Nailers bring back Manz

Action photo of Dustin Manz of the Wheeling Nailers

WHEELING, W.Va. - The Wheeling Nailers, ECHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins, announced the team has re-signed forward Dustin Manz to a contract for the 2024-25 season.

Manz, 24, joined the Nailers this past spring, following the completion of his NCAA playing career. He made his pro debut on March 29 at Toledo, then scored his first two pro goals less than one week later on April 3 at Indy. Manz recorded at least one shot on goal in all six regular-season contests, then tacked on an assist during the playoffs.

Prior to turning pro, the Vanderbilt, Michigan native played five seasons of college hockey - three at Lake Superior State University, then two at American International College. Manz enjoyed his best individual success at AIC, as he reached double digits in goals during the 2022-23 campaign, then led the Yellow Jackets in scoring with 31 points in 2023-24. From a team standpoint, Manz won a WCHA championship with Lake Superior State in 2021, which secured the school's first trip to the NCAA National Tournament in 25 years. Manz also won a British Columbia Hockey League title in 2018-19 as a member of the Prince George Spruce Kings, when he led the squad with 70 points in 58 games.