WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers, proud ECHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins, have announced two transactions, which both take effect immediately. The Nailers have acquired forward Alexandre Carrier from the Orlando Solar Bears in exchange for future considerations. Additionally, defenseman Brett Stern was loaned to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.
Carrier, 26, will be a member of the Nailers for the second time in his career, as he appeared in ten games with the club during the 2013-14 season. This is Alexandre's fifth season of professional hockey in North America, and he has played in four different leagues - the AHL, ECHL, CHL, and SPHL. In 2014-15, he achieved the rare feat of suiting up at three different levels, as he played 11 games in the SPHL with the Peoria Rivermen, 16 games with Orlando, and 13 games with the AHL's Albany Devils. Although that year featured the most AHL time, the St-Elzear-de-Beauce, Quebec native had his most productive season in 2015-16, when he accumulated five goals, eight assists, 13 points, and 108 penalty minutes in 47 games with the Adirondack Thunder. This season, Carrier has played in 28 ECHL games with the Solar Bears and Utah Grizzlies, totaling two goals, seven assists, nine points, and 54 penalty minutes.
Stern, 24, earns his second opportunity at the AHL level this season, as he appeared in four games for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins in January. Brett is in the midst of a second successful season with the Nailers, as is tied for second on the team in defensive scoring, having collected six goals, 15 assists, and 21 points in 42 games. That productivity brings him very close to reaching his totals from his rookie campaign of 2015-16, when the Lino Lakes, Minnesota native was an iron man, appearing in all 72 games, while registering seven goals, 17 assists, and 24 points. Prior to turning pro, Stern attended Minnesota State University, Mankato for four years, where he compiled six goals, 18 assists, and 24 points in 137 games. Brett has been a popular player during his time in Wheeling, as he won both the Player's Player Award and Fan Choice Player of the Year Award last season.
The Wheeling Nailers will conclude their homestand on Saturday, when they take on the Kalamazoo Wings at 7:05. It's A Valley Divided - Steelers vs. Browns Night, and fans are encouraged to wear their favorite football team's colors to the game. Additionally, Merril Hoge and Earnest Byner will be a part of the fun. To purchase tickets, or to get more information about season tickets, mini plans, group tickets, and more, call (304) 234-GOAL.