ECHL Wheeling Nailers

Nailers trade for versatile forward

August 24, 2004 - ECHL (ECHL)
Wheeling Nailers News Release


Wheeling W.V. – The Wheeling Nailers announce today that they have traded the rights of defenseman Jake Ortmeyer to the Louisiana Ice Gators for center Kenny Corupe, as per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Corupe, 24, joins the Nailers for his sixth professional season, after playing the last two years for Louisiana. He appeared in 58 games last season recording 18 goals and 37 assists for 55 points and 37 penalty minutes.

In his first full professional season Corupe played for the Johnstown Chiefs. He only played in 12 games there before being called up to Saint John of the AHL for the rest of the season playing in 44 games recording three goals and four assists for seven points.

"We're upset to see Jake leave, as he played in every game for us last season. However, to get a player like Corupe who is young but has five years experience in the pros we feel gives us an edge on offense as we have already signed a number of defenseman. He really prides himself on winning face-offs and playing hard in his own zone," said Nailers Head Coach/Director of Hockey Operations Pat Bingham.

"I want to try to get back to the next level, which is the AHL, and it just seems the North has a better program for that and Wheeling really stood out among all the teams." stated Corupe. "I talked to a lot of teams, but the first time I talked to Pat (Bingham), I could sense something different from him that separated himself and Wheeling from all the other teams."

The Nailers 2004-2005 season starts on October 22 in Toledo and the home opener will be on October 30 against the Storm, check www.wheelingnailers.com for other game dates. Season tickets and mini plans are now on sale, starting at only $60 for mini plans and $261 for season tickets. Don't miss your chance to see the Nailers build on last year's historic season. For more information call the Nailers office at 1-877-NAIL-TIX or (304)234-GOAL.

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ECHL Stories from August 24, 2004


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