Nailers re-sign Drake

WHEELING, W.Va. - The Wheeling Nailers, ECHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins, announced the team has re-signed defenseman David Drake to a contract for the 2023-24 season.Drake, 28, is set to return for his third season with the Nailers, and is the team's first player signing this summer with veteran status (at least 260 pro games). He is coming off of a career year, as he set personal bests in all offensive categories with four goals, 15 assists and 19 points. He was also tied for Wheeling's team lead with a +12 rating, and was one of three players who appeared in all 72 contests. Drake was originally acquired by the Nailers in a trade with the Reading Royals during the 2021-22 campaign. In addition to his four full seasons in the ECHL, Drake has also seen American Hockey League action in his career with Lehigh Valley, Providence and Rochester, giving him 262 career games played and 53 points.Prior to turning pro, the Naperville, Illinois native played four seasons of college hockey at the University of Connecticut. He averaged over one blocked shot per game during each of his four years with the Huskies and finished with 177 over his career. He also recorded 25 points during his time at UConn.