Wheeling, WV – The Wheeling Nailers, the proud ECHL affiliate of the Stanley Cup Champion Pittsburgh Penguins, have announced their schedule for the upcoming 2009-2010 campaign. The 72 game season features many highlights and it all begins with a visit to the Kelly Cup Champion South Carolina Stingrays on October 16 to commence a 3 game southern road swing that also includes a pair of games at the Gwinnett Gladiators in Georgia.

The big home opener vs. the Cincinnati Cyclones is on Friday, October 23. The first ever Wheeling trip from the ECHL's newest team, the Kalamazoo Wings, will be Friday, October 30. The other new team to the North Division, the Toledo Walleye, will make their WesBanco Arena debut on Sunday, December 6th.

WesBanco Arena will be a popular place to be over many of the upcoming holidays as the Nailers will host a game on Halloween, 3 big games around the Thanksgiving holiday and weekend, a game shortly after Christmas on December 27, and the annual New Year's Eve game on December 31. Wheeling will also have a special Kids Day game on Tuesday, February 9 at 11:00 a.m.

Greg Puhalski's group will host all 11 American Conference teams throughout the season including some teams from the South Division who haven't visited Wheeling in some time such as the Charlotte Checkers, Florida Everblades, Gwinnett Gladiators and South Carolina Stingrays. Wheeling will also travel to each team in the conference at least once including a December 16-19 road-trip to the beaches of southwest Florida in the Ft. Myers region for a three game series vs. the Florida Everblades.

Of course, Wheeling will also see plenty of their traditional North Division rivals such as Johnstown and Cincinnati and Elmira. The Nailers will play the Elmira Jackals the most squaring off against them a total of 12 times. The Nailers will play the Johnstown Chiefs and Cincinnati Cyclones 10 times each.

The 4th Annual Wheeling Nailers / WAHA Steak Fry is coming on Saturday, June 27th at Wheeling Park Memorial Ice Rink. Fun and games for the whole family and a live DJ until midnight. Great food and great times. Call the Nailers or order online to get your tickets ahead of time for the Wheeling Nailers / WAHA Steak Fry.

Nailers season tickets for 2009-2010 are on sale now. Great ticket packages starting as low as $8 per game for all 36 exciting Wheeling Nailers home games plus many other great benefits exclusive to our season ticket family. Call the Nailers for more information at 304-234-GOAL or log on at wheelingnailers.com.

more news