TEAM NEWS 2024-25
Gibson & Vokoun Inducted into Wheeling Hockey Hall of Fame
Former Thunderbirds Teammates Become 13th & 14th Members
WHEELING, WV- On Saturday night at WesBanco Arena, the Wheeling Nailers inducted Steve Gibson and Tomas Vokoun as the newest members of the Wheeling Hockey Hall of Fame.
Steve Gibson played four seasons in Wheeling from 1993-97, as he began his professional career. Gibson quickly showed that he was a dynamic offensive player, as he led all Thunderbirds rookies with 59 points in 55 games during the 1993-94 campaign. Steve continued to be a major part of the team's success during its 1994-95 Brabham Cup Champion season, then led the team in scoring with 42 goals and 95 points in 1995-96. The Listowel, Ontario native made his mark on the club's record books, as he ranks in the team's all-time top ten in seven different categories. Gibson finished his Wheeling career averaging over a point-per-game, as he recorded 126 goals, 126 assists, and 252 points in 191 games. Steve's 126 goals are the second most in team history, his 252 points are the third most in team history, and he holds the all-time record with a career +/- rating of +73. After finishing his career with the Nailers, Gibson played seven seasons with the Quad City Mallards, and had his number retired there, where he and his family live today.
Tomas Vokoun came to North America to begin his professional career with the Wheeling Thunderbirds in 1995. Despite only being 19 years old at the time, Vokoun proved that he was more than up for the challenge, as he posted a 20-10-2 regular season record, then backstopped Wheeling to an opening round playoff sweep against the Columbus Chill. Tomas quickly climbed the pro hockey ladder, as he made his NHL debut with the Montreal Canadiens the following year, then became a regular in the NHL with the Nashville Predators in 1998-99. The Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic native enjoyed tremendous success in the NHL, which included three seasons with at least 30 wins. His 14 full NHL seasons are the most for any former Wheeling player, and he is one of just 40 goaltenders in NHL history to earn 300 wins. In addition to Montreal and Nashville, Vokoun played for Florida and Washington, before finishing his NHL career in 2012-13 by helping the Pittsburgh Penguins reach the Eastern Conference Final.
Gibson and Vokoun become the 13th and 14th members of the Wheeling Hockey Hall of Fame, as they join Nick Bedway, Paul Bissonnette, Louis Dumont, Ross Felton, Peter Laviolette, Robert Otten, Dick Riley, Doug Sauter, Darren Schwartz, Tim Tisdale, Zack Torquato, and Brock Woods.
Nailers Trade Jared Westcott to Bloomington
Rookie Forward Tallied Eight Points in Ten Pro Games; Wheeling Receives Future Considerations
WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers, proud ECHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins, have announced a trade, which takes effect immediately. Wheeling has traded forward Jared Westcott to the Bloomington Bison in exchange for future considerations.
Westcott, 25, first came to Wheeling in the spring of 2024, after he finished his collegiate career at Lake Superior State University. Jared had a great start to his professional career, as he notched four goals and six points in his first six regular seasons games. He then went on to add one goal in six playoff contests. This year, the Imperial, Missouri native recorded two assists in four games.
This is the first ever trade between the Nailers and expansion Bison, who played against each other on November 2nd, and will do battle once more on March 30th.
The Nailers will be in action once this week, as they will visit the Fort Wayne Komets on Saturday night at 7:35. Wheeling will play two home games next week around the Thanksgiving holiday. First up is the annual Thanksgiving Eve game on Wednesday, November 27th, which will feature live IWC Wrestling in the front lobby, $2 beers, and turkey bowling. Then, Saturday, November 30th is the next Big-6 Promotional Night, which is Hall of Fame Night. Former players Tomas Vokoun and Steve Gibson will be inducted into the Wheeling Hockey Hall of Fame. That game will also feature the annual Teddy Bear Toss to benefit the Salvation Army. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2024-25 season are available now by calling (304) 234-GOAL. The Wheeling Nailers, considered one of the top things to do in Wheeling, West Virginia, provide affordable family entertainment for fans throughout the Ohio Valley.
Nailers Announce 2024-25 Season-Opening Roster
Wheeling Starts 33rd Season with 15 Forwards, Six Defensemen, and Two Goaltenders
WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers, proud ECHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins, are excited to announce their 2024-25 Season-Opening Roster, as the team prepares to open its 33rd season on Friday night with a road contest against the Maine Mariners.
Head Coach Derek Army begins his fifth season behind the bench for the Nailers, and his 110 regular season wins as head coach are the third most in team history. Mitch Giguere begins his second season working with Army as his assistant coach, and the two helped lead the team to 38 regular season wins in 2023-24 - the most in the last decade. There is a new face on the coaching staff this season, as Karel Popper has joined the club as the goaltending coach, following three seasons as an assistant coach with the USHL's Chicago Steel. Wheeling, West Virginia's Bill Higgins returns for his 22nd season as the equipment manager, and November 2nd will be a milestone game for him, as he works his 1,500th regular season game. Lauren Rittle enters her third season as the athletic trainer, and she has helped pave the way, as the ECHL now has nine female athletic trainers.
Last season, the Nailers qualified for the Kelly Cup Playoffs and won a series for the second time in three years, as they defeated the Indy Fuel in five games. 11 players on Wheeling's 2024-25 season-opening roster played in that series, while six additional players have ECHL playoff experience. Six of the remaining seven players are rookies, and five of those are in the group of eight players who are under either NHL or AHL contract. The opening roster consists of 22 players - 15 forwards, five defensemen, and two goaltenders.
Starting in the crease, one goaltender played for the team last season, while one joined the organization earlier in the week. Both had successful rookie campaigns, which featured playoff wins. Jaxon Castor won four of his final five regular season starts for the Nailers to finish with a 10-4-1 regular season mark, then played in all five games in the opening round series win over Indy. Luke Richardson went 7-1-1 in 12 contests with the Greenville Swamp Rabbits, then collected victories in both of his playoff appearances against Orlando. Both netminders stand tall both literally and figuratively, checking in at 6-foot-3.
On the blueline, three of the seven defensemen have played in Wheeling for multiple seasons. Veteran David Drake is 16 games away from jumping into the top ten in career games with the team, as he enters the year with 177. Drake has a +32 rating as a Nailer, and typically plays big minutes against top opposing players. Louie Roehl was an alternate captain last season, and the two-time NCAA National Champion has 33 points in his two years as a pro. Chris Ortiz returns to Wheeling after one season with the Trois-Rivières Lions. Ortiz is an offensive defenseman, who has notched 107 points in 167 ECHL matches. Phip Waugh made his pro debut with the Nailers in the spring, after completing his collegiate career at Mercyhurst University. Waugh registered two points in 12 games, then suited up in four playoff contests. Owen Norton played in 26 ECHL games last season with Norfolk and Newfoundland.
The red light will be ready to shine frequently with the forward crew that has been assembled. Leading scorer Jordan Martel returns after an outstanding year, which saw him score 29 goals in 45 games, following his trade from the Utah Grizzlies. David Jankowski was the top producer among rookie forwards last season, as he collected 37 points in 69 games. Matt Koopman was the only Nailer to play in all 71 regular season games and nine playoff contests, and he had 34 points to show for those efforts, including a league-best six shorthanded points. Matthew Quercia was the only Wheeling player with double digits in goals and assists, as well as triple digits in penalty minutes, as he finished 2023-24 with 11 goals, 22 assists, and 152 penalty minutes. Wheeling native and fan favorite Peter Laviolette III returns for his third season in his hometown, following back-to-back 11-point campaigns. Jared Westcott and Dustin Manz both joined the team at the conclusion of their college careers, and both got off to hot starts as pros, as Westcott netted four goals in six games, and Manz had a two-goal game.
Shifting to the forwards who weren't part of the 2023-24 squad, Nick Hutchison makes his return to Nail City for the first time since the 2021-22 season. Hutchison was over a point-per-game player with Wheeling, as he racked up 42 points in 31 games. Last year, he played in Sweden for Vasteras IK and AIK. Bennett MacArthur was acquired by the Pittsburgh Penguins in a trade with the Tampa Bay Lightning this summer. MacArthur totaled 32 points between Orlando and Allen a year ago. Kyle Jackson won a Brabham Cup and a Western Conference Championship with the Kansas City Mavericks last season, and was a big contributor to that success, as he had 44 points in 53 games. Gabe Klassen gets set to make his pro debut, following a 106-point season and back-to-back WHL US First All-Star Team nods with the Portland Winterhawks. Atley Calvert wasn't far behind Klassen in the WHL scoring leaders, as he had 95 points and won a league championship with the Moose Jaw Warriors. Jack Beck also had a big offensive season in the OHL last year, as he led the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds with 85 points, which pushed him over 200 for his junior career. Matty De St. Phalle already has his first pro goal under his belt from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton in the spring, as he joined the Penguins, after nearly producing a point-per-game in his final year at the University of Wisconsin. Logan Pietila captained Michigan State University to a CCHA Title and an appearance in the NCAA National Tournament, and had a career-best 29-point season in the process.
Catch all of the action all season long on the Nailers Broadcast Network presented by Main Street Bank. All of the games will air on radio on Mix 97.3, as well as via the iHeartRadio app. All home games will be televised locally on My Ohio Valley, thanks to WTRF. FloHockey remains the official streaming partner of the ECHL, and has also added the AHL to its coverage. DJ Abisalih returns for his 14th season as the Voice of the Nailers, and will broadcast his 1,000th game with the team on November 30th. Isaac Basinger begins his fifth season as the color commentator for all home games.
The regular season begins with a two-game series against one of Wheeling's newest divisional opponents, the Maine Mariners. Friday night's game starts at 7:15, then Saturday will have a 6:00 face-off. The Nailers will play their home opener on Saturday, November 2nd against the Bloomington Bison at 7:10. Swaggy P will be performing trick shots during both intermissions. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2024-25 season are available now by calling (304) 234-GOAL. The Wheeling Nailers, considered one of the top things to do in Wheeling, West Virginia, provide affordable family entertainment for fans throughout the Ohio Valley.
2024-25 Wheeling Nailers Season-Opening Roster
#5-D-David Drake
#7-D-Owen Norton
#10-F-Dustin Manz
#11-F-Peter Laviolette III
#12-F-Nick Hutchison
#14-F-David Jankowski
#15-F-Jared Westcott
#18-D-Chris Ortiz
#22-F-Matthew Quercia
#28-D-Louie Roehl
#31-G-Luke Richardson
#36-F-Bennett MacArthur
#37-F-Kyle Jackson
#39-F-Matt Koopman
#40-G-Jaxon Castor
#43-F-Jack Beck
#49-F-Logan Pietila
#51-F-Jordan Martel
#54-F-Matty De St. Phalle
#57-D-Phip Waugh
#64-F-Gabe Klassen
#84-F-Atley Calvert
Nailers & Mariners Trade Ahead of Opening Series
Wheeling Acquires Defenseman Cole Cameron & Future Considerations
WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers, proud ECHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins, have announced a trade, which takes effect immediately. Wheeling has acquired defenseman Cole Cameron and future considerations from the Maine Mariners in exchange for defenseman Zachary Massicotte.
