ECHL Wheeling Nailers

Nailers Name Jeff Christian as Assistant Coach

Published on January 28, 2016 under ECHL (ECHL)
Wheeling Nailers News Release


WHEELING, WV - The Wheeling Nailers, proud ECHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins, are excited to welcome Jeff Christian as their new assistant coach.

Christian, 45, played professional hockey in North America and Europe for 21 seasons, spending the majority of his time in the American Hockey League, International Hockey League, and Central Hockey League. Jeff's journey toward the pros began in the Ontario Hockey League, where he played three seasons with the London Knights and Owen Sound Platers. Following his 17-year old year, he was selected in the second round (23rd overall) of the 1988 NHL Entry Draft by the New Jersey Devils. He made his professional debut with the Utica Devils in 1990-91, appearing in all 80 regular season games. One year later, the Burlington, Ontario native made his National Hockey League debut with New Jersey. Christian suited up for three different NHL teams in his career, including the Pittsburgh Penguins, with whom he scored twice.

"I am excited to be a part of the Wheeling Nailers and Pittsburgh Penguins organizations," Christian said. "I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of the organization, and I am excited to help develop the young prospects."

Throughout his career, Jeff made a habit of filling up the stat sheet, as his North American numbers totaled 456 goals, 645 assists, 1,101 points, and 2,489 penalty minutes in 1,072 games. His most productive seasons came with Youngstown in the CHL, when he lit the lamp a career-high 55 times in 2005-06, before racking up 116 points the following year. Christian's highest penalty minute total came in 1996-97, when he amassed 275 between the Cleveland Lumberjacks (IHL) and Pittsburgh Penguins.

"Jeff comes to us highly recommended by the Pittsburgh Penguins organization and the hockey community," said Nailers Head Coach David Gove. "I am very excited to have him with our team, as his experiences as a player will be beneficial in helping our players develop their careers."

Prior to coming to Wheeling, Jeff spent the last three years with the Ohio AAA Blue Jackets, where he served as the team's head coach. He is married to his wife Dorie, and the couple has a three-year old daughter, Tyler.

Jeff Christian will make his debut behind the bench with the Nailers on Friday night, when Wheeling begins a three-game weekend in Elmira against the Jackals. Christian's first home game as assistant coach will take place on February 5th against Reading at 7:35.

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