Nailers Sign JP Anderson

WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers, proud ECHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins, have announced the signing of goaltender JP Anderson to an ECHL contract.

Anderson, 24, spent time with the Nailers last season, posting a 2-1-1 record, with a 2.21 goals against average, and a .917 save percentage in four starts. His Wheeling debut took place on March 13th, when he turned away 22 of 23 shots, defeating the Norfolk Admirals at WesBanco Arena. Six days later, JP made his way into the win column again, denying 22 of 24 shots in Kalamazoo, to knock off the Wings, 5-2. The Toronto, Ontario native very nearly secured three straight triumphs, as he blanked the Fort Wayne Komets on 25 shots in regulation, including a late save on a penalty shot. Unfortunately, Fort Wayne prevailed in overtime, 1-0.

2016-17 will be the fourth season of professional hockey for Anderson, who was a member of the San Jose Sharks organization in 2013-14 and 2014-15. JP backstopped six victories with the AHL's Worcester Sharks during his second season, which was split between Worcester and Allen in the Americans first year in the ECHL. He also suited up with San Francisco and Ontario in the ECHL. Prior to making the jump to the pro game, Anderson played five seasons of junior hockey in the Ontario Hockey League with the Mississauga St. Michael's Majors and Sarnia Sting. JP's best season in the "O" came in 2010-11, when he captured 38 wins, then led Mississauga to the championship game of the Memorial Cup. Anderson played in playoff games during all five of his seasons in the OHL.

JP Anderson and the Wheeling Nailers have two home games coming up this week. On Friday night, Wheeling hosts Toledo at 7:05 on a Flat Screen Friday presented by The Highlands, as well as a Frosty Friday. Then, on Sunday, it's a 5:05 game against Kalamazoo on a Family Funday, with McDonald's $6 kids tickets and a post game skate with the team. The next celebrity appearance at WesBanco Arena will be Pittsburgh Pirates Night, starring Clint Hurdle on December 3rd. To purchase tickets, or to get more information on season tickets, mini plans, group tickets, and more, call the Nailers at (304) 234-GOAL.