Cameron, 26, turned pro during the spring, as he made his professional debut with the Toledo Walleye on March 22nd. Cole went on to play in eight regular season games, with Toledo, where he recorded five shots on goal and eight penalty minutes. Prior to turning pro, the Johnstown, Ontario native played four seasons of USports hockey - his first three at the University of Guelph, then his final year at Toronto Metro University. Cameron appeared in 89 total contests, and tallied eight goals, 18 assists, and 26 points. Cole won an OUA Title with the University of Guelph in 2019-20, and advanced to play in the University Cup. The blueliner also qualified for the postseason in all three of his junior hockey seasons in the OHL, which included a trip to the conference final round with the Owen Sound Attack in 2016-17.
Massicotte, 23, is entering his third professional season, after playing the majority of his first two campaigns in the ECHL with the Allen Americans and Orlando Solar Bears. Massicotte has amassed eight goals, 20 assists, and 28 points in 96 career ECHL contests.
The Nailers will begin the 2024-25 regular season on the road against the Maine Mariners on Friday night at 7:15. Wheeling will play its home opener on Saturday, November 2nd against the Bloomington Bison at 7:10. Swaggy P will be performing trick shots during both intermissions. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2024-25 season are available now by calling (304) 234-GOAL. The Wheeling Nailers, considered one of the top things to do in Wheeling, West Virginia, provide affordable family entertainment for fans throughout the Ohio Valley.
Nailers Acquire Luke Richardson from Greenville
Netminder Went 9-1-1 in 14 Appearances Between Regular Season & Playoffs
WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers, proud ECHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins, have announced a trade, which takes effect immediately. Wheeling has received goaltender Luke Richardson from the Greenville Swamp Rabbits in exchange for forward Mikael Robidoux's rights.
Richardson, 25, attended training camps with Pittsburgh and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, prior to initially reporting to Greenville. Luke appeared in 12 regular season games with the Swamp Rabbits last season, and performed very well. The rookie went 7-1-1, with a 2.19 goals against average, a .931 save percentage, and one shutout. He also won both of his appearances in the Kelly Cup Playoffs, as he limited the Orlando Solar Bears to three goals on 47 shots. Richardson's lone shutout was also his second highest single game save total, as he turned aside all 37 shots he faced against the eventual champion Florida Everblades.
Prior to turning pro, the Barrie, Ontario native played parts of four seasons of junior hockey for the Ontario Hockey League's Kitchener Rangers, then played three seasons at Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario. Richardson went 33-26-1 at Queen's, with a 2.26 goals against average, a .917 save percentage, and six shutouts in 62 games. Luke was named to the OUA East All-Rookie Team in 2019-20, then earned OUA East Goaltender of the Year, OUA East First All-Star Team, and USports All-Canadian Second Team honors in 2021-22, as he led the nation with a .944 save percentage.
Robidoux, 25, was originally acquired by Wheeling from the Orlando Solar Bears, after playing for the Allen Americans in the 2023-24 season. Mikael has 16 goals, 18 assists, 34 points, and 704 penalty minutes in 136 career ECHL games with Maine, Kansas City, and Allen.
The Wheeling Nailers will begin the 2024-25 season on Friday night, when they visit the Maine Mariners at 7:15. The team's home opener is Saturday, November 2nd against the Bloomington Bison at 7:10, featuring trick shots by Swaggy P. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2024-25 season are available now by calling (304) 234-GOAL. The Wheeling Nailers, considered one of the top things to do in Wheeling, West Virginia, provide affordable family entertainment for fans throughout the Ohio Valley.
Nailers Receive Two More Players from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton
Pietila & Waugh Added to Roster; Laviolette Returns from Hartford
WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers, proud ECHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins, have received two more players from the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. Wheeling has received forward Logan Pietila and defenseman Phip Waugh. Additionally, the Hartford Wolf Pack have returned forward Peter Laviolette III to the Nailers.
Pietila made his professional debut in the spring, as he appeared in three games with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, after completing his collegiate career. Logan attended Michigan Tech University for five seasons, where he registered 45 goals, 53 assists, and 98 points in 180 games. The forward served as the team's captain last season, as the Huskies won the CCHA Championship and advanced to the NCAA National Tournament.
Waugh also turned pro in the spring, as he completed his collegiate career, then appeared in 12 regular season games and four playoff contests with the Nailers. Phip notched his first career point in a key 3-1 win over the Fort Wayne Komets on March 23rd. The blueliner attended Mercyhurst University for three seasons, and compiled 11 goals, eight assists, and 19 points in 76 games.
These additions bring the Nailers current roster to 29 players - 18 forwards, eight defensemen, and three goaltenders.
The Nailers will play one preseason game on Saturday, October 12th at 6:10 against the Cincinnati Cyclones. That game is free to attend with open seating. Wheeling will then open the 2024-25 season on the road against the Maine Mariners on Friday, October 18th. The team's home opener is Saturday, November 2nd against the Bloomington Bison at 7:10. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2024-25 season are available now by calling (304) 234-GOAL. The Wheeling Nailers, considered one of the top things to do in Wheeling, West Virginia, provide affordable family entertainment for fans throughout the Ohio Valley.
Updated 2024 Wheeling Nailers Training Camp Roster
#5 D David Drake
#7 D Owen Norton
#10 F Dustin Manz
#11 F Peter Laviolette III
#12 F Nick Hutchison
#14 F David Jankowski
#15 F Jared Westcott
#16 F Alex LaPlante
#17 F Jianing "Rex" Guo
#18 D Chris Ortiz
#22 F Matthew Quercia
#24 D Jamie Dorsey
#27 F Filip Forsmark
#28 D Louie Roehl
#29 D Zachary Massicotte
#30 G Jake Zab
#31 G Kristian Hufsky
#36 F Bennett MacArthur
#37 F Kyle Jackson
#39 F Matt Koopman
#40 G Jaxon Castor
#43 F Jack Beck
#49 F Logan Pietila
#51 F Jordan Martel
#54 F Mathieu De St. Phalle
#57 D Phip Waugh
#64 F Gabe Klassen
#73 D Mats Lindgren
#84 F Atley Calvert
Penguins Assign Seven & Return Nine Players to Wheeling
Nailers Training Camp Roster Grows to 26 Players
WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers, proud ECHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins, have announced additions to their training camp roster, as players have been assigned to Wheeling from the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. Wheeling has received forwards Jack Beck, Atley Calvert, Mathieu De St. Phalle, Kyle Jackson, Gabe Klassen, and Bennett MacArthur, as well as defenseman Mats Lindgren.
Two of the six forwards joining the team performed well with other ECHL teams last season, while the remaining four will play their rookie seasons in 2024-25. Jack Beck led the OHL's Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds with 27 goals, 58 assists, and 85 points in 67 games last season, and averaged nearly a point-per-game (201 points in 204 games) during his junior career. Beck was originally drafted by the Calgary Flames in 2021. Atley Calvert also put up huge numbers in juniors last season, as he racked up 47 goals, 48 assists, and 95 points in 68 games with the WHL Champion Moose Jaw Warriors. Calvert was named to the WHL East Second All-Star Team. Mathieu De St. Phalle played in seven games with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton during the spring, following his four-year college career at the University of Wisconsin. De St. Phalle collected 37 points in 38 games with the Badgers, then scored his first pro goal during that stretch with the Penguins. Kyle Jackson started his pro career with a bang last season for the Kansas City Mavericks, as he found the scoresheet in 12 of his first 14 games, en route to a 44-point rookie campaign. Jackson was originally drafted by the Seattle Kraken in 2022. Gabe Klassen led the WHL's Portland Winterhawks in scoring during back-to-back seasons, and his 106 points ranked seventh in the league last season. Klassen was named to the WHL US First All-Star Team in 2022-23 and 2023-24, and he finished his junior career with 265 points in 248 games. Bennett MacArthur was acquired by the Pittsburgh Penguins from the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for 2023-24 Nailer Lukas Svejkovsky. MacArthur notched 32 points with the Orlando Solar Bears and Allen Americans last season, and has 60 total points in two professional campaigns.
On the blueline, Mats Lindgren has an offensive pedigree, as he was the top defensive scorer for the WHL's Red Deer Rebels last season with 41 points in 63 games. Lindgren was originally drafted by the Buffalo Sabres in 2022, and his father Mats played in 387 career NHL matches.
Additionally, nine ECHL contracted players who were attending AHL training camps have been returned to the Nailers. They are forwards Filip Forsmark, David Jankowski, Matt Koopman, Jordan Martel, Matthew Quercia, and Jared Wescott, defensemen Zachary Massicotte and Chris Ortiz, and goaltender Jaxon Castor.
These transactions bring the Nailers current training camp to 26 players - three goaltenders, seven defensemen, and 16 forwards.
All of these players are expected to have their first day on the ice in Wheeling on Tuesday. The Nailers will play one preseason game on Saturday, October 12th at 6:10 against the Cincinnati Cyclones. That game is free to attend with open seating.
Updated 2024 Wheeling Nailers Training Camp Roster
#5 D David Drake
#7 D Owen Norton
#10 F Dustin Manz
#12 F Nick Hutchison
#14 F David Jankowski
#15 F Jared Westcott
#16 F Alex LaPlante
#17 F Jianing "Rex" Guo
#18 D Chris Ortiz
#22 F Matthew Quercia
#24 D Jamie Dorsey
#27 F Filip Forsmark
#28 D Louie Roehl
#29 D Zachary Massicotte
#30 G Jake Zab
#31 G Kristian Hufsky
#36 F Bennett MacArthur
#37 F Kyle Jackson
#39 F Matt Koopman
#40 G Jaxon Castor
#43 F Jack Beck
#51 F Jordan Martel
#54 F Mathieu De St. Phalle
#64 F Gabe Klassen
#73 D Mats Lindgren
#84 F Atley Calvert
Nailers Announce 2024 Training Camp Roster & Schedule
Team Hits the Ice Saturday, as Preparations for Season 33 Begin
WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers, proud ECHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins, have announced their 2024 training camp schedule and roster.
