Nailers Re-Sign Peter Merth

[chilly666]

WHEELING, WVA - The Wheeling Nailers, proud ECHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins and Montreal Canadiens are excited to announce a transaction for the upcoming season. Wheeling has signed defenseman Peter Merth to a one-year ECHL contract.

"Peter represents everything we want in a hockey player, from his great leadership to his work ethics," said head coach Clark Donatelli. "On the ice, he gives our team a big and physical defenseman, who makes life miserable on the opposition every night," he said.

Merth, 25, returns to the Nailers for his third season of professional hockey, with each of his previous two campaigns taking place in Wheeling. Prior to turning pro, Peter played four seasons of junior hockey in the BCHL with the Coquitlam/Burnaby Express, on his way to attending R.P.I., where he majored in Environmental Science, while also playing hockey for four years. During his time with the Engineers, the New Westminster, BC native produced four goals, 28 assists, and 32 points in 151 games. During the fall of 2010, Merth made the jump to the professional level, joining the Nailers for the 2010-11 season. He appeared in all but three games as a rookie, recording one goal and 12 points, continuing to solidify his position on the roster. This past season, Peter added three goals and 12 points in 50 games with Wheeling, while also earning the opportunity to play in 11 games with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.

"I am very proud to be a part of the Wheeling Nailers team and community, said Merth. "I look forward to another successful season under the reigns of coach Clark Donatelli," he said.