Fan Favorite Set To Return To Wheeling
Published on July 29, 2010 under ECHL (ECHL)
Wheeling Nailers News Release
The Wheeling Nailers, the AA affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins, have announced that defenseman Kyle Bushee has agreed to terms to return to the Wheeling Nailers for the upcoming 2010-2011 season. This will be Bushee's second season with the Nailers and fourth year in the ECHL.
Acquired in November of last season in a trade with the Johnstown Chiefs, Bushee appeared in 59 games with the Nailers scoring a career high 6 goals and 9 assists while registering 52 penalty minutes.
The 25 year old said he's looking forward to getting started as well as the opportunity to prove himself to new Nailers Head Coach Stan Drulia. "I've heard nothing but great things about Coach Drulia," Bushee said. "I am really excited to be returning to Wheeling. Last year I was treated so great by the owners, fans, coaches, and staff. I can't wait to get the season started and begin working towards a Kelly Cup."
Among the highlights for Bushee in his debut season for the Nailers was a breakout performance on December 26th at Kalamazoo near his hometown of Otsego, Michigan. Playing against a K-Wings team he used to cheer for as a kid and with 25 friends and family in attendance, Bushee scored his first two goals in a Wheeling uniform as part of a special night for him.
Upon his arrival in Wheeling he knew very few of the other players around him but by the end of the season he had established himself among his teammates and was wearing an "A" on his jersey as an assistant captain.
Kyle Bushee completed his collegiate career at Canisius College in the spring of 2008 and advanced to the professional ranks where he played in 14 games for the Cincinnati Cyclones in his rookie season. In the fall of 2008 he joined the Johnstown Chiefs playing in 67 games. He found a new home with Wheeling early in the 2009-2010 season and his feisty work on the blue-line was a great fit with the Nailers. Bushee has played 149 professional games in his career and has scored 10 goals and 31 assists.
The Nailers have officially announced the signings of two players so far: Kyle Bushee and Kris Vernarsky.
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! Call the Wheeling Nailers at 304-234-GOAL (304-234-4625) or toll-free at 1-877-NAIL-TIX. For more information log on to wheelingnailers.com
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