Puhalski Returns to Alma Mater
Published on June 17, 2010 under ECHL (ECHL)
Wheeling Nailers News Release
Wheeling, WV - The Wheeling Nailers, the AA affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins, are not only known for their success in advancing an ECHL record 43 players onto the NHL but also for developing coaches for University, AHL, NHL and National positions. The latest promotion is that of Greg "Chief" Puhalski who has been announced as the new head coach of his Alma Mater, Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, Ontario.
Puhalski played for Wilfrid Laurier (pronounced Lore-ee-ay) from 1986-1990 where he set all-time records of 88 goals and 222 points in his four year career. He now returns to coach the Golden Hawks in the OUA (Ontario University Athletics) of the CIS (Canadian Interuniversity Sport) in his debut stint at that level. Puhalski was announced in a press conference at Wilfrid Laurier University earlier today.
Coach Puhalski racked up an amazing 634 wins in 16 seasons of professional hockey entirely at the AA level in the ECHL and UHL including 82 wins as head coach of the Wheeling Nailers. This will be his first foray into the collegiate coaching ranks as he looks toward new challenges.
Puhalski continues an impressive trend of Nailers to graduate on to new levels of coaching.
The most notable Wheeling coach is Peter Laviolette who coached the Nailers in 1997-98 and led the Philadelphia Flyers to the Stanley Cup Finals this season and also won the Stanley Cup as the head coach of the Carolina Hurricanes in 2006. Former Nailers goalie Joe Exter is an assistant coach on the U.S. National Juniors team that won the Gold Medal this past February and former head coach Pat Bingham is currently the head coach of the Bridgeport Sound Tigers of the AHL.
"Chief" said he had some mixed emotions about the decision but the opportunity to coach at his Alma Mater was one he could not resist. "My wife and I really love the area," Puhalski raved. "An opportunity came up to coach my alma mater and I think it's just the right time. I turned down a similar opportunity years ago. I think for where I'm at with my family it's the right time to make the move. I look forward to going back and winning some games for the program."
Wheeling Nailers President Jim Brooks was happy for Coach Puhalski to receive this great opportunity."We thank Greg for his 2 1/2 years of service here in Wheeling and wish him the best," Brooks said. "It is always exciting to be able to return to your educational institution and positively influence those students that are following in your footsteps. Our family has always enjoyed our opportunities to do such and we are glad Greg now has this chance. It's very rewarding."
Puhalski was extremely grateful for the support he received in his time in the Friendly City, "I want to thank the Nailers hockey fans for their support. My stay in Wheeling has been great due to the people I have met. Jim and Rob Brooks have treated me and my family tremendously. Ali and I will remember our time in Wheeling very fondly. Long live Nailer Nation."
Puhalski was the head coach of the Nailers for two and a half seasons after taking over the reins in January, 2008. He finishes with an all-time record with the Nailers of 82-83-19 including 33-32-7 in the past season. That places him fourth on the all-time wins list in the history of the organization. His 634 wins all-time have him among the leaders of all professional coaches.
Good Luck Chief! The Nailers wish you all the best in your new opportunity and thank you for your dedication and passion to the team and Wheeling community over the past three years.
ECHL Stories from June 17, 2010
- ECHL Names Thunder "Ticket Department of Year" - Stockton Thunder
- Puhalski Returns to Alma Mater - Wheeling Nailers
- Salmon Kings Announce Season Ending Roster - Victoria Salmon Kings
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.
