Nailers Receive Three Players from WBS Penguins

WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers, proud ECHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins, have received three players from the AHL's Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. Forward Freddie Tiffels and defenseman Jeff Taylor were both assigned by Pittsburgh, while defenseman Dylan Zink was assigned by Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.

Tiffels, 22, has appeared in three games with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins this season, as he begins his professional career. Freddie was originally selected in the sixth round of the 2015 NHL Entry Draft by the Penguins, prior to the start of his sophomore season at Western Michigan University. The native of Cologne, Germany turned heads during his freshman campaign with the Broncos, finishing fifth on the team with 21 points, while lighting the lamp 11 times. Over the course of his three years at Western Michigan, Tiffels appeared in 105 games, amassing 27 goals, 32 assists, and 59 points. Freddie also played two seasons of junior hockey in the USHL, suiting up with the Muskegon Lumberjacks, Fargo Force, and Cedar Rapids RoughRiders.

Taylor, 23, got his first taste of the pro game at the conclusion of the 2016-17, when he appeared in six contests with the AHL Penguins. Jeff was also a Pittsburgh draft pick, as he was chosen in the seventh round of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. 2014 was a special year for Jeff, as he had just completed his freshman season at Union College, which was capped off with an NCAA National Championship. The Clifton Park, New York native had his most productive collegiate season last year, when he was a senior, as he racked up nine goals, 24 assists, and 33 points in 38 games. Over the course of his four years with the Dutchmen, Taylor tallied 18 goals, 74 assists, and 92 points in 149 games. Jeff played one season in the USHL for the Dubuque Fighting Saints.

Zink, 25, made his professional debut last season with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, and has one assist in five tilts this season, with the helper coming in his first game on October 13th against the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. Dylan also came up the ranks through college hockey, as he attended UMass-Lowell for four years, playing for the River Hawks. The Madison, Wisconsin native had his best season as a senior, when he led all UMass-Lowell blueliners with ten goals and 36 points in 41 games. Over the course of his four seasons with the River Hawks, Zink suited up in 143 games, registering 31 goals, 56 assists, and 88 points. He reached double digits in goals as a sophomore, junior, and senior. Dylan played two seasons of junior hockey in the NAHL.

Freddie Tiffels, Jeff Taylor, Dylan Zink, and the Wheeling Nailers will return to action on Friday for Marvel Super Hero Night against the Toledo Walleye at 7:05.Fans will have the chance to meet Captain America, Iron Man, and Black Widow, the Nailers will wear Captain America jerseys, and 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.