WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers are excited to announce their 16th player signing of the 2026 offseason. Wheeling has signed forward Kolby Johnson to an ECHL contract.
Johnson, 28, has played in parts of three seasons professionally, and two of those have been in the ECHL. Kolby's first year in the league was 2024-25, when he appeared in 34 games with the Worcester Railers. The physical forward finished third on the club with 100 penalty minutes that season and dropped the gloves eight times. He also contributed two goals and two assists. Last season, Johnson produced three goals in 11 games, while accumulating 46 penalty minutes with Worcester and the Jacksonville Icemen.
In addition to his time in the ECHL, the Rosetown, Saskatchewan native has also spent the last two summers playing in the Australian Ice Hockey League. This summer, Johnson was the leading scorer for the Adelaide Adrenaline, as he racked up 17 goals, 20 assists, 37 points, and 106 penalty minutes in 26 games. Kolby has also played for Team Jamaica on three different occasions - twice in the Latam Cup and once in the Challenger Series. Team Jamaica won the Latam Cup in 2019 and won the Challenger Series in 2024.
Prior to turning pro, Johnson played four seasons of USports hockey. He played one season at York University, then transferred to Trinity Western University for his final three years. Kolby totaled five goals, five assists, ten points, and 122 penalty minutes in 51 games.
Kolby Johnson and the Wheeling Nailers will begin the 2026-27 season in Indy on Friday, October 16th. The first home game is Saturday, October 24th against the Toledo Walleye. For information about season tickets, group tickets, ticket packages, and more, call (304) 234-GOAL or visit 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.
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