Nailers Acquire Jaynen Rissling in Trade with Allen

WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers, proud ECHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins, have announced two transactions, which both take effect immediately. Wheeling has acquired defenseman Jaynen Rissling from the Allen Americans in exchange for forward Daniel Leavens. In a separate move, the Nailers traded defenseman Benjamin Dieudé-Fauvel to the Wichita Thunder in exchange for future considerations.

Rissling, 24, is playing in his fourth season of professional hockey, spending the majority of his career in the ECHL. The former seventh round draft pick of the Washington Capitals made his debut in the Nashville Predators organization during the 2014-15 season, suiting up with the Milwaukee Admirals and Cincinnati Cyclones. Jaynen had three points and 80 penalty minutes in 42 games during his rookie campaign. Rissling was limited to one point and 18 penalty minutes in ten games during the 2015-16 campaign, before experiencing his best year as a pro last season, as he racked up seven goals, 21 assists, 28 points, and 64 penalty minutes in 66 contests with the Cyclones. Thus far this season, Jaynen has tallied one goal and two assists in two games with the Allen Americans.

"Jaynen Rissling is a big, physical defenseman, who plays a gritty style, and also has some offensive upside to his game," said Nailers Head Coach Jeff Christian. "With the acquisitions of Rissling and Dalton Reum, we want to make ourselves tough to play against, especially in the defensive zone. We had to give up a good player in order to get Jaynen."

Prior to turning pro, the Edmonton, Alberta native played five seasons of junior hockey with the WHL's Calgary Hitmen. Rissling reached double digits in points and triple digits in penalty minutes during each of his last four years in Calgary, with his most productive season taking place in 2013-14, when he amassed eight goals, 37 points, and 105 penalty minutes in 54 games. The Hitmen won the Ed Chynoweth Cup as WHL Champions in 2010, as well as the Eastern Conference Championship in 2013.

The Allen Americans receive Daniel Leavens, a 24-year old forward, who is playing in his first full season of professional hockey. Leavens collected five goals and eight points in seven games last year for Wheeling, and had yet to collect a point in three contests this season. 31-year old defenseman Benjamin Dieudé-Fauvel was also scoreless in three games with the Nailers, as the Wichita Thunder become his tenth pro team in nine seasons.

Jaynen Rissling and the Wheeling Nailers will play host to the Cincinnati Cyclones on Friday at 7:05 for a Frosty Friday. Next Friday, November 10th, is Marvel Super Hero Night, when Wheeling wears Captain America jerseys against the Toledo Walleye at 7:05. Fans will be able to meet Captain America, Iron Man, and Black Widow, while the first 1,000 kids in attendance will receive a free cape. To purchase tickets, or to get more information about season tickets, flex plans, group tickets, and more, call (304) 234-GOAL.