ECHL Wheeling Nailers

Nailers Re-Sign Derek Army

July 3, 2015 - ECHL (ECHL)
Wheeling Nailers News Release


Wheeling Nailers Forward Derek Army
Wheeling Nailers Forward Derek Army
(Wheeling Nailers)

WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers, proud ECHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins, are excited to announce their first player signing of the 2015 offseason. Wheeling has re-signed forward Derek Army to an ECHL contract.

Army, 24, is coming off of a fantastic rookie season, which saw him lead the Nailers with 29 goals, while becoming the first Wheeling player to appear in all 72 regular season games since Brock Sheahen during the 2008-09 season. Derek's season began to take off in late November, when a two-goal performance in Elmira helped lead him into a six-goal, 13-point month in December, which was followed by eight more tallies and 16 more points in January. The North Kingstown, Rhode Island native's efforts were recognized twice by the ECHL, as he earned Player of the Week Honors for the week of April 6-12, before being named to the All-Rookie Team at season's end. However, that was just the beginning of the accolades for Army, who won three team awards, including Fan Choice Player of the Year.

"Derek made some huge strides in his game for us last season, becoming one of our most dangerous offensive players," said Nailers Head Coach Clark Donatelli. "He brings a great attitude to the rink every day, which I think rubs off on his teammates, and also makes him a favorite among the fans. We are fortunate to have Derek coming back, and I look forward to helping him develop his game even more," he said.

Prior to his time with the Nailers, Army attended Providence College for four years, where he majored in Marketing, in addition to suiting up for the Friars. In four years at Providence, Derek recorded 38 goals, 38 assists, and 76 points in 149 games, as he became the third member of his family (father Tim, grandfather Tom) to play for the Friars. After completing his senior season, the 5-foot-11 forward made the jump to the pro game, collecting four points in four games with Wheeling.

"For me personally, it was a no-brainer to come back to Wheeling. We had the perfect group of guys here, which is a credit to how close we were, and looking forward, that's one of the main reasons why I wanted to come back," said Army. "I also love the fan base, and can't thank them enough for the way they welcomed me in. We receive great support from our owners, coaching staff and fans, who all have a ton of passion for the Nailers," he said.

Derek Army and the Nailers will start the 2015-16 regular season with two games in Norfolk on October 16th and 17th, before the home opener on October 24th against Brampton at 7:35.

WheelingNailers 2015-16 season tickets are on sale now. For more information, call 304-234-GOAL or visit wheelingnailers.com.

Listen to all Nailers regular season and post-season games live on the Valley's rock station EAGLE 107.5 FM, on www.iheartradio.com or watch live on www.echl.tv. Catch every road game live on WLUTV on Comcast Cable 14.

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Wheeling Nailers Forward Derek Army
Wheeling Nailers Forward Derek Army
   



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