Wheelers come to terms with Jaffray, Reynolds
August 27, 2004 - ECHL (ECHL)
Wheeling Nailers News Release
Wheeling W.V. â The Wheeling Nailers announce today that they have re-signed Jason Jaffray and T.J. Reynolds and new comer, defenseman James Laux. As per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Jaffray, 23, was the Nailers leading scorer last season, recording 37 goals and 37 assists for 74 points in just 54 games, which was good enough for third in the league for goals. He also appeared in five games for Wilkes-Barre recording one assist. Jaffray returns for his second year for the Nailers and third professional season.
Jaffray was named the ECHL Rookie of the Year in 2003 while playing for the Roanoke Express. He has also been named to the ECHL All-Star Team each of his first two seasons, voted as a starter in 2004. Last season Jaffray led the Nailers in goals (37), points (74), power play goals (13), power play points (28) and game-winning goals (6).
Reynolds, 23, returns for his third professional season, all have been played with the Nailers. He appeared in 66 games last season for the Nailers recording 4 goals and 16 assists for 20 points and 247 penalty minutes. T.J. also appeared in four games for Wilkes-Barre registering seven penalty minutes.
Reynolds set a franchise record for penalty minutes in a season in his rookie year with 371 PIM. He was tied for third on the Nailers team a year ago with a +/- rating of +27. Reynolds was also the third highest scoring defemseman for the Nailers last season with his 20 points.
Laux, 24, joins the Nailers for his second professional season, he played the majority of his season last year with the Philadelphia Phantoms, until his season was cut short due to an abdominal injury. The 6'2 210 pound defenseman from Cherry Hill, NJ appeared in 23 games with the Phantoms scoring four goals and three assists for seven points with 11 penalty minutes.
"With Jaffray and Reynolds we should all be thrilled to have them back, having great seasons last year they had offers from a lot of teams. But, they wanted to and chose to come back to Wheeling. These guys are both character guys and real leaders on our team, and are both feared by other teams for different reasons but they are both feared," said Nailers Head Coach/Director of Hockey Operations Pat Bingham. "Nailers fans will also enjoy what Laux will bring to the team. He is big and strong, but also very agile, just a complete player. Laux chose Wheeling for the opportunity and because he is from outside Philadelphia and saw a great team that is close to home."
Jaffray, Reynolds and Laux join Brendon Hodge, Mark Kosick, Ben Blais, Ray DiLauro and Jake Riddle and Kenny Corupe as signed for the 2004-2005 season.
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