Mike Ratchuk Named to All-ECHL Second Team
Published on April 10, 2014 under 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 that one of their players has earned an end of the season award from the league. Defenseman Mike Ratchuk has been named to the All-ECHL Second Team.
Ratchuk, 26, is currently enjoying the best season of his career, as he has set personal bests with 15 goals, 27 assists, and 42 points, while appearing in 67 games. His 15 goals and six game winning tallies are the most among ECHL defensemen, while his 42 points rank third and his six power play goals rank fourth in that category among fellow blueliners. Mike has made himself into a valuable member of Wheeling's offensive attack in a variety of ways, as he also leads the squad in games played, overtime goals, and shootout goals.
In addition to his career highs in goals, assists, and points, the South Buffalo, NY native also eclipsed a few other statistical milestones. On November 15th, Ratchuk picked up an assist in the team's 5-1 win in Elmira, which turned out to be the 100th point of his professional career. Then, on March 1st, Mike appeared in his 300th game as a pro, as the Nailers took on Reading. Finally, on April 4th, the former Michigan State University Spartan dished out his 100th career assist, as Wheeling defeated Evansville, 4-1. Ratchuk's best individual performance of the season took place on November 23rd, when he racked up two goals and two assists, including the game winning tally, as the Nailers came from behind to defeat the Fort Wayne Komets, 5-4 in overtime.
Mike Ratchuk becomes the seventh player in team history to be named to the All-ECHL Second Team. The previous six were: Devin Edgerton (1992-93), Tim Roberts (1994-95), Keli Corpse (1995-96), Jason Jaffray (2003-04), Mitch Ganzak (2009-10), and Andrew Hotham (2011-12).
Ratchuk and the Nailers will conclude the regular season with two games in Cincinnati on Friday and Saturday, before beginning the 2014 Kelly Cup Playoffs. Wheeling's first three postseason home games will take place on April 23rd, 25th, and 26th (if necessary).
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