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Nailers re-sign Army

Nailers re-sign Army

Wednesday, September 7th

WHEELING, W.Va. - The Wheeling Nailers, ECHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins, announced the team has re-signed forward Derek Army to a contract for the 2016-17 season.

Army, 25, will be entering his third full season of professional hockey, after coming off of his best year from a developmental aspect. Army tallied 23 points (8g-15a) in 29 regular-season games, before tacking on another 10 points (4g-6a) in 19 playoff contests. In addition to that, the he received the opportunity to suit up with four AHL clubs - the Portland Pirates, Ontario Reign, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins and Texas Stars. Army recorded nine points in 36 games with those teams, including his first career AHL goal, which came with Ontario.

The North Kingstown, R.I. native first came to Wheeling in the spring of 2014, after his college season had ended. He was able to find success quickly at the ECHL level, racking up four points (3g-1a) in his first four games. One year later, Army continued his success on the ice, while also making a valuable impact on the fan base. The fans voted him the winner of the Riesbeck's Food Markets Fan Choice Player of the Year Award. He appeared in all 72 games in his rookie campaign, compiling 66 points (29g-37a). That performance earned him a spot on the ECHL All-Rookie Team.

Prior to turning pro, Army attended Providence College, where he appeared in 149 games, totaling 76 points (38g-38a). His best year was his junior campaign of 2012-13, when he set collegiate career highs with 13 goals and 23 points.