The Nailers will open their 2024 training camp on Saturday, October 5th at 1:00 p.m., and the first practice is expected to last one hour until 2:00. The next day, Sunday, October 6th, will have an earlier start time, as the practice will run from 9:10-10:20 a.m. The team will go away from the ice on Monday, October 7th for a team building activity with the United States Air Force Special Warfare. Practices from Tuesday, October 8th through Friday, October 11th will have similar structures. For those days, the team will be split into two groups. One group will practice from 10:00-10:45, then the other group will practice from 11:30-12:15, and there will be small area games featuring both groups from 10:45-11:15. Groups will alternate who skates first each day. Finally, Saturday, October 12th is game day, as Wheeling will host Cincinnati at 6:10. The game group will take the ice first at 10:00, followed by the non-game group at 11:00. All practices are open to the public, and fans must stay in the seating bowl, as ice level access is not permitted. The preseason game is free to attend with open seating.
Head Coach Derek Army and Assistant Coach Mitch Giguere have compiled a roster of 11 forwards, six defensemen, and three goaltenders for a total of 20 players. Ten of the players are currently in Wheeling, and will begin training camp on Saturday. The remaining ten are currently attending American Hockey League training camps, with nine in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton and one in Hartford.
Starting in the goal crease, there are three netminders on the training camp roster. Jaxon Castor enjoyed great success in his rookie season with the Nailers, as he posted a 10-4-1 record, a 2.71 goals against average, and an .899 save percentage in 16 regular season games. Castor followed that up with a stellar performance in the opening round of the Kelly Cup Playoffs, as he allowed just five total goals in four straight wins over the Indy Fuel. Kristian Hufsky played the first five seasons of his professional career in Germany, and is coming off of a trip to the finals with EC Kassel in the DEL-2 last season. Mentor, Ohio's Jake Zab attended training camp in Wheeling last season, after he attended the University of Nebraska-Omaha.
On the blueline, veteran David Drake will become the 19th player in team history to play in parts of four seasons in a Wheeling uniform. Drake has been relied upon for his play in the defensive zone, which he has excelled at, as evidenced by his +30 rating over the course of the last two campaigns. Louie Roehl also brings a steady game and leadership to the back end, as he was one of the club's alternate captains a year ago. Part of that leadership for Roehl comes from winning two NCAA National Championships. Chris Ortiz returns to the Nailers after spending last season with the Trois-Rivières Lions. Ortiz has 107 career points in the ECHL, and his best offensive season was a 12-goal, 38-point effort with Wheeling in his rookie season of 2021-22. Zachary Massicotte is new to the squad, but not new to the league, as he has appeared in 96 ECHL games with the Allen Americans and Orlando Solar Bears. One of Massicotte's career highlights was winning a QMJHL Championship with his hometown Shawningan Cataractes. Owen Norton saw 26 games of ECHL action with the Norfolk Admirals and Newfoundland Growlers in 2023-24, while Jamie Dorsey isn't afraid to mix things up, as he received 117 penalty minutes in 45 SPHL clashes with Macon and Fayetteville.
Shifting up to the forwards, Jordan Martel is looking to have another exceptional season in a Wheeling uniform, after he turned on the red light 29 times in 45 games. Martel was acquired in a trade with the Utah Grizzlies in December. Matthew Quercia handled a variety of roles last season, and filled up all of the statistical columns, as he recorded 11 goals, 22 assists, and 152 penalty minutes. That was after Quercia missed the entire 2022-23 campaign due to a preseason injury. Matt Koopman was the only player on the club who played in all 71 regular season games, and he contributed 34 points - six of which came shorthanded to tie for the lead in the ECHL. Another player who shined as a rookie was David Jankowski, who led all first-year Nailers forwards with 37 points, and played in all but two contests. The forward crew also has a player returning from a previous season, as Nick Hutchison spent last year in Europe. Hutchison averaged over a point-per-game with Wheeling in 2021-22, before finishing that docket in the AHL. Wheeling, West Virginia's Peter Laviolette III will begin his third season in his hometown. Laviolette is currently 45 games away from matching Bryan Ewing for the most pro games by a Wheeling native. Jared Westcott adjusted quickly to the professional game in the spring, as he finished his college career at Lake Superior State, then promptly racked up six points in six games for the Nailers. Dustin Manz also came to town right before the playoffs, and posted a two-goal performance in his third game with Wheeling. Filip Forsmark got a quick two-game sampler of the league from the Allen Americans, following his four-year collegiate career at Merrimack College. Jianing "Rex" Guo will look to become the first Chinese player in team history. Guo played in the 2022 Winter Olympics, and scored twice in three games during Olympic qualifying this summer. Alex LaPlante was named to the 2023-24 SPHL All-Rookie Team, as he led the Macon Mayhem with 26 goals and 43 points.
2024 Wheeling Nailers Training Camp Roster
#5 D David Drake
#7 D Owen Norton
#10 F Dustin Manz
#12 F Nick Hutchison
#16 F Alex LaPlante
#17 F Jianing "Rex" Guo
#24 D Jamie Dorsey
#28 D Louie Roehl
#30 G Jake Zab
#31 G Kristian Hufsky
ECHL Contracts Currently Attending AHL Training Camps
#11 F Peter Laviolette III (Hartford)
#14 F David Jankowski (Wilkes-Barre/Scranton)
#15 F Jared Westcott (Wilkes-Barre/Scranton)
#18 D Chris Ortiz (Wilkes-Barre/Scranton)
#22 F Matthew Quercia (Wilkes-Barre/Scranton)
#27 F Filip Forsmark (Wilkes-Barre/Scranton)
#29 D Zachary Massicotte (Wilkes-Barre/Scranton)
#39 F Matt Koopman (Wilkes-Barre/Scranton)
#40 G Jaxon Castor (Wilkes-Barre/Scranton)
#51 F Jordan Martel (Wilkes-Barre/Scranton)
2024 Wheeling Nailers Training Camp Schedule
Sat. Oct. 5- Practice at WesBanco Arena, 1:00 p.m.
Sun. Oct. 6- Practice at WesBanco Arena, 9:10 a.m.
Mon. Oct. 7- No Practice (United States Air Force Special Warfare)
Tue. Oct. 8- Group 1 Practice at WesBanco Arena, 10:00 a.m.
Groups 1 & 2 Small Games at WesBanco Arena, 10:45 a.m.
Group 2 Practice at WesBanco Arena, 11:30 a.m.
Wed. Oct. 9- Group 2 Practice at WesBanco Arena, 10:00 a.m.
Groups 1 & 2 Small Games at WesBanco Arena, 10:45 a.m.
Group 1 Practice at WesBanco Arena, 11:30 a.m.
Thu. Oct. 10- Group 1 Practice at WesBanco Arena, 10:00 a.m.
Groups 1 & 2 Small Games at WesBanco Arena, 10:45 a.m.
Group 2 Practice at WesBanco Arena, 11:30 a.m.
Fri. Oct. 11- Group 2 Practice at WesBanco Arena, 10:00 a.m.
Groups 1 & 2 Small Games at WesBanco Arena, 10:45 a.m.
Group 1 Practice at WesBanco Arena, 11:30 a.m.
Sat. Oct. 12- Morning Skate at WesBanco Arena, 10:00 a.m.
Practice (non-game players) at WesBanco Arena, 11:00 a.m.
Preseason Game vs. Cincinnati, 6:10 p.m.
Nailers Sign Nick Hutchison
Fifth Year Pro Returns to Wheeling, Where He Averaged Over a Point-Per-Game in 2021-22
WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers, proud ECHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins, are excited to announce that they have signed forward Nick Hutchison to an ECHL contract.
Hutchison, 29, will be a Nailer for the second time in his career, as he prepares to enter his fifth full professional season, and fourth in North America. Nick enjoyed an outstanding 2021-22 season in Wheeling, as he racked up 16 goals, 26 assists, and 42 points in 31 games, which included a remarkable 16-game point streak. His 1.35 points per game ranked third on the club, and he posted multiple points on 14 occasions, topped by a four-point night in Toledo. That performance earned the forward a promotion to the AHL, as he finished the 2021-22 season with the Manitoba Moose, then spent the majority of the 2022-23 campaign with the Utica Comets. Hutchison has recorded 16 points in 63 career AHL matches, to go along with his 68 points in 82 career ECHL games with the Nailers, the Indy Fuel, and the Adirondack Thunder. Nick spent last season in Sweden, playing for Västerås IK and AIK, as he accumulated 13 goals, four assists, and 17 points in 30 games.
Prior to turning pro, the Hicksville, New York native attended Canisius College, where he majored in Sport Management, while playing four seasons of NCAA hockey for the Golden Griffins. Hutchison reached double digits in goals and assists in all four seasons, and finished his college career with 60 goals, 53 assists, and 113 points in 140 games. Nick's best individual season at Canisius was his senior year of 2019-20, when he led the team with 18 goals, 14 assists, and 32 points, and was named to the All-Atlantic Hockey Second Team. That was his second time being recognized by the conference, as he was an AHC All-Rookie Team selection as a freshman in 2016-17. A fun personal fact about Nick is that his younger sister Cailey played professionally for the NWHL's Metropolitan Riveters and PHF's Connecticut Whale. His younger brother Conner will be playing at Miami University (Ohio) this season.
The full training camp roster and schedule will be announced later this week. The first practice will be on Saturday at 1:00.
Nick Hutchison and the Wheeling Nailers will open the 2024-25 season on the road against the Maine Mariners on Friday, October 18th. The team's home opener is Saturday, November 2nd against the Bloomington Bison at 7:10. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2024-25 season are available now by calling (304) 234-GOAL. The Wheeling Nailers, considered one of the top things to do in Wheeling, West Virginia, provide affordable family entertainment for fans throughout the Ohio Valley.
Nailers Trade Kiefiuk to Tahoe
Wheeling Makes First Transaction with Expansion Knight Monsters
WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers, proud ECHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins, have announced a trade, which takes effect immediately. Wheeling has traded forward Cal Kiefiuk to the Tahoe Knight Monsters in exchange for future considerations.
Kiefiuk, 24, joined the Nailers in March of last season, upon the conclusion of his college hockey career. Cal appeared in three regular season games and one postseason contest with Wheeling, which started with his pro debut on March 29th at Toledo. Prior to joining the ECHL, the Macomb, Michigan native played five seasons of college hockey - four at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and one at Providence College. Kiefiuk won a National Championship with UMass in 2021 at Pittsburgh's PPG Paints Arena, and finished his NCAA career with 26 goals, 41 assists, and 67 points in 138 games.
The Wheeling Nailers will open the 2024-25 season on the road against the Maine Mariners on Friday, October 18th. The team's home opener is Saturday, November 2nd against the Bloomington Bison at 7:10. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2024-25 season are available now by calling (304) 234-GOAL. The Wheeling Nailers, considered one of the top things to do in Wheeling, West Virginia, provide affordable family entertainment for fans throughout the Ohio Valley.
