Nailers Sign Benjamin Dieude-Fauvel

WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers, proud ECHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins, are excited to announce their eighth player signing of the 2017 offseason. Wheeling has signed defenseman Benjamin Dieudé-Fauvel to an ECHL contract.

Dieudé-Fauvel, 30, is a veteran defenseman, who comes to the Nailers with eight years of professional experience in North America, playing in the AHL, ECHL, and CHL. Last season, Benjamin played 51 games with the Elmira Jackals, before being traded to the Missouri Mavericks, whose late push toward the playoffs fell four points short. Overall, he appeared in 65 games, collecting two goals, nine assists, 11 points, and 92 penalty minutes. Elmira was a familiar location for the blueliner, as he spent the first two seasons of his ECHL career there from 2011-13. In fact, Dieudé-Fauvel's first goal with the Jackals was scored against Wheeling on February 17, 2012 in Johnstown. The best stretch of Benjamin's career took place from 2013-15. During the 2013-14 campaign, he had his most productive year, posting 40 points in 65 games with the Quad City Mallards. He began the following season with the Mallards, before earning the opportunity to play 20 games in the AHL with the Iowa Wild.

"Benjamin Dieudé-Fauvel has lots of experience and can play in any situation," said Nailers Head Coach Jeff Christian. "We are looking to anchor our defense with solid veteran players, and he is a good character guy, who plays a physical role."

Prior to beginning his professional career in North America, the Bordeaux, France native played six seasons in his home country, suiting up with three different teams. He spent the most time in Amiens, appearing in 67 games over the course of three seasons, registering nine goals, seven assists, 16 points, and 102 penalty minutes. Dieudé-Fauvel's other two stops were Chamonix and Morzine-Avoriaz. Benjamin has gotten the chance to represent France in international competition as well, playing in the 2014, 2015, and 2016 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championships. There, he was teammates with NHL players Antoine Roussel and Pierre-Edouard Bellemare.

"It was an easy and quick decision for me to come to Wheeling," Dieudé-Fauvel said. "I remember the team being tough to play against, the fans are really good, and players I've talked to enjoyed their experience. I see myself as a versatile player, who can bring toughness, skate the puck, and is solid in the defensive zone."

Benjamin Dieudé-Fauvel and the Wheeling Nailers will begin the 2017-18 season with two road games against the Greenville Swamp Rabbits on October 13th and 14th. The home opener at WesBanco Arena takes place on October 21st at 7:05, when the Nailers do battle with the Cincinnati Cyclones. To purchase season, flex, or group tickets, or to get more information on tickets and events, call (304) 234-GOAL.