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 Wheeling Nailers

Friday Phone Call - Kris Vernarsky

August 13, 2010 - ECHL (ECHL)
Wheeling Nailers News Release


Wheeling, the 'Friendly City', is a place built around an emphasis on family and community. And that suits forward Kris Vernarsky just fine.

Vernarsky, a center from Warren, Michigan and father of three, is looking forward to becoming a part of Nailers Nation.

"I have my wife, Sara and we have three children: Kaden, Gavin, and our baby daughter Payton. We try to spend a lot of time together since I'm gone on the road during the season."

"2010 is a fresh year, a new league, a new team. I'm really excited and my family is excited to go somewhere else. It's [Wheeling] in a great location. There's lots of hockey on the east coast. I'm eager to get started," Vernarsky announced.

During the off-season, Vernarsky maintains a strict schedule that allows him to stay in hockey shape: "We skate in the morning every day, Monday through Thursday. Then I hit the gym once a day, I try to get up there five times a week. I also play on Sundays in the roller hockey league from 11am-7pm so I'm on my roller skates all day."

After playing in Port Huron of the IHL for the past four seasons, Vernarsky moves to the Nailers in the ECHL with new head Coach Stan Drulia.

"I played for him in Port Huron. He's easy to talk to and explain things in full detail. Coach Stan isn't afraid to open his door to let players come in to talk to him," said Vernarsky, "He really is good at getting on the same page with them. If you are able to have that kind of conversation you get a good feeling in the locker room and it carries over to the ice."

As far as hockey theology goes, Vernarsky agrees with Coach Drulia's emphasis on defense: "It you are good and defensively sound the rest will fall into place. Solid goaltending, responsible, defensive forwards, and strong defensemen add up."

Prior to joining the Nailers, Vernarsky had played in the AHL, ECHL, IHL, OHL, UHL, and NHL. With a professional hockey career spanning upwards of a decade, 28-year-old Vernarsky has accumulated a wealth of experience.

"I'm going to try to bring my leadership and experience to the game and help try to get the team going in the right direction," Vernarsky explains, "But the game has changed since I last played in the ECHL. It's faster, there are more skill players. I just try to go out there and play my game to the best of my ability. I think we can get this team going in the best direction."

Vernarsky last played in the ECHL during the 2004-2005 season for the Florida Everblades. Since then, his game has morphed from goal scorer to defensive forward.

"The last couple of seasons have been my most productive offensively. I would like to still contribute on the offensive side but the role I do play, defensive, checking centermen, against a team's best line, is just as important."

Vernarsky has high expectations of the 2010-2011 season: "I want to bring good leadership and a good atmosphere into the locker room. This is an upbeat page, a fresh season. We need to get off to a strong start, turn a negative into a positive. It's a long season and a lot can happen between call-ups and injuries. We need to stay focused on the main prize. We need to try to get in to the playoffs and stay positive about the whole season."

"If we keep going with the system and game plan and execute them the best way you can, you will win."

Come see future Pittsburgh Penguins start their careers in Wheeling! The Nailers will open training camp in early October for the 19th season of professional hockey in the Friendly City. The season opener at WesBanco Arena is Friday, October 15th against the Toledo Walleye. Season tickets are on sale now providing great value and awesome benefits for Nailers fans. Get an 8 game Saturday Super Pack for only $100 or pick your favorite dates in a 12 game mini-pack for only $150!


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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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