Nailers Announce 2024-25 Broadcast Network
WTRF My Ohio Valley, Mix 97.3, and Flo Hockey to Air Games This Season
WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers, proud ECHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins, have announced their broadcast network for the 2024-25 season. Games will continue to be aired on television, radio, and online.
WTRF My Ohio Valley will be the exclusive television home for Nailers Hockey. At least 34 of the team's 36 regular season home games will be aired on WTRF My Ohio Valley. This season's television broadcasts will feature new and unique segments designed specifically for the viewing audience, in addition to new camera angles, more replays, and customized graphics. These assets will bring fans closer to the game on the ice than ever before. WTRF My Ohio Valley can be found on Comcast channel 1165, Dish channel 6, DirecTV channel 8, and on Hulu under WTRF.
iHeartRadio returns as the team's radio partners, and all preseason, regular season, and playoff games will once again air on Mix 97.3 (WKWK). Mix 97.3 will also continue to be the radio home for the Wheeling Nailers Power Hour, which takes place live at the 19th Hole every Tuesday night from 6-7. In addition to being able to listen on the radio, fans will be able to tune in online at mix973wheeling.com and on the iHeartRadio app.
FloHockey also returns to the lineup as the official streaming provider of the ECHL. Every game in the ECHL will be available on FloHockey.TV, both live and on-demand for its subscribers, and it will also feature original content, interviews, and analysis.
DJ Abisalih puts on the headset for his 14th season as the Voice of the Nailers, and will call the action for every game, including his milestone 1,000th Wheeling broadcast on November 30th. Isaac Basinger returns for his fifth season as the team's color commentator, and will be expanding his role on the television broadcasts. Jonathan Burkhart and his crew with One JB Digital Media will be producing the games, which will elevate the experience for fans attending the games WesBanco Arena, as well as for viewers at home.
The Wheeling Nailers will open the 2024-25 season on the road against the Maine Mariners on Friday, October 18th. The team's home opener is Saturday, November 2nd against the Bloomington Bison at 7:10, and will feature trick shots by Swaggy P. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2024-25 season are available now by calling (304) 234-GOAL. The Wheeling Nailers, considered one of the top things to do in Wheeling, West Virginia, provide affordable family entertainment for fans throughout the Ohio Valley.
Nailers Unveil 2024-25 Uniforms
White Jerseys Switch to Sunflower Yellow Logo, While Vegas Gold Moves to Alternate
WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers, proud ECHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins, have announced their uniform lineup for the 2024-25 season. The Nailers will wear three uniforms on a regular basis throughout the season - one dark, one white, and one alternate.
The dark uniforms will remain mostly the same as they were during the 2023-24 season. The jersey is black, and features the traditional Nailers logo with the mask and crossed nails on the crest. The colored portion of the logo is Sunflower Yellow to match the rest of the organization. Each affiliate is represented on a shoulder, with Pittsburgh on the player's left, and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton on the player's right. The striping is Sunflower Yellow and white, the numbers are Sunflower Yellow with a white outline, and the letters are switching from white to Sunflower Yellow. Black helmets are being worn with these jerseys, in addition to Pittsburgh Penguins pants, which feature a stripe down each side.
The white uniforms is taking a similar identity as the dark uniforms, as they are incorporating the Sunflower Yellow, as opposed to the Vegas Gold, which was utilized on the white uniforms in previous seasons. While the color changes, the style of the logo on the crest of the white uniforms remains the same, with the traditional mask and crossed nails, in addition to the "Wheeling Nailers" wordmark in Easterly font in a circle. Each affiliate is represented on a shoulder, with Pittsburgh on the player's left and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton on the player's right. The striping is Sunflower Yellow and white, the numbers are black with a Sunflower Yellow outline, and the letters are black. New yellow helmets are being worn with these jerseys, in addition to the Pittsburgh Penguins pants, which are also being worn with the dark jerseys.
Vegas Gold remains a part of the uniform lineup, but gets moved to the alternate uniform as its primary color. The last time the Nailers used Vegas Gold as a jersey color was in the 2007-08 season, when it was also worn as an alternate. Instead of a logo, the word "Nailers" is spelled out diagonally on the front of the jersey in all black. The numbers and letters are all black as well, with no outline. The striping and shoulders are both black, with the shoulders once again showing off the affiliate logos. As is the case on the white and dark uniforms, Pittsburgh is on the player's left and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton is on the player's right. Black helmets are being worn with these jerseys, along with plain black pants.
White uniforms will primarily be worn at home during the first half of the season, then switch to primarily being worn on the road following the All-Star Break in mid-January. The Nailers will wear specialty jerseys at home on four occasions - Military Appreciation Night (November 8), Star Wars Night (January 11), Pittsburgh Penguins Night (February 8), and St. Patrick's Day (March 15).
The Wheeling Nailers will open the 2024-25 season on the road against the Maine Mariners on Friday, October 18th. The team's home opener is Saturday, November 2nd against the Bloomington Bison at 7:10, and will feature trick shots by Swaggy P. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2024-25 season are available now by calling (304) 234-GOAL. The Wheeling Nailers, considered one of the top things to do in Wheeling, West Virginia, provide affordable family entertainment for fans throughout the Ohio Valley.
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Nailers Sign Filip Forsmark
Rookie Forward Notched 74 Points in Four Seasons at Merrimack College
WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers, proud ECHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins, are excited to announce their 14th player signing of the 2024 offseason. Wheeling has signed forward Filip Forsmark to an ECHL contract.
Forsmark, 26, made his professional debut this past spring, when he skated in two games with the Allen Americans. He recorded four shots on goal in those contests and had an even +/-. Prior to that, Filip played four seasons of NCAA hockey at Merrimack College. While with the Warriors, the forward produced 26 goals, 48, assists, and 74 points, and played in 123 of 126 possible games. Forsmark led Merrimack with 13 points in 18 games as a freshman during the abbreviated 2020-21 campaign, then had his best collegiate totals as a sophomore, when he finished with 11 goals, 16 assists, and 27 points.
The native of Skovde, Sweden has spent the last seven years in North America, as he first crossed the ocean as a 19-year old in 2017 to begin his junior career with the USHL's Tri-City Storm. Forsmark finished second in scoring for the Storm in 2018-19, as the team finished with the best regular season record in the league and reached the conference final round of the playoffs. A fun personal fact about Filip is that he has two brothers, who both play professionally in Sweden. His older brother Oscar plays for HC Lidköping, while his younger brother Carl plays for Guldsmedshytte SK.
Filip Forsmark and the Wheeling Nailers will open the 2024-25 season on the road against the Maine Mariners on Friday, October 18th. The team's home opener is Saturday, November 2nd against the Bloomington Bison at 7:10. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2024-25 season are available now by calling (304) 234-GOAL. The Wheeling Nailers, considered one of the top things to do in Wheeling, West Virginia, provide affordable family entertainment for fans throughout the Ohio Valley.
Nailers Re-Sign Jordan Martel
Wheeling's Leading Scorer Returns After Electrifying 35-Goal Campaign
WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers, proud ECHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins, are excited to announce their 13th player signing of the 2024 offseason. Wheeling has re-signed forward Jordan Martel to an ECHL contract.
Martel, 26, was acquired by the Nailers in a trade from the Utah Grizzlies in December of this past season, and provided an immediate jolt to the team's offense. Jordan appeared in 45 games in a Wheeling uniform, and averaged over a point per game, as he racked up 29 goals, 18 assists, and 47 points. That productivity ran his overall season totals to 35 goals, 23 assists, and 58 points in 61 contests. His 35 goals were tied for the sixth most in the ECHL, and were the second most among players who played in less than 70 games. Six of those goals came from two hat tricks, and both hat tricks led to him earning ECHL Player of the Week honors, as he became the sixth player in team history to receive the award twice in the same season. In addition to leading the team in regular season scoring, Martel finished first on the club in the playoffs, as he notched five goals, eight assists, and 13 points in nine games. Jordan has reached the Kelly Cup Playoffs in three straight springs, and this past year was the first time that his team won a series. The forward has career totals of 55 goals, 56 assists, and 111 points in 121 games with Wheeling, Utah, and Fort Wayne.
Prior to turning pro, the Chicoutimi, Québec native played four seasons of junior hockey with the QMJHL's Baie-Comeau Drakkar, then played two seasons at the University of Quebec at Trois-Rivières. Martel's best individual season with the Drakkar came in 2017-18, when he posted 39 goals, 38 assists, and 77 points in 66 games. Jordan experienced his greatest team success at UQTR in 2021-22, when the Patriotes captured the University Cup with a thrilling double overtime win over the University of Alberta. Martel recorded one goal and one assist in the final, and had at least one point in all three games of the championship tournament. A fun personal fact about Jordan is that he will be reunited with Chris Ortiz, as the two were previously teammates for two seasons in Baie-Comeau.
Jordan Martel and the Wheeling Nailers will open the 2024-25 season on the road against the Maine Mariners on Friday, October 18th. The team's home opener is Saturday, November 2nd against the Bloomington Bison at 7:10. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2024-25 season are available now by calling (304) 234-GOAL. The Wheeling Nailers, considered one of the top things to do in Wheeling, West Virginia, provide affordable family entertainment for fans throughout the Ohio Valley.
Nailers Re-Sign David Drake
Veteran Defenseman to Become 19th Player With at Least Four Seasons in Wheeling
WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers, proud ECHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins, are excited to announce their 12th player signing of the 2024 offseason. Wheeling has re-signed defenseman David Drake to an ECHL contract.
Drake, 29, will become the 19th player in team history to play for the Nailers in parts of four seasons. David has appeared in 177 career games in a Wheeling uniform, which ranks tied for 17th on the team's all-time list. During that time, he has tallied six goals, 40 assists, and 46 points, in addition to a very impressive +32 rating. The blueliner's +12 rating was tied for the top spot on the team in 2022-23, while his +18 rating in 2023-24 was second best among defensemen, which highlights his ability to shut down the opposition. Drake was originally acquired by the Nailers in a trade with the Reading Royals during the 2021-22 season. David has also appeared in 14 AHL games with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, Providence Bruins, and Rochester Americans, to take his career total to 327 professional games, which makes him a veteran.
Prior to turning pro, the native of Naperville, Illinois played four seasons of college hockey at the University of Connecticut from 2014-18. Drake registered 25 points in 124 career games with the Huskies, and was an alternate captain during his junior and senior seasons. One of his most notable statistics from college was his 170 blocked shots, as he averaged over one per game in each of his four years. A fun personal fact about David is that he was also an NHL draft pick, as he was selected by the Philadelphia Flyers in 2013, while he was playing junior hockey with the USHL's Des Moines Buccaneers.
