Nailers Remember Wheeling Hockey Pioneer
March 17, 2005 - ECHL (ECHL)
Wheeling Nailers News Release
WHEELING, WV â The Wheeling Nailers will honor Wheeling's hockey pioneer Robert J. Otten who past away Monday at Wheeling Hospital.
Mr.. Otten and his family moved to Wheeling from Newark, New Jersey in 1946. He was a member of the Committee for the Memorial Ice Rink that was constructed in 1978, and in 1964 was also one of the founders of the Wheeling Amateur Hockey Association. The Association now has a membership of over 400 members of boys and girls.
Mr.. Otten continued his interest in hockey by being the Director of the Wheeling Amateur Hockey Association. He then moved into the officiating ranks in 1953-1961 he refereed in the International Hockey League. For his devotion to hockey in Wheeling he was awarded a special citation from the American Hockey Association in 1970 for the advancement of American amateur hockey. Otten served as the Referee-in-Chief for the Mid-American District III of the United States Amateur Hockey from 1970-1977.
When the Wheeling Thunderbirds moved to Wheeling from Winston-Salem, Otten organized the Off-Ice Officials for the first season. He continued as the supervisor of the Off-Ice Officials with the franchise for several years.
The Nailers will honor Robert Otten by wearing the initials R.J.O. on their helmets through the end of the season and into the playoffs. Nailers President Rob Brooks had this to say about Otten's contributions to hockey, "Because of Mr.. Otten's vision we have a very strong Amateur Hockey Program, and a professional team most cities our size could only dream of".
The Nailers play host tonight to Atlantic City for Guinness Green Out, and special drink considerations, game time is 7:00 PM. They finish out the weekend with games Friday and Saturday at 7:30 PM at WesBanco Arena, Saturday is Marion Lemieux Bobble head night. For more information call the Nailers office at (304)234-GOAL or 1-877-NAIL-TIX. Information for this release is thanks to the Wheeling Intelligencer and Wheeling New-Register.
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