Donatelli Takes Helm for Nailers
Published on December 5, 2011 under ECHL (ECHL)
Wheeling Nailers News Release
The Wheeling Nailers, AA affiliate for the Pittsburgh Penguins and Montreal Canadiens, announced today that Clark Donatelli has been named the team's interim head coach. Donatelli replaces Stan Drulia, who was named the assistant coach of the AHL's Milwaukee Admirals today.
Clark Donatelli, 44, takes over for Drulia, after serving as the team's assistant coach this season. During his time as assistant coach, the team has the conference's 2nd best winning percentage at .647 (11 wins, 6 losses). Donatelli has had an extensive playing career, most notably playing on two United States Olympic teams in 1988 and 1992 (when he was captain of the select team). The Providence, RI native also played seven seasons of professional hockey, skating in 35 games at the NHL level with the Minnesota North Stars and Boston Bruins.
Prior to joining the Nailers staff, Donatelli served as the assistant coach at Providence College, under head coach Tim Army, who is currently a member of the Colorado Avalanche coaching staff.
Donatelli will begin his tenure on Wednesday night, when the Nailers visit the Trenton Titans.
Drulia, 43, joined the Nailers staff at the beginning of the last season (2010-11), and led the team to a 38-29-5 record during the regular season. The team went on to the Eastern Conference Finals in Stan's 1st season of coaching in the ECHL.
The Nailers' assistant coach from last season, John Wroblewski, is currently the head coach of the ECHL's Gwinnett Gladiators. In his 1st season as a head coach, Wroblewski has the Gladiators in 1st place in the South Division.
The Nailers return to WesBanco Arena on Friday night to battle the Reading Royals. Face-off is set for 7:35PM. Friday night will feature $1 draft beer and the inaugural Nailers Wing Fest. Fans will be able to sample local vendor's wings and help select a grand champion.
On Saturday night the Nailers will host the Trenton Titans at WesBanco Arena. The first 2,000 fans will receive a free Nailers T-Shirt courtesy of WesBanco Bank, The McLure Hotel, Panhandle Cleaning, and Generations Pub. For ticket information or to order tickets call 304-234-GOAL or online at shop.wheelingnailers.com.
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