David Drake and the Wheeling Nailers will open the 2024-25 season on the road against the Maine Mariners on Friday, October 18th. The team's home opener is Saturday, November 2nd against the Bloomington Bison at 7:10. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2024-25 season are available now by calling (304) 234-GOAL. The Wheeling Nailers, considered one of the top things to do in Wheeling, West Virginia, provide affordable family entertainment for fans throughout the Ohio Valley.
Nailers Sign Zachary Massicotte
2022 QMJHL Champion Enters Third Pro Season
WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers, proud ECHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins, are excited to announce their 11th player signing of the 2024 offseason. Wheeling has signed defenseman Zachary Massicotte to an ECHL contract.
Massicotte, 23, is the first signing this summer who has yet to play for the Nailers in his career, but he does come to Wheeling with prior professional playing experience. Zachary has split the first two seasons of his pro career between the AHL and ECHL, as he has played for the Belleville Senators and Syracuse Crunch in the AHL, as well as the Allen Americans and Orlando Solar Bears in the ECHL. At 6-foot-4, 218 pounds, the blueliner has been relied on in a shutdown role, but he has contributed eight goals, 20 assists, and 28 points in his 96 career ECHL contests. Massicotte's teams qualified for the Kelly Cup Playoffs and won a series during both of his seasons in the league, as Allen defeated Kansas City in 2023, and Orlando knocked off Greenville in 2024.
Prior to turning pro, the Shawinigan, Québec native played parts of five seasons of junior hockey in the Québec Maritimes Junior Hockey League with the Rimouski Océanic and his hometown Shawinigan Cataractes. Massicotte's biggest highlight came during his final season with the Cataractes (2021-22), as his team captured Shawinigan's lone President's Cup in its 55-year history in the league. Zachary's most productive season in the QMJHL was 2019-20, when he recorded 30 points to finish second in scoring among defensemen with Rimouski. The player who finished first that season was 2023-24 Nailer Isaac Belliveau. The 2019-20 Océanic had the fourth highest point total in the league when the season ended abruptly, and that squad also featured 2022-23 Nailer Cédric Paré.
Zachary Massicotte and the Wheeling Nailers will open the 2024-25 season on the road against the Maine Mariners on Friday, October 18th. The team's home opener is Saturday, November 2nd against the Bloomington Bison at 7:10. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2024-25 season are available now by calling (304) 234-GOAL. The Wheeling Nailers, considered one of the top things to do in Wheeling, West Virginia, provide affordable family entertainment for fans throughout the Ohio Valley.
Nailers Re-Sign Peter Laviolette III
Wheeling Native Returns for Third Season in Home Town
WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers, proud ECHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins, are excited to announce their tenth player signing of the 2024 offseason. Wheeling has re-signed forward Peter Laviolette III to an ECHL contract.
Laviolette, 26, returns for his third season with the Nailers, after posting his second straight 11-point campaign. Peter brings a physical presence to the lineup, as he has ranked second on the club in penalty minutes in back-to-back seasons. The forward is also a very popular voice both on the ice and in the locker room, which translated to the team going 24-17-4 when he suited up in 2023-24. One of Laviolette's highlight games from this past season was a two-goal performance on February 19th, which helped Wheeling earn its first ever victory in Utah.
In addition to his play, the Wheeling, West Virginia native has excelled off of the ice, as he has won back-to-back Project BEST Community Player of the Year Awards. Laviolette has reached double digits in community appearances during both of his seasons with the Nailers, highlighted by his work with the Booze, Cruise, You'll Lose Program.
This past season, Laviolette passed Bryan Ewing for the most career games played for the Nailers by a Wheeling native, as he enters the 2024-25 season with 83 games played. He is the son of former Nailers Head Coach and current New York Rangers Head Coach Peter Laviolette Jr., who ranks seventh in NHL history with 807 career head coaching wins. A fun personal fact about Peter III is that he was born in Wheeling on a Nailers game day that his father coached. Peter Jr.'s Nailers defeated the Dayton Bombers, 6-5, on December 19, 1997.
Peter Laviolette III and the Wheeling Nailers will open the 2024-25 season on the road against the Maine Mariners on Friday, October 18th. The team's home opener is Saturday, November 2nd against the Bloomington Bison at 7:10. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2024-25 season are available now by calling (304) 234-GOAL. The Wheeling Nailers, considered one of the top things to do in Wheeling, West Virginia, provide affordable family entertainment for fans throughout the Ohio Valley.
Nailers Re-Sign Cal Kiefiuk
2021 National Champion Returns for First Full Pro Season
WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers, proud ECHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins, are excited to announce their ninth player signing of the 2024 offseason. Wheeling has re-signed forward Cal Kiefiuk to an ECHL contract.
Kiefiuk, 24, joined the Nailers this past spring, after concluding his NCAA playing career. Cal made his professional debut on March 29th at Toledo, and went on to play in three regular season games and one postseason contest for Wheeling. The rookie forward was one of three players to debut in the March 29th game, and all three players are returning for their first full season with the club, as Jared Westcott and Dustin Manz were the other two. Those were the 999th, 1,000th, and 1,001st players in team history.
Prior to turning pro, the Macomb, Michigan native played five seasons of college hockey - four at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and one at Providence College. The shining moment of Cal's college career took place at Pittsburgh's PPG Paints Arena in 2021, when the UMass Minutemen captured the NCAA National Championship with a 5-0 victory over St. Cloud State University. He assisted on the second goal of the contest. In addition to the National Championship, Kiefiuk won back-to-back Hockey East Championships at UMass in 2020-21 and 2021-22. His best individual season came during his final campaign with the Minutemen in 2022-23, when he tallied seven goals and 21 points in 31 games. A fun personal fact about Cal is that he played under former Nailer Jacob Pritchard, who was an assistant coach at UMass. Kiefiuk was also college teammates that year with current Wheeling teammate Matt Koopman.
Cal Kiefiuk and the Wheeling Nailers will open the 2024-25 season on the road against the Maine Mariners on Friday, October 18th. The team's home opener is Saturday, November 2nd against the Bloomington Bison at 7:10. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2024-25 season are available now by calling (304) 234-GOAL. The Wheeling Nailers, considered one of the top things to do in Wheeling, West Virginia, provide affordable family entertainment for fans throughout the Ohio Valley.
Nailers Announce 2024 Preseason Game
Wheeling Will Host Cincinnati on October 12th
WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers, proud ECHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins, have announced their lone exhibition contest for the 2024-25 season. The Nailers will welcome the Cincinnati Cyclones to WesBanco Arena for a 6:10 game on Saturday, October 12th.
Wheeling and Cincinnati will clash in the preseason for the second consecutive year, following a 5-0 triumph by the Nailers in 2023. That result was a sign of things to come, as Wheeling opened the regular season with a victory over the Cyclones, and went on win the head-to-head season series for the first time since 2015-16. Despite a change in division for the Nailers, the two longtime geographic rivals will see plenty of each other during the 2024-25 campaign, as they will meet on nine occasions.
The exhibition match is free for all to attend with open seating.
The 2024-25 regular season begins on Friday, October 18th, when the Nailers travel to Portland, Maine to face a new divisional opponent, the Maine Mariners. The home opener takes place on Saturday, November 2nd at 7:10 against the expansion Bloomington Bison. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2024-25 season are available now by calling (304) 234-GOAL. The Wheeling Nailers, considered one of the top things to do in Wheeling, West Virginia, provide affordable family entertainment for fans throughout the Ohio Valley.
Nailers Re-Sign Dustin Manz
Rookie Forward Scored Twice During Third Pro Game
WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers, proud ECHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins, are excited to announce their eighth player signing of the 2024 offseason. Wheeling has re-signed forward Dustin Manz to an ECHL contract.
Manz, 24, joined the Nailers this past spring, following the completion of his NCAA playing career. Dustin made his pro debut on March 29th at Toledo, then scored his first two pro goals less than one week later on April 3rd at Indy. The rookie forward recorded at least one shot on goal in all six regular season contests, then tacked on an assist during the playoffs.
Prior to turning pro, the Vanderbilt, Michigan native played five seasons of college hockey - three at Lake Superior State University, then two at American International College. Manz enjoyed his best individual success at AIC, as he reached double digits in goals during the 2022-23 campaign, then led the Yellow Jackets in scoring with 31 points in 2023-24. From a team standpoint, Dustin won a WCHA championship with Lake Superior State in 2021, which secured the school's first trip to the NCAA National Tournament in 25 years. His goal opened the scoring in the clinching win over Northern Michigan. Manz also won a BCHL title in 2018-19 as a member of the Prince George Spruce Kings, when he led the squad with 70 points in 58 games. A fun personal fact about Dustin is that his grandfather Jerry played college football at The Ohio State University, where he won a Rose Bowl.
Dustin Manz and the Wheeling Nailers will open the 2024-25 season on the road against the Maine Mariners on Friday, October 18th. The team's home opener is Saturday, November 2nd against the Bloomington Bison at 7:10. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2024-25 season are available now by calling (304) 234-GOAL. The Wheeling Nailers, considered one of the top things to do in Wheeling, West Virginia, provide affordable family entertainment for fans throughout the Ohio Valley.
Nailers Re-Sign Jared Westcott
Rookie Forward Burst Onto the Scene With Four Goals in First Six Pro Games
WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers, proud ECHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins, are excited to announce their seventh player signing of the 2024 offseason. Wheeling has re-signed forward Jared Westcott to an ECHL contract.
Westcott, 25, joined the Nailers this past spring, after completing his NCAA playing career. Jared got an immediate taste of success at the professional level, as he scored a goal in his debut at Toledo on March 29th. One of the biggest games of his young career came on April 7th against Indy, when he netted the go-ahead and eventual game winning goals as part of a three-point performance in a 5-3 triumph. Westcott also found the back of the net in Wheeling's playoff clinching win over Cincinnati on April 13th. Jared carried that success into the postseason, as he tallied in the game two victory over the Fuel.
Prior to turning pro, the native of Imperial, Missouri played four seasons of college hockey - one at Penn State University, then three at Lake Superior State University. Westcott put a huge exclamation point on his college career as a senior last year, as he led the Lakers in scoring with 18 goals, 18 assists, and 36 points in 38 games. That earned him a selection to the All-CCHA First Team, in addition to a nomination for the Hobey Baker Award. Jared also brings championship experience to the Nailers, as he won the USHL's Clark Cup with the Sioux Falls Stampede in 2018-19. Westcott scored twice in the three-game sweep over Chicago in the final, including the game winning goal with less than six minutes left to snap a 2-2 tie in game one. A fun personal fact about Jared is that he plays organized roller hockey during the summer, and on July 20th, his Carshield team won the North American Roller Hockey Championship in Irvine, California.
