Butcher returns to Nailers

WHEELING, W.Va. - The Wheeling Nailers, ECHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins, announced the team has re-signed forward Alec Butcher to a contract for the 2019-20 season.

Butcher, 25, joined the Nailers at the midway mark of the 2018-19 season, and found success immediately, as he scored in his professional debut - a 3-2 victory over the Indy Fuel on Jan. 12. The Anchorage, Alaska native finished his rookie campaign with 19 points (12g-7a) in 36 games.Prior to turning pro, Butcher played four seasons of college hockey, starting at Sacred Heart University, then transferring to the University of Alaska-Anchorage for his senior year. Butcher's highest offensive totals came during his sophomore year with the Pioneers (25 points) and his senior year with the Seawolves (eight goals). He also played two seasons of junior hockey with the North American Hockey League's Kenai River Brown Bears.