Nailers Receive Pittsburgh Acquisitions O'Donoghue & Melindy
March 3, 2016 - ECHL (ECHL)
Wheeling Nailers News Release
WHEELING, WV - The Wheeling Nailers, proud ECHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins, have announced the additions of two new players. Prior to Monday's NHL Trade Deadline, Pittsburgh acquired forward Dan O'Donoghue and defenseman James Melindy as part of a four-player swap with the Arizona Coyotes. O'Donoghue and Melindy have reported to Wheeling, and are expected to play in Reading this weekend.
O'Donoghue, 25, played four seasons of college hockey at Mercyhurst College, and after posting 119 points in 155 games, made his way onto the AHL's Portland Pirates at the conclusion of his senior year. 2013-14 was Dan's best season with the Lakers, as he tallied 15 goals and 43 points in 38 games. The Port Jefferson, New York native split his first full season as a pro between Portland and Gwinnett, picking up four goals and eight points in 23 tilts with the Gladiators. This season has also season a mixture of AHL and ECHL games for O'Donoghue between the Coyotes' affiliates in Springfield (AHL) and Rapid City (ECHL). In 48 total games thus far, he has produced nine goals, six assists, and 15 points. Dan is approaching the 100-game mark as a pro, as he has totaled 13 goals, ten assists, and 23 points in 90 career contests.
Melindy, 22, played three seasons of junior hockey with the QMJHL's Moncton Wildcats. After his second season, the then Phoenix Coyotes selected him in the third round of the NHL Entry Draft with the 88th overall pick. After a brief stint in Portland at the end of the 2012-13 campaign, James played his first full season as a pro entirely in the AHL during 2013-14, collecting two goals and 34 penalty minutes in 38 games. The St. John's, Newfoundland native spent most of last year in the ECHL with Gwinnett, accumulating nine points and 69 penalty minutes in 47 games, but also suited up in nine AHL contests with Portland. Thus far this season, Melindy played all 52 of his games with the Rapid City Rush, recording three goals, 16 assists, 19 points, and 97 penalty minutes. During his pro career, James has amassed seven goals, 23 assists, 30 points, and 206 penalty minutes in 148 games.
O'Donoghue and Melindy were acquired by Pittsburgh in addition to forward Dustin Jeffrey, who joined the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. Former Nailer Matia Marcantuoni went the opposite direction in the trade, and could join the AHL's Springfield Falcons in the Arizona organization.
The Nailers will play a pair of road games against the Reading Royals on Friday and Saturday at 7:00. Wheeling will then play four home games in six days next week. Highlight promotions during the homestand include Duck Dynasty Night starring Si Robertson on March 12th, and Pucks 'N Pups on March 13th.
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