WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers, proud ECHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins, have announced two transactions, which both take effect immediately. The Nailers have signed defensemen Matias Cleland and Brett Corkey to Amateur Tryout Agreements.
Cleland, 23, comes to Wheeling, after completing his four-year college hockey career at the University of New Hampshire. This season was Matias' most productive, as he averaged nearly a point per game, collecting three goals, 33 assists, and 36 points in 40 contests. His best year in the goal column was 2014-15, when he lit the lamp six times. Over the course of his four seasons with the Wildcats, the Longmont, Colorado native appeared in 157 games, posting 14 goals, 72 assists, and 86 points. Prior to school, Cleland spent two seasons in the USHL, amassing ten goals, 39 assists, and 49 points in 104 games.
Corkey, 24, also joins the Nailers, after finishing off his four-year college hockey career, which he played at Colgate University. Brett had his best season in 2016-17, as he recorded five goals, 12 assists, and 17 points in 37 games. The Calgary, Alberta native saw his productivity increase drastically during his junior and senior campaigns, en route to career totals of nine goals, 34 goals, and 43 points in 151 matches. Prior to his time with the Raiders, Corkey spent three seasons with the BCHL's Vernon Vipers, racking up 85 points in 167 games.
The Nailers will continue their four-game road trip on Friday night, when they visit the Adirondack Thunder at 7:00. Wheeling will be home for three games next week on March 22nd, 24th, and 25th, all against the Idaho Steelheads. The 22nd is a WesBanco Winning Wednesday, the 24th is a Flat Screen Friday and Frosty Friday, and the 25th is Nailers Fight Cancer Night. Special jerseys will be worn, with proceeds going to the Team Ryan Charitable Foundation, there will be a team trading card set giveaway, and a post game autograph session with the entire squad, plus it will be Ladies Night. To purchase tickets, or to get more information about season tickets, group tickets, and more, call (304) 234-GOAL.