Nailers Sign Dane Birks & Matt Foley
November 18, 2020 - ECHL (ECHL)
Wheeling Nailers News Release
Wheeling Nailers defenseman Dane Birks
(Wheeling Nailers)
WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers, proud ECHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins, have announced two more player signings for the upcoming season. Wheeling has signed defensemen Dane Birks and Matt Foley to ECHL contracts.
Birks, 25, will begin his third professional season and second in Wheeling, as he played for the Nailers during his rookie season of 2018-19. Dane accumulated one goal, 13 assists, and 14 points in 65 games with Wheeling, and also posted a +1 rating, as he was relied upon to play well in his defensive zone. Last season, the Merritt, British Columbia native recorded three goals, seven assists, and ten points in 52 games with the Rapid City Rush. Prior to turning pro, Birks played three seasons of college hockey at Michigan Tech, where he tallied 30 points in 117 games and posted a +27 rating.
Foley, 25, is set to make his professional debut. Matt attended Yale University for four years, where he majored in Political Science, while playing for the Bulldogs. The blueliner collected two goals, 16 assists, and 23 games in 88 games at Yale, with his best offensive season coming as a freshman, when he finished tied for third among his team's defensemen with eight points. The Longmeadow, Massachusetts native also played two seasons of junior hockey, as he notched ten points in 38 games with the BCHL's Merritt Centennials, then registered eight points in 45 games with the USHL's Bloomington Thunder.
Season memberships are available for the 2020-21 season. To purchase yours or to get more information, visit wheelingnailers.com or call (304) 234-GOAL. The Wheeling Nailers, considered one of the top things to do in Wheeling, West Virginia, provide affordable family entertainment for fans throughout the Ohio Valley.
Images from this story
 Defenseman Matt Foley with Yale |
 Wheeling Nailers defenseman Dane Birks |
• Discuss this story on the ECHL message board...
ECHL Stories from November 18, 2020
- Brampton Beast Season Update - Brampton Beast
- Forward Seamus Malone Signs with Indy - Indy Fuel
- Swamp Rabbits Ink Goaltender John Lethemon - Greenville Swamp Rabbits
- ECHL's North Division Enacts COVID Voluntary Suspension and Plans 2021-22 Return - Reading Royals
- Adirondack Thunder Issue Statement on Opt out of 2020-21 Season - Adirondack Thunder
- MEDIA RELEASE: Growlers to Opt-Out of 2020-21 ECHL Season - Newfoundland Growlers
- Cyclones Sign Yushiroh Hirano - Cincinnati Cyclones
- ECHL North Division Elects Suspension of Play, Mariners Issue Statement - Maine Mariners
- Rookie Alex Smith to Join Everblades - Florida Everblades
- Gillam Returns for Second Season - Wichita Thunder
- Nailers Sign Dane Birks & Matt Foley - Wheeling Nailers
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
