Nailers Re-Sign Derek Army
September 7, 2016 - ECHL (ECHL)
Wheeling Nailers News Release
WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers, proud ECHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins, are excited to announce their 13th player signing of the 2016 offseason. Wheeling has re-signed forward Derek Army to an ECHL contract.
Army, 25, will be entering his third full season of professional hockey, after coming off of his best year from a developmental aspect. Derek was once again an offensive force with the Nailers in 2015-16, as he tallied eight goals and 23 points in 29 regular season games, before tacking on another four goals and ten points in 19 playoff contests. In addition to that, the he received the opportunity to suit up with four AHL clubs - the Portland Pirates, Ontario Reign, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, and Texas Stars. Army recorded nine points in 36 games with those teams, including his first career AHL goal, which came with Ontario.
"Derek Army is a great player and a terrific person, as he is a fan favorite and also very respected in the dressing room," said Nailers Head Coach Jeff Christian. "In addition to being a huge point producer, he has a strong all-around game, which got even better last season, when he spent time in the AHL. He has a great hockey background, and he knows how to be a pro."
The North Kingstown, Rhode Island native first came to Wheeling in the spring of 2014, after his college season had ended. He was able to find success quickly at the ECHL level, racking up three goals and four points in his first four games. One year later, Army continued his success on the ice, while also making a valuable impact on the fan base. The fans voted him the winner of the Riesbeck's Food Markets Fan Choice Player of the Year Award. Derek appeared in all 72 games in his rookie campaign, compiling 29 goals, 37 assists, and 66 points. That performance earned him a spot on the ECHL All-Rookie Team.
"I couldn't be more excited to return to Wheeling - a great spot and a place that I love," Army said. "Last year, we had a special team, which meshed great with the community, brought everyone together, and made it a lot of fun to be at the rink every day. The organization does a great job of developing players. It's an exciting time to be a Nailers fan."
Prior to turning pro, Army attended Providence College, where he majored in Marketing, while playing four years of college hockey for the Friars. Providence College is a very meaningful place for the Army family, as Derek's father Tim and grandfather Tom both played hockey there, and his mother Sue ran cross country for the Friars. During his four seasons at PC, Derek appeared in 149 games, totaling 38 goals, 38 assists, and 76 points. His best year was his junior campaign of 2012-13, when he set collegiate career highs with 13 goals and 23 points.
Derek Army and the Eastern Conference Champion Wheeling Nailers will begin the 2015-16 season on October 15th, when they play host to the Brampton Beast at 7:05.
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