WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers, proud ECHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins, are excited to announce their fourth player signing of the 2018 offseason. Wheeling has signed forward Cedric Lacroix to an ECHL contract.
Lacroix, 23, is set to make his professional debut, following four years of college hockey at the University of Maine. Cedric was an extremely reliable player for the Black Bears, as he appeared in all but six games during his career in Orono. He produced 21 goals, 19 assists, and 40 points in 145 games, led by a six-goal, 11-point output in 34 games as a senior in 2017-18. Three of Lacroix's six goals during his senior year were game winners, and he also posted his best +/-, checking in at +9, which was tied for fourth on the team.
"Cedric is a strong skating, heavy centerman, who plays a solid 200-foot game," said Nailers Head Coach Mark Dennehy. "As good as he was at Maine, I think he'll be an even better pro. He plays hard, goes to the hard areas (which should increase his offensive numbers), and works incredibly hard."
The native of Shefford, Quebec played two years of junior hockey in the USHL with the Sioux City Musketeers, accumulating 14 goals, 12 assists, 26 points, and 296 penalty minutes in 107 games. Cedric is the son of Daniel Lacroix, who played in the NHL for parts of seven seasons, before going on to be an NHL assistant coach for 11 seasons with the New York Islanders, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Montreal Canadiens. Cedric was teammates with 2017-18 Nailer Cam Brown for three seasons at Maine, while also suiting up with Connor Leen and Andrew Cerretani.
"I felt like Mark Dennehy had a good grasp on how I am as a player, and I think I can complement his coaching style," Lacroix said. "I pride myself on my physicality, while being a role player, who can contribute offensively and also bring high intensity. I am excited for new challenges, a chance to grow and develop as a player, and the opportunity to win games while building something with my teammates."
Cedric Lacroix and the Wheeling Nailers will begin the 2018-19 season on October 13th, when they visit the Norfolk Admirals. Wheeling's first home game will take place on November 3rd against the Indy Fuel. The Wheeling Nailers, considered one of the top things to do in Wheeling, West Virginia, provide affordable family entertainment for fans throughout the Ohio Valley. For information on season tickets, group tickets, flex plans, and more, call (304) 234-GOAL.
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