Laderoute returns to Nailers

Action photo of Tanner Laderoute of the Wheeling Nailers

WHEELING, W.Va. - The Wheeling Nailers, ECHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins, announced the team has re-signed forward Tanner Laderoute to a contract for the 2023-24 season.Laderoute, 26, got his professional career started late in the 2022-23 season, after completing his five-year collegiate career at the University of Minnesota-Duluth. He made his debut on March 24, and went on to suit up in 11 games with the Nailers. He registered seven points (1g-6a) in his limited action, and took at least one shot on goal in 10 of 11 contests.The Edmonton, Alberta native had an extremely decorated college career. On the team side, the University of Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs won an NCAA National Championship in 2019, reached the Frozen Four twice, and won the NCHC Tournament twice. From an individual standpoint, Laderoute served as team captain for two years, won the E.L. "Duce" Rasmussen Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year Award, the Goldie Wolfe Most Inspirational Player Award, was an NSCA All-American as Strength & Conditioning Athlete of the Year, and earned NCHC Defensive Forward of the Year. Tanner's success in the classroom also led to him being a five-time AHCA All-American Scholar, a five-time NCHC Distinguished Scholar Athlete, NCHC Academic All-Conference Honors during all five years, and the 2023 Circle of Excellence in MBA.Statistically speaking, Laderoute contributed 58 points (30g-28 ) in 172 games at UMD. He set a career high with 10 goals in 2021-22, while his best point total was 16 during the 2019-20 season, when he also finished with a +15 rating. Additionally, he played four years of junior hockey, and was the leading scorer for the Alberta Junior Hockey League's Okotoks Oilers as a 20-year old in 2017-18.