WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers, proud ECHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins, have announced a transaction, which takes effect immediately. Wheeling has received forward Derek Army from the AHL's Milwaukee Admirals.
Army, 26, is set to begin his fourth full season of professional hockey, and all four will now feature time with the Nailers. Derek first broke into the pros at the end of the 2013-14 season, making a strong early impression with three goals and four points in four games. The rookie forward followed that up with an electric first full season, as he led Wheeling with 29 goals, finished second on the club with 66 points, and was named to the ECHL All-Rookie Team. In 2015-16, Derek got his first taste of the AHL, skating with four different teams, while continuing to perform well in Wheeling, posting 23 points in 29 regular season contests and ten points in 19 playoff games en route to the Kelly Cup Final. Last season, Army lit the lamp 12 times in 28 games with the Nailers, before finishing off the campaign with the Milwaukee Admirals, compiling 12 points in 37 AHL tilts.
Prior to turning pro, the North Kingstown, Rhode Island native followed the path of his father and grandfather ahead of him, attending Providence College. Derek played four seasons with the Friars, totaling 38 goals, 38 assists, and 76 points in 149 games. His most productive season came during his junior year, when he racked up 13 goals and 23 points, with the 13 goals leading PC.
Army was the first player to be named captain for the 2016-17 Nailers, and a few weeks ago, on September 19th, he made his NHL preseason debut with the Nashville Predators.
Derek Army and the Wheeling Nailers will open the 2017 preseason on Friday, when they play the first of two home games against the Cincinnati Cyclones at 7:05. The regular season opens on October 13th and 14th in Greenville, before the Nailers play their home opener against Cincinnati on October 21st at 7:05, featuring a pregame fan fest and a performance by the band "Hit Play." To purchase tickets, or for more information on season tickets, flex plans, group tickets, and more, call (304) 234-GOAL.
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