Nick Saracino Named Inglasco/ECHL Player of the Week

WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers, proud ECHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins, are excited to announce that forward Nick Saracino has been selected as Inglasco/ECHL Player of the Week for the week of December 17-23.

Saracino, has had an outstanding run in December, registering at least one point in ten consecutive games to put him into second place in ECHL scoring with 17 goals, 20 assists, and 37 points. Last week, Nick led the league with six goals and eight points in three games, as the Nailers swept their three-game road set against the Norfolk Admirals, while extending their season-high point streak to nine games. The St. Louis, Missouri native scored two goals in each of the three contests, while adding an assist in the games on Wednesday and Friday. In the second tilt, both tallies came on special teams, as Saracino converted once on the power play and once shorthanded.

Saracino becomes the second Wheeling player this season to be chosen as Inglasco/ECHL Player of the Week twice, joining teammate Cam Brown, who he shared the award with during the week of December 3-9. This is the third time in ECHL history that one team has collected Inglasco/ECHL Player of the Week honors in three consecutive weeks, with the other two clubs being the 2008-09 Bakersfield Condors (Mike Wirll [X2], Chad Painchaud) and the 2011-12 Colorado Eagles (Chad Costello, Riley Nelson, Michael Forney). The Nailers have had at least one player win ECHL Player of the Week four times this season, which sets a new team record.

On behalf of Nick Saracino, a case of pucks will be donated to the Wheeling Amateur Hockey Association (WAHA) by Inglasco, the exclusive puck supplier of the ECHL. Since beginning its sponsorship of the award in 2000-01, Inglasco has donated more than 39,000 pucks to youth hockey organizations in ECHL cities.

The Nailers will play two more games on the road this week, as they travel to Indy on Thursday at 7:05, followed by Kalamazoo on Friday at 7:30. Wheeling's next home game is New Year's Eve, when the Reading Royals come to town for a 6:05 face-off. That will also be Star Wars Night, featuring special jerseys, a surprise giveaway, and a chance to meet Star Wars characters. Tickets for Star Wars Night can be purchased online for just $8. Another exciting upcoming promotion is Nickelodeon Night Featuring SpongeBob & Patrick on January 12th. Don't forget to purchase your Nailers Holiday Packages, and check out all of the magnificent merchandise at shop.wheelingnailers.com. The Wheeling Nailers, considered one of the top things to do in Wheeling, West Virginia, provide affordable family entertainment for fans throughout the Ohio Valley. For information on season tickets, group tickets, flex plans, and more, call (304) 234-GOAL.