ECHL Wheeling Nailers

Nailers sign talented forward to try out agreement

August 11, 2006 - ECHL (ECHL)
Wheeling Nailers News Release


WHEELING, WV - The Wheeling Nailers announce today that they have signed local Pittsburgh forward and Penn State product Justin Depretis to a try-out agreement.

Depretis, 24, comes to the Nailers camp after playing four years at Penn State University. In his college career he amassed an amazing 138 points (79+59) in just 80 games.

The 6'3" 235 pound native of Finleyville, Pennsylvania played for the Pittsburgh Hornets travel programs growing up then moving onto Junior A. Depretis played for the Chicago Freeze and the Capital Center Pride in the NAHL before attending Penn State.

"We think Justin is a player that has flown under the radar for the last couple of years, and has tremendous skill," said Nailers Assistant Director of Hockey Operations Ryan Patrick. "We discussed with him the rigors of the professional game and we feel he now knows what he has to do to prepare and will be ready this season to make a big impact on our team".

The Wheeling Nailers will open their fifteenth season of hockey in the Ohio Valley on October 20th in Charlotte, before returning home on Friday October 27th for their home opener against the Johnstown Chiefs. Ticket and travel packages are on sale now ! Call the Nailers office for more information at 304-234-GOAL or online at www.wheelingnailers.com.

"Hammerin Out the Facts"

Name: Justin DePretis

Born: July, 25, 1982

From: Finleyville, PA

Height: 6'3

Weight: 230

When did you start playing hockey? "I started playing when I was five so 1987."

What is the best or worst nickname you've ever had? "Probably Todd Bertuzzi. Well, I mean he was my favorite till he broke that guys' neck. I still like him, but I guess I don't have a favorite now."

What is your favorite food? "Any kind of seafood."

What is your favorite movie/ TV show/ musician(s)? "My favorite movie? Ah geez, there's too many, but let's go with 'Shawshank Redemption.' My favorite TV. show would have to be 'South Park' and my favorite artist is Jack Johnson."

If you were stranded on a deserted island, who's the one person you want with you? "My grandma so she could take care of me because I don't think I'd make it."

What is your dream car? "Range Rover sport, they're nice, that would be it for sure."

Off the ice, what are your hobbies? "I like to cook. I like to scuba dive. I like to ski and travel too."

What would you do for a Klondike Bar? "I'm lactose intolerant, so nothing. I'd give it away."

Where would you take your dream vacation? "Micronesia, out in the Pacific by the Philippines. Truk Lagoon for a scuba diving expedition to be specific. It's supposed to be the best scuba diving in the world."

Check out the Wheeling Nailers Statistics



ECHL Stories from August 11, 2006


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