Jared Westcott and the Wheeling Nailers will open the 2024-25 season on the road against the Maine Mariners on Friday, October 18th. The team's home opener is Saturday, November 2nd against the Bloomington Bison at 7:10. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2024-25 season are available now by calling (304) 234-GOAL. The Wheeling Nailers, considered one of the top things to do in Wheeling, West Virginia, provide affordable family entertainment for fans throughout the Ohio Valley.
Nailers Sign Chris Ortiz
Defenseman Returns for Second Stint in Wheeling, After Playing for Trois-Rivières Last Season
WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers, proud ECHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins, are excited to announce their sixth player signing of the 2024 offseason. Wheeling has signed defenseman Chris Ortiz to an ECHL contract.
Ortiz, 23, is set to begin his second stint as a member of the Nailers, after he spent the entire 2023-24 season with the Trois-Rivières Lions. Chris has had success in the pro game as an offensive defenseman, as he has reached the 30-point plateau in each of his three seasons. Last year, the blueliner led the Lions with 33 assists, and finished fifth on the club overall with 37 points. Ortiz split his first two campaigns between Wheeling and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, and had his best season as a rookie with the Nailers in 2021-22. That year, he racked up 12 goals, 38 points, and had a +11 rating. Chris scored two goals in a game three times that season, which included an overtime winning goal against Indy. However, one of his biggest highlights was his wraparound attempt to set up the overtime goal in game seven at Fort Wayne. Ortiz has reached the postseason twice in his three seasons, and has 11 points in 17 playoff contests to go along with his 112 points in 190 career regular season games, counting both AHL and ECHL.
Prior to turning pro, the Boisbriand, Quebec native played four seasons of junior hockey with the QMJHL's Baie-Comeau Drakkar and Blainville-Boisbriand Armada. Ortiz finished either first or second on his team in scoring by defensemen in each of his last three seasons. His highest point total was 45 during the 2019-20 campaign, while his highest points-per-game average landed him just under one during the shortened 2020-21 season. Chris was an alternate captain during both of those years. While in Baie-Comeau, he was teammates with 2023-24 Nailers forward Raivis Ansons for parts of two seasons. A fun fact about Ortiz is last year was the first time in ten years that he did not play at least one regular season game as teammates with 2019 Pittsburgh Penguins Draft Pick Nathan Légaré.
Chris Ortiz and the Wheeling Nailers will open the 2024-25 season on the road against the Maine Mariners on Friday, October 18th. The team's home opener is Saturday, November 2nd against the Bloomington Bison at 7:10. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2024-25 season are available now by calling (304) 234-GOAL. The Wheeling Nailers, considered one of the top things to do in Wheeling, West Virginia, provide affordable family entertainment for fans throughout the Ohio Valley.
Nailers Re-Sign Matthew Quercia
2022 Playoff Hero was One of Ten ECHL Players with 10 Goals, 10 Assists, 100 Penalty Minutes in 23-24
WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers, proud ECHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins, are excited to announce their fifth player signing of the 2024 offseason. Wheeling has re-signed forward Matthew Quercia to an ECHL contract.
Quercia, 25, enjoyed a terrific bounce back season last year, after missing the entire 2022-23 season due to injury. Matthew brings a unique skillset to the ice, as he is a talented offensive player, and he is also willing to play a physical game. In 2023-24, he was one of only ten ECHL players to reach double digits in goals and assists, as well as triple digits in penalty minutes. Quercia finished his first full ECHL campaign with 11 goals, 22 assists, 33 points, and 152 penalty minutes in 64 games. The 152 penalty minutes were the most on the club, and he also chipped in three shorthanded goals, which were tied for the team lead. Additionally, his +13 rating was tied for second best among forwards. One of Matthew's best stretches of the season came during Wheeling's record-tying 12-game winning streak, as he posted points in six straight contests. The forward's strong play earned him his first career AHL callup, as he appeared in six games with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.
The native of Andover, Massachusetts first joined the Nailers in the back half of the 2021-22 season, following the completion of his college hockey career. Quercia posted three goals and seven points in 19 regular season games, but his biggest moment came during the opening round of the Kelly Cup Playoffs. Matthew scored twice against the Fort Wayne Komets, including the series clinching goal in overtime of game seven to become the third player in Wheeling history to accomplish such a feat. Prior to turning pro, Quercia played four years of college hockey - three at Boston University and one at Michigan Tech. His most productive college season was his sophomore year of 2019-20, when he compiled 13 points in 29 contests. A fun personal fact about Matthew is that he and his dad Greg (played college hockey at Bentley) co-founded the Chew Dawg Hockey Academy. Nailers teammate Matt Koopman will also be coaching at the academy this summer.
Matthew Quercia and the Wheeling Nailers will open the 2024-25 season on the road against the Maine Mariners on Friday, October 18th. The team's home opener is Saturday, November 2nd against the Bloomington Bison at 7:10. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2024-25 season are available now by calling (304) 234-GOAL. The Wheeling Nailers, considered one of the top things to do in Wheeling, West Virginia, provide affordable family entertainment for fans throughout the Ohio Valley.
Nailers Re-Sign Jaxon Castor
Netminder Enjoyed 7-1 Run to Help Wheeling Into Playoffs & Win First Round
WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers, proud ECHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins, are excited to announce their fourth player signing of the 2024 offseason. Wheeling has re-signed goaltender Jaxon Castor to an ECHL contract.
Castor, 27, joined the Nailers in November of this past season, when he was acquired in a trade with the Florida Everblades. Prior to the deal, Jaxon had played in two pro games, so the trade to Wheeling gave him the opportunity to flourish as a rookie. The netminder earned his first two career wins on New Year's Eve weekend, when he stopped 59 of 63 shots in a two-game sweep over the Norfolk Admirals. Those were the first of six consecutive victorious decisions, as he also knocked off the Orlando Solar Bears and Reading Royals twice each. Castor was called upon for his biggest stretch of the season in the closing weeks, when the Nailers were battling for a playoff spot. Jaxon went 4-0-1 in his final five starts of the regular season, and won the club's last three contests to punch the ticket to the postseason. The rookie continued his success in the opening round of the playoffs, as he allowed just five goals on 114 shots in the four wins over the Indy Fuel, which included his first career shutout, and the team's 10th all-time in postseason play. Castor concluded his first pro regular season with a 10-4-1 record, a 2.71 goals against average, and an .899 save percentage.
The native of Phoenix, Arizona attended St. Cloud State University for five years, prior to embarking on his professional career. Castor's collegiate journey was one that showed lots of dedication and perseverance, as he played for the school's ACHA team as a freshman, before eventually playing his way into a larger role on the NCAA squad. In 2022-23, Jaxon earned the opportunity to lead the way in the Huskies crease, and he shined, as he went 14-8-1 with a 2.02 goals against average, a .924 save percentage, and four shutouts. Two of those shutouts came in consecutive starts. First, he blanked Colorado College to win the NCHC Tournament and earn All-Tournament Team honors. Then, he was perfect against Minnesota State to open the NCAA National Tournament. Playoff success is also part of Castor's fun fact, as he won the NAHL's Robertson Cup and was named MVP of the championship with the Shreveport Mudbugs in 2017-18.
Jaxon Castor and the Wheeling Nailers will open the 2024-25 season on the road against the Maine Mariners on Friday, October 18th. The team's home opener is Saturday, November 2nd against the Bloomington Bison at 7:10. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2024-25 season are available now by calling (304) 234-GOAL. The Wheeling Nailers, considered one of the top things to do in Wheeling, West Virginia, provide affordable family entertainment for fans throughout the Ohio Valley.
Nailers Re-Sign David Jankowski
Forward Finished Third on Team in Rookie Scoring in 2023-24
WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers, proud ECHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins, are excited to announce their third player signing of the 2024 offseason. Wheeling has re-signed forward David Jankowski to an ECHL contract.
Jankowski, 27, is coming off of a strong rookie season, as he finished tied for fifth on the club with 37 points, thanks to 11 goals and 26 assists. The 37 points were third most among first year players. David was a key contributor on the power play, as the Nailers finished with a success rate of over 20% for just the fourth time in the last 27 seasons. His five markers on the man advantage ranked tied for second on the team and his 13 power play points were tied for fourth. Some notable games for the forward included a two-goal performance including the game winner on Thanksgiving Eve against Toledo, as well as three-point efforts in triumphs over Reading on January 26th and Cincinnati on March 3rd. Jankowski was the lone Wheeling player to score a shootout goal in 2023-24, and he did so twice - once for a win at Toledo and once in a home defeat against Tulsa. David's success continued into the playoffs, as he notched a point in each of the four wins over Indy in round one.
The native of Dundas, Ontario made his professional debut with the Nailers at the end of the 2022-23 season, and promptly racked up six points in his first seven games. Prior to turning pro, Jankowski played five seasons of college hockey at St. Lawrence University and Michigan Tech. One of Jankowski's best moments in college took place during the 2020-21 campaign, when St. Lawrence captured the ECAC Tournament Championship with back-to-back overtime wins over Colgate and Quinnipiac. David scored the overtime goal to win the title and added an assist earlier in that contest. The following year, he was named team captain, and went on to have his most productive season, as he finished third on the Saints with 16 points. From a personal standpoint, the Jankowski family has been tied to hockey for generations. David's grandfather Lou played in 127 NHL games, his father Len played college hockey at Cornell, and his brother Mark has played in 354 NHL games.
David Jankowski and the Wheeling Nailers will open the 2024-25 season on the road against the Maine Mariners on Friday, October 18th. The team's home opener is Saturday, November 2nd against the Bloomington Bison at 7:10. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2024-25 season are available now by calling (304) 234-GOAL. The Wheeling Nailers, considered one of the top things to do in Wheeling, West Virginia, provide affordable family entertainment for fans throughout the Ohio Valley.
Nailers Re-Sign Louie Roehl
2023-24 Alternate Captain Returns for Third Pro Season
WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers, proud ECHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins, are excited to announce their second player signing of the 2024 offseason. Wheeling has re-signed defenseman Louie Roehl to an ECHL contract.
Roehl, 26, served as one of Wheeling's alternate captains during the 2023-24 campaign, which was his second pro season and second year with the Nailers. Louie has been an anchor on the team's blueline, as he has appeared in 114 of 143 regular season games since turning pro, and posted a +2 rating. The defenseman has also contributed to the offense with five goals, 28 assists, and 33 points over the course of his two seasons. Roehl's individual success coincided with the team's performance last season, as eight of his nine points in 2023-24 came either during or shortly following the club's record-tying 12-game winning streak. That stretch of time also saw Louie finish with a +/- of even or better in 16 of 18 contests, which included a four-game run from January 24th through January 31st, when he finished at +10.
