Nailers Add Pair of Rookies
September 2, 2009 - ECHL (ECHL)
Wheeling Nailers News Release
Wheeling, WV - The Wheeling Nailers, the proud ECHL affiliate of the Stanley Cup Champion Pittsburgh Penguins and the AHL's Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, have announced the signing of a pair of rookie forwards. Jeff Martens and Derek Kitti will both be making their professional debuts in a few weeks with the Nailers.
Martens is a native of Maple Ridge, British Columbia who recently completed a four year collegiate career in Canada beginning with Augustana University and concluding with the University of Western Ontario.
Derek Kitti played four years at Michigan Tech in the powerful WCHA competing against some of the top programs in the country.
"Both players come highly recommended by their college coaches for their competitiveness and work ethic," said Nailers Head Coach Greg Puhalski. "These are qualities we desire for the upcoming year. Jeff had a solid career at Western Ontario and Derek the same at Mich Tech."
Martens made it all the way to the national championship in Canada last year with the Western Ontario Mustangs. He scored 12 goals and 9 assists on the season.
The 26 year old with a lefty shot had previous experience in juniors in British Columbia with Prince George and Coquitlam over three season. Martens is listed at 6'2" and 217 pounds.
Kitti played in 36 of his team's 38 year games last year for the Michigan Tech Huskies. He was a regular on the WCHA's All-Academic team while studying biomedical engineering. Kitti's work ethic earned him the team's Unsung Hero Award at the conclusion of the season.
Kitti will turn 23 years old in a few days (Sept 10). the 6'2" tall, 200 pounder hails from Laurium, MI near the location of his alma mater in Houghton, MI in the state's upper peninsula.
The Nailers have now announced the signings of 14 players for the upcoming 2009-2010 campaign including 7 returning players.
F - Aaron Clarke
F - Chris Cloud
F - Sean Collins
F - Derek Kitti
F - Tomas Klempa
F - Andrew Lord
D - Cliff Loya
F - Jeff Martens
F - Anthony Perdicaro
D - Jon Ralph
F - Mark Roebothan
D - Nathan Schwartzbauer
D - Kevin Seibel
F - Chase Watson
Family Day presented by WesBanco Bank is coming October 7th at WesBanco Arena. It's your first chance to check out the Nailers as the Johnstown Chiefs come to town for a 7:05 face-off. Get a family 4-pack including 4 tickets, 4 hot dogs and 4 sodas for only $36.
The Wheeling Nailers officially open the 2009-2010 campaign on October 16th at the South Carolina Stingrays. The home opener for the 18th season of professional hockey in the Friendly City is October 23rd when the Nailers host the Cincinnati Cyclones.
Season tickets are on sale now for all 36 exciting Nailers home games at WesBanco Arena. Great season ticket plans are available for every budget. Also take advantage of the Nailers new $87 package for 7 Nailers home games. Call the Wheeling Nailers at (304) 234-GOAL, that's 234-4625. Or log on to wheelingnailers.com for more information.
ECHL Stories from September 2, 2009
- Condors promotional schedule unveiled for 2009-10 season - Bakersfield Condors
- Nailers Add Pair of Rookies - Wheeling Nailers
- Goaltender Joins Reign Roster - Ontario Reign
- Right Wing Heading To Medical School - Ontario Reign
- Berti Returns to Gwinnett for 2009-10 Season - Atlanta Gladiators
- Checkers Add Goal-Scorer Slattengren - Charlotte Checkers
- Stingrays Re-sign Johnson, Messier - South Carolina Stingrays
- Walleye Sign 7 More - Will Sign Autographs At Mud Hens Game Friday - Toledo Walleye
- Lappan Added to Checkers Front Office - Charlotte Checkers
- Everblades Ink Another Returnee From 2008-09 Brahbam Cup Squad - Florida Everblades
- Toledo Walleye Honored With Corn Maze - Toledo Walleye
- Royals Sign Forward Marc Cavosie - Reading Royals
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