Rookie forward Rauter joins Nailers

WHEELING, W.Va. - The Wheeling Nailers, ECHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins, announced the team has signed forward Alex Rauter to a contract for the 2018-19 season.

Rauter made his professional debut at the end of this past season, when he joined the Atlanta Gladiators for the stretch run and the Kelly Cup Playoffs. The 24-year-old notched three points (1g-2a) in three regular-season games with the Gladiators and added one goal in four appearances in the Kelly Cup Playoffs.

Prior to turning pro, the Chatham, New Jersey native attended Cornell University, where he played four years of college hockey for the Big Red. Rauter's productivity increased each year while he was at school, culminating with 20 points (11g-9a) in his senior season, which ranked third on the team. During his four year career, he accumulated 43 points (20g-23a) in 93 games.