WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers, proud ECHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins, are excited to announce their fourth player signing of the 2017 offseason. Wheeling has signed forward Jeremy Beirnes to an ECHL contract.
Beirnes, 29, has spent the last two seasons in the SPHL, playing for the Huntsville Havoc and Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs. During that time, he appeared in 69 games, totaling eight goals, four assists, 12 points, and 359 penalty minutes. In 2015-16 with Huntsville, Jeremy accumulated 275 penalty minutes, which were the most in the SPHL. 150 of those penalty minutes came from fighting majors, as he also led the league in that category, dropping the gloves 30 times. Physicality has always been a big part of Beirnes' game, as he has 46 fighting majors in his professional career.
"Jeremy Beirnes is an older player, who came out of Canadian University, and is very tough," said Nailers Head Coach Jeff Christian. "He is a big guy, who has a lot of heart and intensity, and isn't afraid to come to the aid of his teammates. Jeremy plays an aggressive and physical game, which we like."
Prior to starting his second stint in the SPHL, the Edson, Alberta native attended the University of Alberta-Augustana, where he played five years of college hockey. While with the Vikings, Jeremy collected 21 goals, 11 assists, 32 points, and 526 penalty minutes in 77 games. His most productive season was his fourth year, when he tallied seven goals and ten points in 25 contests. Beirnes also played three seasons in the AJHL, suiting up with the Olds Grizzlys and Camrose Kodiaks. 2008-09 with Camrose featured the largest numbers of Jeremy's career, as he racked up 12 goals, 22 points, and 344 penalty minutes in 58 games.
"I am very excited to be a part of the Wheeling Nailers, and help the team get back to the Kelly Cup," Beirnes said. "I play a pretty simple game. I like to get pucks deep, bang and crash, and stick up for my teammates. I want to make guys feel safe when they're on the ice."
Jeremy Beirnes 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 or group tickets, or to get more information on tickets and events, call (304) 234-GOAL.
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