Former Thunderbird Returns to Wheeling
Published on August 18, 2005 under ECHL (ECHL)
Wheeling Nailers News Release
WHEELING, WV - The Wheeling Nailers announce today they have signed former Wheeling Thunderbirds defenseman Terry Virtue as a player/assistant coach for the 2005-06 season. As per club policy terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Virture, 35, who currently resides in Wheeling joins the Nailers for his 15th professional season, after spending the majority of his career in the AHL. He has appeared in 850 games in the AHL recording 86 goals, 293 assists, for 379 points. Overall in his professional career Virtue has played in more than 1,000 games, and appeared in the NHL with the Boston Bruins and the New York Rangers.
The 6'0" 195 pound native of Scarborough, Ontario spilt last season between the Springfield Falcons and the Utah Grizzlies in the AHL. In 78 games he registered 4 goals and 19 assists, with 133 penalty minutes. Virtue was a member of the Wheeling Thunderbirds in 1992-93 that went all the way to the Riley Cup Championships, he also played the following season in Wheeling before moving up to the AHL permanently.
"It feels good to play again in Wheeling, there is some excitement for my family, as I will get to be home a lot, and we know a bunch of people in the area," said Virtue on his return to Wheeling. "Glenn is a good guy and a good coach, I'll be able to learn a lot from him, and we can have some success here if we bring in a bunch of good guys."
"Terry is one of hockey's "founding fathers" here in Wheeling, and we are very fortunate to have him back with the Nailers. Terry's skill on the ice speaks for itself, but it's his attitude off the ice that is most impressive - he should be a major asset for this community for many years to come," said Nailers President Jim Brooks.
The Wheeling Nailers Sweepstakes is now under way. Purchase any ticket package for the Nailers 2005-2006 season and be entered to win fabulous prizes such as a trip to Cancun Mexico or tickets to see the Steelers, Pirates, Penguins or the Cleveland Cavaliers. Call the Nailers ticket office at 304-234-4625 or toll free at 1-877-NAIL-TIX to enter to win or enter on-line at www.wheelingnailers.com.
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