ECHL Wheeling Nailers

Nailers Sign Forward Tomas Klempa

July 22, 2009 - ECHL (ECHL)
Wheeling Nailers News Release


Slovakia Native Will Be Back For Second Season

Wheeling, WV - The Wheeling Nailers, the proud ECHL affiliate of the Stanley Cup Champion Pittsburgh Penguins and the AHL's Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, have announced the signing of forward Tomas Klempa.

The native of Prestany, Slovakia and product of the University of Nebraska-Omaha played 9 regular season games and 2 playoff games with the Nailers last year after joining the team late in the season. Klempa retains his rookie status for the upcoming season having played in fewer than 25 professional games.

Last year, Klempa signed with the Nailers in March following the conclusion of his collegiate career with the Nebraska-Omaha Mavericks. In 4 years at UNO the speedy forward had 42 goals and 56 assists including a career high 14 goals in his senior season. He recorded 2 assists in his 9 games with the Nailers and made an impression on head coach Greg Puhalski.

"Tomas joined our team in the playoffs last year and proved he will be an effective player for us this season," Puhalski said.

The 25 year old Klempa is 5'8" and 170 pounds. Before UNO he played with the Danville Wings and Indiana Ice of the USHL. With Danville in 2002-03 he was teammates with Aaron Clarke. With Indiana in 2004-05 he led the team in scoring with 25 goals and 52 points.

The Wheeling Nailers open the 2009-2010 campaign on October 16th at the South Carolina Stingrays. The home opener for the 18th season of professional hockey in the Friendly City is October 23rd when the Nailers host the Cincinnati Cyclones.

Season tickets are on sale now for all 36 exciting Nailers home games at WesBanco Arena. Great season ticket plans available for every budget. Also take advantage of the Nailers new $87 package for 7 Nailers home games. Call the Wheeling Nailers at (304) 234-GOAL, that's 234-4625. Or log on to wheelingnailers.com for more information.

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ECHL Stories from July 22, 2009


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