News From Around the ECHL
Kim Conner | Minor Leagues (ECHL, AHL, etc)
Jun 25, 02:01 PM | Hype this story!
Wheeling Nailers News
Wheeling Nailers Team President Jim Brooks announced today that Gret Puhalski will be returning as head coach for the 2008-2009 season. Puhalski was named interim head coach in January to replace Glenn Patrick.
“We are excited to have Greg as our coach. He’s a proven winner, he knows how to develop players, and we feel he provides us with the best opportunity to meet our goals.”
Though the Nailers had a dismal 07-08 season, Puhalski has expressed optimism going into the 08-09 season.
“I want to thank Jim and Rob Brooks for giving me the opportunity to coach the Nailers. I am eager for the upcoming season to begin and I want the Nailer’s fans to know that my passion for winning is real. My wife and I plan on living in the Wheeling area year-round and we look forward to being part of the community,” he said.
Johnstown Chiefs News
Johnstown Chiefs Announce First 08-09 Season Signings
Joey Olson, Joel Gasper, and Domenic Maiani have been signed by the Johnstown Chiefs, it was announced yesterday.
Olson, a second-year forward, joined the Chiefs in January, scoring 15 goals and adding 15 assists in 39 games.
Promising rookie Joel Gasper played in 9 games this past season for the Chiefs after his senior season wth Robert Morris University ended, recording two assists in that span.
Domenic Maiani, recently graduated from Ohio State, played in 3 regular season games with the Chiefs this year. He had two assists, and did not play in the playoffs.
American Conference News
The Royals and Coach Karl Taylor announced today that they have mutually agreed to terminate Taylor’s contract as head coach and director of operations.
The ECHL has terminated the membership of the Pensacola Ice Pilots, after Pensacola’s front office informed the ECHL that they would not play in the 08-09 season. All players are now unrestricted free agents.
Jerret Lukin has re-signed for the 08-09 season with the Florida Everblades.
National Conference News
Brent Bilodeau, Assistant GM and Assistant Coach of the Las Vegas Wranglers, and former Johnstown Chief, has been hired by the Central Hockey League’s Wichita Thunder as Head Coach.
The Ontario Reign are scheduled to make a major team announcement on Friday, June 27 during a press conference.
The Utah Grizzlies will host a preseason game between the LA Kings and the San Jose Sharks Sunday October 5, 2008.
Comments
Eric Politowski
Jun 25, 02:17 PM
Welcome to the team, Kim!
Matt Bodenschatz
Jun 25, 02:23 PM
Yes, welcome, Kim. We’ve been severely lacking in ECHL news in our year and a half covering hockey. It will be great to have this professional league looked at much more closely!
Ashley Gallant
Jun 25, 04:35 PM
Hey Kim! Welcome to FF!
Dabich
Jun 26, 05:51 AM
Hey, another great addition to the FF writing team. A job well done :)
Kim Conner
Jun 26, 08:21 AM
Thank you, everyone. I’m really excited to be a part of this team!
Groove
Jun 26, 07:18 PM
Thank you as well. I live in Wheeling and try to attend as many Nailer games as possible. They desperately need a winner on the ice and hopefully Puhalski is that guy. As far as news goes, the media is definitely lacking here, most of the player news comes from Wilkes Barre before it trickles down to here. Thanks again.
Nailer News
Jul 15, 08:12 AM
The media are lacking…
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