Nailers Make Two Deals at Trade Deadline

WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers, proud ECHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins, have announced two transactions, which both took place prior to the 3:00 Trade Deadline. Wheeling has acquired forward Mitch Holmberg from the Colorado Eagles in exchange for future considerations. The Nailers have also acquired forward Kale Kerbashian from the Allen Americans in exchange for future considerations.

Holmberg, 24, played his junior hockey with the WHL's Spokane Chiefs, and had a magnificent 2013-14 season, which saw him rack up 62 goals, 56 assists, and 118 points. That earned him the attention of some professional teams, leading to his debut with the AHL's Oklahoma City Barons and three playoff contests with the Bakersfield Condors that spring. Mitch spent the majority of his rookie campaign with the Elmira Jackals, after being acquired from Bakersfield, totaling six goals, nine assists, and 15 points in 40 games. The Sherwood Park, Alberta native took his talents to Europe the following year, before returning to the ECHL this season with the Wichita Thunder and Colorado Eagles. In 41 total games, Holmberg has collected 11 goals, eight assists, and 19 points.

Kerbashian, 26, began his professional career with the Nailers, appearing in four regular season games at the end of the 2009-10 season. During that time, he posted two goals, one assist, and three points. The following year, Kale returned to junior hockey, before making the permanent jump to pro hockey in 2011-12 with the Greenville Road Warriors. After compiling 15 points in 32 games with the Road Warriors, the Thunder Bay, Ontario native found himself at home in the Central Hockey League, suiting up with the Allen Americans for two years. Allen took home the title during both of those seasons, as Kerbashian recorded 22 and 50 points respectively. In 2014, Kale returned to the ECHL, and has since been a member of the Evansville IceMen, Rapid City Rush, and Wichita Thunder, before returning for his second tour of duty with the Americans. Thus far this season, the forward has amassed five goals, four assists, and nine points in 24 games.

The Wheeling Nailers will be at home for three games this weekend. Friday is a Flat Screen Friday and Frosty Friday at 7:35 against Quad City. The Mallards are the opponent on Saturday at 7:05, which is Duck Dynasty Night, starring John Godwin and Justin Martin, as well as a camouflage hat giveaway to the first 2,500 fans. Finally, the weekend wraps up on Sunday, which is Youth Hockey Day at 5:05 against Toledo, in addition to Family Funday, featuring $6 kids tickets and a post game skate with the team. To purchase tickets, or to get more information about season tickets, mini plans, group tickets, and more, call (304) 234-GOAL.