomsen
Now official? Come to think of it, I haven’t received too many pro racquetball player announcements from Pro Kennex in the past, so I guess the word of Russ Mannino is as good as any 
If anyone knows what Pro Kennex is up to, it’s probably the father of their #1 player, Jason Mannino. Great news for PK officially getting Kane Waselenchuk on board, I expect to see those two guys continuing their great play for the 2008-2009 season. Also good to hear that Pro Kennex has the financial position to keep Jason around for a few more years. Someone send me some pics of Kane’s new Krowning Moment racquet!!!
Kane Waselenchuk, 3X #1 player in the world, teams up with, Jason Mannino, 2X US Open Champion, to form an intimidating presence on the 2008 - 2009 IRT Pro Tour, giving Pro Kennex two great players and unique personalities for all racquetball players and fans to watch this upcoming year.
Jason Mannino resigns up to the 2010 season.
Kane will be showcasing his new racquet, The Krowning Moment.
Jason will also be unveiling the new Pro Kennex Kinetic Quad 170, both will resale for under $200.00
May 17th, 2008
by Geoff Thomsen
Kane Waselenchuk’s two year absence from the pro racquetball tour has seen two new IRT year-end champions crowned, and one new victor to the sport’s premiere event, the US OPEN. As of June 2008, Kane Waselenchuk is again eligible to compete in events sanctioned by the International Racquetball Federation (IRF), and more importantly, USA Racquetball (as USAR sanctions all IRT events). Many anticipate Kane will immediately return to the top spot in the sport, while others speculate that he’ll need some play time to get his game back on par with “big boys”.
Kane has been sporadically participating in regional exhibition events in Texas, but gets the opportunity to “level” his skills in just two days during a non-sanctioned event against Jason Mannino. His next stop will be in Arlington, TX where he will complete against all the top ranked IRT pros in a Tier 2 … . Hmm, just as I am writing this, it looks like the Arlington event has been “downgraded” to a one-day shootout as part of the “Triple Crown” in Texas. Damn! I guess if you want to see Kane play prior to his official comeback during the 2008-2009 season, you’ve got to go the “Battle of the Champions” versus Jason Maninno.
I think many people were really looking forward to see how Kane’s game has changed after being gone for two years, and now we’ll have to wait for a few more months to see how he holds up for a full-fledged event. This is going to be a long off-season!
The other unknown is Kane’s new equipment for the up-coming year. He has started a relationship with Pro Kennex for his own racquet, the Krowning Moment. Little is known about where the racquets will be sold, specs, etc.
May 13th, 2008
by Geoff Thomsen
Prior to his official tournament comeback in June 2008 on the IRT Tour, Kane Waselenchuk will get his “court legs” back against Jason Mannino in an exhibition match on May 15th, 2008 in Encinitas, CA. This should be a great event featuring two of the best players of all time! I’d advise anyone in the area to ATTEND (and then send pics to me to post on Double Donut)!
THE RETURN OF KANE—–BATTLE OF CHAMPIONS, Thursday, May 15, 2008
Kane Waselenchuk, 3X #1 player in the world, will make his long awaited return, with a pro style exhibition match with, 2X US Open champ and ‘ 02-’ 03 #1 player in the world,
Jason Mannino.
LA Fitness Encinitas, 201 S. El Camino Real, Encinitas, CA., 92024, 760-753-5600.
Itinerary; 6 PM - Racquetball clinic by Jason Mannino
6;30 - Q + A with Jason and Kane
6;45 - Match
8 PM - Raffle for Pro Kennex products
Arrive early, admission is free, the entertainment will be priceless.
April 22nd, 2008
by Geoff Thomsen
‘Tis the time of year that the major equipment manufacturers start announcing any new contracts with Pro level players. This list is not comprehensive of all Pro players, as many are in the middle of existing contracts. Here is a quick summary:
Ektelon:
- Rhonda Rajsich - 2 year contract
Head:
- Shane Vanderson - 3 year contract
- Jason Thoerner - 3 year contract
- Mike Guidry - 2 1/2 year contract
- Mike Green - 2 year contract
- Ryan Smith - 2 year contract
Wilson:
Pro Kennex:
- Kane Waselenchuk (*** no official word has been released to date, but Kane has been seen on event posters with his new “Krowning Moment” racquet. It appears to be his own line, produced by Pro Kennex - as noted by the Pro Kennex logo on the posters and racquet stencil)
E-Force:
Gearbox:
I’ll update this list as any new information surfaces ..
April 22nd, 2008
by Geoff Thomsen
