WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers, proud ECHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins, have announced a transaction, which takes effect immediately. Wheeling has signed forward Riley Bourbonnais to an ECHL contract.
Bourbonnais, 23, is set to make his professional debut, following a four-year collegiate career at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Riley had a strong senior season, as he led the Engineers with 17 goals and 31 points in 36 games. That was the second straight year that the Rochester, New York native accumulated a double-digit goal total, as he had 15 goals and 26 points in 35 games as a junior. Over the course of his four seasons at R.P.I., Bourbonnais appeared in 121 games, recording 37 goals, 34 assists, and 71 points. Prior to going to school, Riley played two seasons of junior hockey in the USHL, amassing 88 points in 116 games with Cedar Rapids, Sioux City, and Lincoln.
Riley Bourbonnais is expected to be in the lineup for the Nailers as early as Wednesday, when they begin their four-game road trip against the Elmira Jackals at 7:05. 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.