ECHL Wheeling Nailers

MacKay Signs with Nailers, Hoping to Build on Last Season's Success

August 16, 2013 - ECHL (ECHL)
Wheeling Nailers News Release


WHEELING, WV - The Wheeling Nailers, proud ECHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins and Montreal Canadiens, are excited to announce their seventh player signing of the 2013 offseason. Wheeling has signed forward Max MacKay to an ECHL contract.

"Max is a highly skilled forward, who will put a lot of points on the board," said Head Coach Clark Donatelli. "He came in toward the end of last year, and made an impact right away. I am looking forward to seeing him continue his progress this season."

MacKay, 22, began his professional career last season, appearing in eight games each with the Nailers and the AHL's Bridgeport Sound Tigers. Max made his debut with the Sound Tigers on November 16th against Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, then dished out two assists the next day, as Bridgeport blanked Manchester, 4-0. The rookie forward tacked on one more assist with Bridgeport, giving him three points in the AHL.

The Salt Lake City, UT native was then assigned to Wheeling, where he made his ECHL debut on March 1st against Trenton. After being held off of the scoresheet that night, MacKay went on a four-game point scoring streak, picking up one assist each on March 2nd, 6th, and 8th, while mixing in two goals and an assist in a 6-4 win over Kalamazoo on March 3rd. Max went on to suit up in three more games with the Nailers, before an injury kept him out of the lineup for the final nine games of the campaign.

"When I came to the Nailers last season, I had good players around me, and I saw the ice well," said MacKay. "I was able to move the puck well underneath the dots and below the circles, making it easier to put points on the board."

Prior to joining the professional ranks, MacKay spent one season with the Walpole Express of the Atlantic Junior Hockey League, racking up 25 goals, 37 assists, and 62 points in 29 games.

"I liked the atmosphere last year when I came to Wheeling, as it made it a fun place to play," MacKay said. "I had a lot of fun, and I feel that this is also a good situation for me to move up in my career."

The 2013-14 Wheeling Nailers begin their regular season on Friday, October 18th at 7:00, when they play host to the Elmira Jackals at WesBanco Arena.

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