The native of Eden Prairie, Minnesota played five seasons of college hockey at the University of Minnesota-Duluth from 2017-22, before making his pro debut in Nail City. Roehl immediately learned what it took to be a winner, as the Bulldogs won back-to-back NCAA National Championships during his freshman and sophomore seasons. Louie was one of three defensemen to play in all 42 contests during the second championship campaign, which also saw UMD capture an NCHC Conference Championship. The Bulldogs won the NCHC Conference Championship again in 2021, which was decided in five overtimes - the third longest game in NCAA history. Similar to how he has done in with Wheeling, the blueliner played key minutes in the defensive zone, and finished his college career with a +28 rating in 180 games. A fun personal fact about Louie is his dad Dale was drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers in 1987.
Louie Roehl and the Wheeling Nailers will open the 2024-25 season on the road against the Maine Mariners on Friday, October 18th. The team's home opener is Saturday, November 2nd against the Bloomington Bison at 7:10. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2024-25 season are available now by calling (304) 234-GOAL. The Wheeling Nailers, considered one of the top things to do in Wheeling, West Virginia, provide affordable family entertainment for fans throughout the Ohio Valley.
Nailers Re-Sign Matt Koopman
26th Iron Man in Team History Returns for Second Full Season in Wheeling
WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers, proud ECHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins, are excited to announce their first player signing of the 2024 offseason. Wheeling has re-signed forward Matt Koopman to an ECHL contract.
Koopman, 26, was the only Nailer to appear in all 71 regular season games and all nine playoff matches in 2023-24, making him the 26th iron man in team history. In addition to being a reliable player in the lineup, Matt enjoyed a productive first full professional season, as he finished tied for eighth on the team with 34 points, thanks to 16 goals and 18 assists. The rookie forward accepted various different roles throughout the campaign, and especially shined when the team was down a player, as he finished tied for the ECHL's lead with six shorthanded points. Koopman's game continued to improve as the season went along, and he stepped up in a big way during the playoffs, as his four goals ranked tied for second on the squad, while his eight points were tied for the third most. Six of those points came during the first round victory over the Indy Fuel, which included a two-goal performance in the clinching fifth game.
The Marblehead, Massachusetts native made his professional debut with Wheeling at the end of the 2022-23 season, as he registered seven points in 14 games. Prior to turning pro, Matt played five seasons of college hockey at Providence College and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Koopman's best collegiate season was his final year at Providence in 2021-22, when he accumulated five goals and 12 points. A fun personal fact about Matt is that he has three brothers (Tom, Ben, Kyle), who have all played organized hockey at some point in their lives. Matt and Kyle are twins.
Matt Koopman and the Wheeling Nailers will open the 2024-25 season on the road against the Maine Mariners on Friday, October 18th. The team's home opener is Saturday, November 2nd against the Bloomington Bison at 7:10. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2024-25 season are available now by calling (304) 234-GOAL. The Wheeling Nailers, considered one of the top things to do in Wheeling, West Virginia, provide affordable family entertainment for fans throughout the Ohio Valley.
Nailers Extend Qualifying Offers to Eight Players
Five Forwards, Three Defensemen Recieve Offers; First Signing Announcement Coming Tuesday
WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers, proud ECHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins, have announced their list of players who received qualifying offers for the summer of 2024. Eight players were tendered qualifying offers for Wheeling.
Each team was entitled to reserve the rights to a maximum of eight qualified players. Of the eight qualified players, no more than four could be veterans (260 regular season professional hockey games played as of the start of the upcoming 2024-25 season). Players on open qualifying offers cannot be traded.
The qualifying offer must remain open for acceptance until July 22, at which time the qualifying offer becomes null and void and the team may sign the qualified player to any salary or may elect to take no further action. Teams that extend a valid qualifying offer to a non-veteran player shall retain the rights to that qualified player for one playing season.
A team that extends a valid qualifying offer to a veteran player, or to a goaltender who has played more than 180 regular-season games, will retain the rights to that player until July 22. After July 22, if the veteran player or goaltender is not signed to a contract by the team, the player shall be deemed a restricted free agent and shall be entitled to seek and secure offers of employment from other ECHL teams. Restricted free agents may not be traded. When a restricted free agent receives a contract offer from a team other than the team with the player’s rights and the restricted free agent wishes to accept the contract offer, the restricted free agent and the offering member must, within 24 hours, notify the ECHL, the team with the player’s rights and the Professional Hockey Players’ Association. The member with the player’s rights shall have seven days after the date it is notified to exercise its right to match the contract offer.
If a restricted free agent is not signed to either an offer sheet or a contract by an ECHL team by August 8, the player shall be deemed an unrestricted free agent.
The eight qualified players for the Wheeling Nailers are:
D Davis Bunz
F Cédric Desruisseaux
D David Drake (veteran)
F Tanner Laderoute
F Jordan Martel
F Matthew Quercia
F Mikael Robidoux
D Aidan Sutter
If a player has already signed a contract for 2024-25, that player does not need to be tendered a qualifying offer.
The Nailers will announce their first player signing for the 2024-25 season on Tuesday.
Nailers Announce Season-Ending Roster
Wheeling Lists 18 Players; Teams May Begin Signing Players for 2024-25
WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers, proud ECHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins, have announced their Season-Ending Roster for the Summer of 2024. The roster consists of 18 players.
Season-Ending Rosters may include up to 20 players, and cannot include any players who did not sign an ECHL contract in 2023-24. From this list, teams are entitled to reserve rights to the maximum of eight players, by extending a qualifying offer to them by July 7th. No more than four of the eight can be veterans (260 regular season professional hockey games), players on open qualifying offers cannot be traded, and if a player signs a contract prior to July 7th, that team does not have to extend a qualifying offer to said player. If a player does receive a qualifying offer, that offer remains open for acceptance until July 22nd.
Teams that extend a valid qualifying offer to a non-veteran player shall retain the rights to that qualified player for one playing season. A team that extends a valid qualifying offer to a veteran player, or to a goaltender who has played more than 180 regular-season games, will retain the rights to that player until July 22nd. After July 22nd, if the veteran player or goaltender is not signed to a contract by the team, the veteran or goaltender shall be deemed a restricted free agent and shall be entitled to seek and secure offers of employment from other ECHL teams. Restricted free agents may not be traded. When a restricted free agent receives a contract offer from a team other than the team with the player’s rights and the restricted free agent wishes to accept the contract offer, the restricted free agent and the offering member must, within 24 hours, notify the ECHL, the team with the player’s rights and the Professional Hockey Players’ Association. The member with the player’s rights shall have seven days after the date it is notified to exercise its right to match the contract offer. If a restricted free agent is not signed to either an offer sheet or a contract by an ECHL team by August 8th, the player shall be deemed an unrestricted free agent.
The Wheeling Nailers Season-Ending Roster consists of the following players:
D Davis Bunz
G Jaxon Castor
F Cédric Desruisseaux
D David Drake
F David Jankowski
F Cal Kiefiuk
F Matt Koopman
F Tanner Laderoute
F Peter Laviolette III
F Dustin Manz
F Jordan Martel
F Anthony Petruzzelli
F Matthew Quercia
F Mikael Robidoux
D Louie Roehl
D Aidan Sutter
D Tanner Vescio
F Jared Westcott
Nailers Announce Details of Future Considerations Trades
Wheeling Receives the Rights to Robidoux & Vescio, While Trading Rights to Paré & de Mey
WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers, proud ECHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins, have announced the details of their four future considerations trades.
The Nailers have acquired the rights to forward Mikael Robidoux from the Orlando Solar Bears, which completes the trade that sent defenseman Avery Winslow to Orlando. Robidoux, 25, has played in three full ECHL seasons and four total, as he has suited up with Maine, Kansas City, and Allen. Mikael has spent his last two seasons with the Americans, and has filled up every column of the stat sheet. The native of La Prairie, Québec native has tallied 16 goals, 18 assists, and 34 points in 136 career games, but the number that jumps off of the page is his 704 career penalty minutes. Robidoux's best offensive season came in 2022-23 with Allen, when he finished with nine goals and 16 points. His highest penalty minute total was 258 with the Mavericks in 2021-22.
The Nailers have acquired the rights to defenseman Tanner Vescio from the Savannah Ghost Pirates, which completes the trade that sent defenseman Brandon Hickey's rights to Savannah. Vescio, 26, is coming off of his rookie season, which saw him produce three goals, three assists, and six points in 38 games with the Ghost Pirates. Prior to turning pro, the native of Blaine, Minnesota played four seasons of college hockey at Northern Michigan University, where he recorded five goals, eight assists, and 13 points in 88 contests.
The Nailers have traded the rights to forward Félix Paré to the Maine Mariners, which completes the trade that sent forward William Provost to Wheeling. Paré, 24, played parts of three seasons with the Nailers, before joining the EIHL's Nottingham Panthers this past January. Félix accumulated 12 goals, 23 assists, and 35 points in 120 career games in a Wheeling uniform. The native of Levis, Québec enjoyed his highest point total with 15 in 2022-23, while his highest goal total was seven in 2021-22.
The Nailers have traded the rights to forward Vincent de Mey to the Idaho Steelheads, which completes the trade that sent defenseman Colin Van Den Hurk to Wheeling. de Mey, 26, did not appear in a game with the Nailers, and has one assist in 25 career ECHL games with Kansas City, Fort Wayne, and Idaho. Prior to turning pro, the native of Los Angeles, California played five seasons of college hockey at Northern Michigan University, where he compiled 40 goals, 31 assists, and 71 points in 162 games.
The next key offseason date is June 22nd, when teams submit their Season Ending Rosters. Teams may begin signing players on June 23rd for the 2024-25 season.
Nailers Announce 2024 Protected List
Wheeling's List Consists of 22 Players
WHEELING, WV- WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers, proud ECHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins, have announced their 2024 Protected List.
Teams are allowed to protect as many players as they wish provided the players protected meet the guidelines as defined in the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the ECHL and the Professional Hockey Players’ Association which state that teams shall retain the rights to each player that:
1. Signed an SPC in 2023-24 with the Member, and has not been traded or released, OR
2. Signed an SPC in 2023-24, and was recalled to the NHL/AHL or IIHF team, and has not been traded or released, OR
3. Had received a Qualifying Offer last summer for the current Season, DID NOT sign an SPC, and has not been traded or released, OR
4. Has been suspended by the Member or League, and has not been traded or released, OR
5. Signed an SPC on or after the first day of the 2023-24 Regular Season, then subsequently signed an NHL/AHL contract, and has not been traded or released, OR
6. Has executed the ECHL Retirement Form, and has not been traded or released.
The Wheeling Nailers Protected List consists of the following 22 players:
D Davis Bunz
G Jaxon Castor
F Vincent De May
F Cédric Desruisseaux
D David Drake
F David Jankowski
F Cal Kiefiuk
F Matt Koopman
F Tanner Laderoute
F Peter Laviolette III
F Dustin Manz
F Jordan Martel
D Chris McKay
F Cédric Paré
F Félix Paré
F Anthony Petruzzelli
F Matthew Quercia
D Louie Roehl
D Adam Smith
D Aidan Sutter
F Jared Westcott
D Jordan Wishman
This is the first key date for ECHL teams in the 2024 offseason. The next two key dates are June 20th, when all future considerations trades must be completed, then June 22nd, when Season Ending Rosters are due.
