Wheeling Signs Justin Smith
Published on August 30, 2013 under ECHL (ECHL)
Wheeling Nailers News Release
WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers, proud ECHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins and Montreal Canadiens, are glad to announce their 13th player signing of the 2013 offseason. Wheeling has signed forward Justin Smith to an ECHL contract.
"Justin is a big kid, who goes to the net hard, protects the puck well, and is strong on the walls," said Head Coach Clark Donatelli. "He also likes to play the physical game, which will add to the grit level of our team."
Smith, 25, joins the Nailers after spending the 2012-13 season in Europe, with teams in Germany and Hungary. Justin started the year with EHC Neuwied in Germany, where he appeared in eight games, registering one goal, two assists, and three points. He then moved southeast to Hungary, where he completed the year with Miskolci Jegesmedve JSE, scoring two goals, five assists, and seven points in 28 regular season games, before tallying three goals in four playoff games for the Polar Bears.
"Last year, I played in Europe, so this year, I wanted to give North America a crack," Smith said. "I am good buddies with Peter Merth, and he told me that Wheeling was a solid place to play, and that it's a good organization. I have been keeping a close eye on the team this summer, and I am excited about the chance to come in, play with lots of character guys, and I am looking forward to getting camp and playing in the first exhibition game on October 5th."
Prior to his time across the pond, the Hammonds Plains, NS native attended Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) for four years, where he majored in Business and Management. While with the Engineers, Smith appeared in 42 games, totaling one goal, three assists, four points, and 49 penalty minutes. Justin also spent one season with the BCHL's Langley Chiefs in 2007-08, recording 13 goals, 10 assists, 23 points, and 32 penalty minutes.
"I pride myself on coming in each day with a positive attitude," said Smith. "On the ice, I work hard, play physical, and get pucks to the net."
The Wheeling Nailers will open the 2013-14 regular season on Friday, October 18th at 7:00 against the Elmira Jackals.
ECHL Stories from August 30, 2013
- Wranglers Announce Preseason Games, Partner with MDA - Las Vegas Wranglers
- Wheeling Signs Justin Smith - Wheeling Nailers
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