Wheeling Nailers Community Recap
November 5, 2015 - ECHL (ECHL)
Wheeling Nailers News Release
Wheeling Nailers Mascot Spike
(Wheeling Nailers)
The Wheeling Nailers have been in town for one month, since training camp began on October 5th. While the team's hard work on the ice has led to a 4-2-0 record through six games, the players have also spent a lot of time in the community, making valuable connections with their fans, while helping the front office staff produce an opening night sellout, and what is expected to be a second sellout on November 10th.
The action within the community began with the annual State of the Team Press Conference, which was hosted at Wheeling Island Hotel, Casino, and Racetrack on October 8th. Nailers Governor Don Rigby and Head Coach Clark Donatelli spoke from the organization, during an event which also featured Wheeling City Manager Robert Herron, Wheeling Vice Mayor Gene Fahey, WesBanco Arena Executive Director Dennis Magruder, and Pittsburgh Penguins Development Coach Mark Recchi. That evening, fans were also given the opportunity to meet the entire team for the first time in 2015-16.
Prior to their departure for opening weekend in Norfolk, the Nailers took the opportunity to make connections with their season ticket holders. Rather than having those members of Nailers Nation simply pick up their tickets at the main office, six players made special deliveries to 21 different corporate sponsors throughout the Ohio Valley. Then, when they returned from the road trip, eight more players jumped onto the telephones, calling every single season ticket holder, thanking them for their support.
With the first sellout in over three seasons on the horizon, it was time to get the word out about the organization's success, while also inviting more fans to Join the Evolution. Six players spoke on local radio shows, sharing great stories, and plenty of laughs, as fans throughout the area got a feel for who these individuals are, when they aren't skating around in uniform. In addition, Radio Broadcaster DJ Abisalih and Assistant Coach David Gove chatted with Wheeling's Kiwanis and Lions Clubs, which will lead to an appearance with the Wheeling Rotary Club on December 1st.
The Nailers also introduced a pair of new community initiatives, which took off with great success. "Rally With the Valley" had Nailers players visit Undo's St. Clairsville, Quinet's Court Restaurant in New Martinsville, and Undo's Weirton on three consecutive Wednesdays, helping to spread the word to surrounding communities about the excitement of Wheeling Nailers Hockey. The meet-and-greets also gave some of the more regular fans from those areas the chance to connect with some of their favorite players, without having to drive a long distance. Additionally, the Celebrity Server program has returned, thanks to Quaker Steak & Lube. Connor Leen and Casey DeSmith got the fun started on October 22nd, and more players will be at the Highlands location on November 27th, December 14th, January 6th, and February 24th - all nights featuring Pittsburgh Penguins games on television.
To round out the month, Nailers players began to do excellent work with kids, which will take them into the classroom, onto the ice, and around town recreationally, as the season progresses. This particular visit came at the annual STEM Expo, focusing on Science, Technology, Education, and Math. While there, Derek Army and Clark Seymour got the chance to participate in a crime scene investigation, which fell into the Science category.
The month of November has already gotten off to a great start, and those pictures and stories will be shared in the weeks to come. Be on the lookout for Spike at some of the local parades, leading up the holiday season, and make sure you are following @WheelingNailers on Twitter, liking Wheeling Nailers Hockey on Facebook, and following @WheelingNailers on Instagram.
If you or your organization would like to have Spike or members of the Wheeling Nailers attend your community event, please e-mail pr@wheelingnailers.com.
The Nailers will conclude their three-game homestand on Friday against the Kalamazoo Wings at 7:35. That game will feature Flat Screen Friday, presented by The Highlands and Bordas & Bordas, Frosty Friday, a Player Poster Giveaway, courtesy of RSQP Print & Design, as well as a canned food drive with Wheeling Island Hotel, Casino, and Racetrack. On November 10th, Wheeling will host its annual Education Day Field Trip game, and on November 14th, it's WVU College Football Night, with Pat White and Steve Slaton meeting fans and signing autographs.
Individual tickets, season tickets, mini plans, and group tickets are on sale now, with prices starting as low as $10 per seat. For tickets and more information, call the Nailers at (304) 234-GOAL or online at wheelingnailers.com.
Images from this story
 Wheeling Nailers Mascot Spike |
ECHL Stories from November 5, 2015
- Schwab Stops in Rapid City - Rapid City Rush
- Pochiro Reassigned to Chicago Wolves - Quad City Mallards
- Grizzlies to Visit VA Hospital Monday - Utah Grizzlies
- Weekend Preview: Two Divisional Games for IceMen - Evansville IceMen
- Solar Bears Unveil Cub Club Presented by Rebounderz Apopka - Orlando Solar Bears
- ECHL Transactions - November 5 - ECHL
- Eagles Complete Trade for Forward Joe Zarbo - Colorado Eagles
- IceMen Rope Moon Back in from Colorado - Evansville IceMen
- Wheeling Nailers Community Recap - Wheeling Nailers
- Rush Receive Bunting and Mermis from Springfield - Rapid City Rush
- "Mullets in Movember" Returns to Manchester - Manchester Monarchs
- Utah Upends Aces 4-2 Wednesday Night - Alaska Aces
- Grizzlies Beat Alaska 4-2, Faragher Goes to 4-0 - Utah Grizzlies
- Ex-Steelhead Nesbitt Pushes Gladiators over Idaho - Idaho Steelheads
- Gladiators Win Third Straight with 5-4 Victory in Idaho - Atlanta Gladiators
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.