Nailers Announce 2024-25 Schedule
Wheeling Shifts to North Division & Will Face 17 Different Opponents
WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers, proud ECHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins, have announced their schedule for the 2024-25 season - the 33rd season of professional hockey in Wheeling.
Throughout the years, the Nailers have prided themselves on having a schedule that caters to families, and that will once again be the case in 2024-25, as 34 of the 36 home games will be played on weekends or holidays. The only two outliers are Education Day games, which will take place in November and March, with the puck hitting the ice at 10:45 a.m. Home game times will remain the same as they have been in previous seasons, as Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday games will begin at 7:10, Sunday games will begin at 4:10, and New Year's Eve will begin at 6:10.
One of the biggest adjustments for the coming season will be a change in divisions, as Wheeling has been shifted to the North Division, where it will join Adirondack, Maine, Norfolk, Reading, Trois-Rivières, and Worcester. While the Nailers will play 31 of their 72 games against that division, they will also maintain their geographic rivalries from the Central Division, as that group of teams makes up 33 of the 72 games on the docket. The remaining eight contests will feature a mix of the South and Mountain Divisions. The most frequent opponents are Reading (11) and Cincinnati (9), while Bloomington and Trois-Rivières will be first-time match-ups.
The first five games will be played on enemy ice, as Wheeling will serve as the opposition for three teams' home openers. The season begins in Portland, Maine with a two-game series against the Mariners on October 18th and 19th. The following weekend will be significantly closer to home, as the Nailers will battle Reading on October 26th and 27th. The final tilt in that stretch will be November 1st in Toledo.
For the second straight season, the home slate will begin in November, and fans will get an early look at one of the league's expansion clubs, as the Bloomington Bison will come to town for the home opener on the 2nd. The following weekend will feature the first ever trip to the Friendly City for the Trois-Rivières Lions on the 8th and 9th. Fort Wayne will be the first Education Day opponent on the 12th, before the Indy Fuel make their lone visit to Wheeling for a couple of playoff rematches on the 15th and 16th. Toledo is the Thanksgiving Eve opponent for the second year in a row on the 27th, which leads into a home-and-home series against Cincinnati to close out the month. The Black Friday road game in Cincinnati will be a 1:35 start time.
December has an even split of six home games and six road games. Kalamazoo makes its lone trip to WesBanco Arena on the 6th, before Reading's first of seven visits on the 8th. If anyone has hockey on their list for the holidays, the Nailers have the perfect gift in mind, as they will play seven games in 12 days from the 20th-31st. Four of those take place on home ice, starting with the first of a home-and-home set against Toledo on the 20th. Next up on the home docket will be the only two clashes with the Iowa Heartlanders on the 28th and 29th. 2024 concludes with the annual New Year's Eve game, which will feature Reading as the opposition for the fifth time.
With the exception of one contest at the end, the entire month of January will be played in series. The month begins with the only two meetings between Wheeling and the Norfolk Admirals on the 3rd and 4th at Norfolk Scope Arena. The following week, on the 8th and 10th, the Nailers will play a familiar foe in the Indy Fuel, but will do so in a new venue, as Fishers Event Center is set to open in December. The team will then sprint back home to Wheeling, where the Worcester Railers will be waiting for them on the 11th and 12th. That will turn into a four-game home-and-home series between the Nailers and Railers, who will play the other two matches in Massachusetts on the 18th and 19th. The home portion of the month concludes with the second ever visit from the Western Conference Champion Kansas City Mavericks on the 24th, 25th, and 26th.
January ends and February begins with a good old fashioned 3-in-3 in three different cities, as Wheeling will bounce from Cincinnati to Fort Wayne, and then on to Toledo. A quick trip over to Indy the following week leads into a home clash with Reading on the 8th. The Nailers will then get to enjoy some southern hospitality, as they will visit the South Carolina Stingrays on the 15th and the Greenville Swamp Rabbits on the 16th and 17th. When the squad returns, it will be greeted by Tulsa on the 21st and 22nd, as the Oilers visit Nail City for the second straight season. That weekend concludes with a Sunday showdown against Reading on the 23rd.
One of the longest homestands of the season closes out February and kicks off March, as Wheeling will play three more home games on the 28th, 1st, and 2nd. Adirondack starts things off on Friday and Saturday, then Maine puts the bow on the weekend on Sunday. More Thunder will be in the forecast the next week, as the Nailers will face Adirondack for three on the road on the 7th, 8th, and 9th. The second Education Day game of the season will also be a lesson in French, as Trois-Rivières returns on the 12th. There will be three more home games that weekend - two with Fort Wayne on the 14th and 15th, then one against Cincinnati on the 16th. A three-game journey to Toledo and Indy leads into the final homestand of the regular season, which will be another six-game stretch spanned over two weekends. Cincinnati (28th & 29th) and Bloomington (30th) will be the visitors for the first weekend, then Reading is in the house for the back half on April 4th, 5th, and 6th. The last series of the regular season will take Wheeling out of the country, as the Nailers will visit the province of Québec for the first time to face the Lions on April 11th, 12th, and 13th.
2024-25 Opponent Breakdown
11 vs. Reading - 7 home, 4 away
9 vs. Cincinnati - 4 home, 5 away
7 vs. Toledo - 2 home, 5 away
6 vs. Indy - 2 home, 4 away
6 vs. Trois-Rivières - 3 home, 3 away
5 vs. Adirondack - 2 home, 3 away
5 vs. Fort Wayne - 3 home, 2 away
4 vs. Worcester - 2 home, 2 away
3 vs. Kansas City - 3 home
3 vs. Maine - 1 home, 2 away
2 vs. Bloomington - 2 home
2 vs. Greenville - 2 away
2 vs. Iowa - 2 home
2 vs. Kalamazoo - 1 home, 1 away
2 vs. Norfolk - 2 away
2 vs. Tulsa - 2 home
1 vs. South Carolina - 1 away
2024-25 Schedule
Fri. Oct. 18 at Maine, 7:15
Sat. Oct. 19 at Maine, 6:00
Sat. Oct. 26 at Reading, 7:00
Sun. Oct. 27 at Reading, 3:00
Fri. Nov. 1 at Toledo, 7:15
Sat. Nov. 2 vs. Bloomington, 7:10
Wed. Nov. 6 at Cincinnati, 7:35
Fri. Nov. 8 vs. Trois-Rivières, 7:10
Sat. Nov. 9 vs. Trois-Rivières, 7:10
Tue. Nov. 12 vs. Fort Wayne, 10:45 a.m.
Fri. Nov. 15 vs. Indy, 7:10
Sat. Nov. 16 vs. Indy, 7:10
Sat. Nov. 23 at Fort Wayne, 7:35
Wed. Nov. 27 vs. Toledo, 7:10
Fri. Nov. 29 at Cincinnati, 1:35
Sat. Nov. 30 vs. Cincinnati, 7:10
Fri. Dec. 6 vs. Kalamazoo, 7:10
Sat. Dec. 7 at Cincinnati, 7:35
Sun. Dec. 8 vs. Reading, 4:10
Fri. Dec. 13 at Reading, 7:00
Sat. Dec. 14 at Reading, 7:00
Fri. Dec. 20 vs. Toledo, 7:10
Sat. Dec. 21 at Toledo, 7:15
Sun. Dec. 22 at Kalamazoo, 3:00
Fri. Dec. 27 at Cincinnati, 7:35
Sat. Dec. 28 vs. Iowa, 7:10
Sun. Dec. 29 vs. Iowa, 4:10
Tue. Dec. 31 vs. Reading, 6:10
Fri. Jan. 3 at Norfolk, 7:05
Sat. Jan. 4 at Norfolk, 7:05
Wed. Jan. 8 at Indy, 7:00
Fri. Jan. 10 at Indy, 7:00
Sat. Jan. 11 vs. Worcester, 7:10
Sun. Jan. 12 vs. Worcester, 4:10
Sat. Jan. 18 at Worcester, 6:05
Sun. Jan. 19 at Worcester, 3:05
Fri. Jan. 24 vs. Kansas City, 7:10
Sat. Jan. 25 vs. Kansas City, 7:10
Sun. Jan. 26 vs. Kansas City, 4:10
Fri. Jan. 31 at Cincinnati, 7:35
Sat. Feb. 1 at Fort Wayne, 7:35
Sun. Feb. 2 at Toledo, 5:15
Fri. Feb. 7 at Indy, 7:00
Sat. Feb. 8 vs. Reading, 7:10
Sat. Feb. 15 at South Carolina, 6:05
Sun. Feb. 16 at Greenville, 3:05
Mon. Feb. 17 at Greenville, TBD
Fri. Feb. 21 vs. Tulsa, 7:10
Sat. Feb. 22 vs. Tulsa, 7:10
Sun. Feb. 23 vs. Reading, 4:10
Fri. Feb. 28 vs. Adirondack, 7:10
Sat. Mar. 1 vs. Adirondack, 7:10
Sun. Mar. 2 vs. Maine, 4:10
Fri. Mar. 7 at Adirondack, 7:00
Sat. Mar. 8 at Adirondack, 7:00
Sun. Mar. 9 at Adirondack, 3:00
Wed. Mar. 12 vs. Trois-Rivières, 10:45 a.m.
Fri. Mar. 14 vs. Fort Wayne, 7:10
Sat. Mar. 15 vs. Fort Wayne, 7:10
Sun. Mar. 16 vs. Cincinnati, 4:10
Fri. Mar. 21 at Toledo, 7:15
Sat. Mar. 22 at Toledo, 7:15
Sun. Mar. 23 at Indy, 4:00
Fri. Mar. 28 vs. Cincinnati, 7:10
Sat. Mar. 29 vs. Cincinnati, 7:10
Sun. Mar. 30 vs. Bloomington, 4:10
Fri. Apr. 4 vs. Reading, 7:10
Sat. Apr. 5 vs. Reading, 7:10
Sun. Apr. 6 vs. Reading, 4:10
Fri. Apr. 11 at Trois-Rivières, 7:00
Sat. Apr. 12 at Trois-Rivières, 7:00
Sun. Apr. 13 at Trois-Rivières, 3:00