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Kwas Is Headed for Career Year

Nailers forward has upped scoring totals

Photo by Zach Rawson Wheeling’s Jordan Kwas is off to a fantastic start this season.

WHEELING — Even though Jordan Kwas is a happy-go-lucky guy, you sense a little extra pep in his step these days. In the midst of a career season, it’s warranted.

A year ago near the trade deadline and with things not working out in South Carolina, Kwas was released. He thought he was going back to Colorado where he spent the first 62 games of his ECHL career. His agent sent a memo to all ECHL coaches asking that they not claim Kwas on waivers, so that the Cochrane, Alberta, native could rejoin the Eagles.

Unfortunately then — fortunate now — the memo went to former Wheeling coach Clark Donatelli, who had already moved on to the American Hockey League. Not knowing the situation, then-Nailers coach David Gove claimed Kwas.

The 27-year-old forward admits he wasn’t thrilled at the time, but he’s loving these days in the town that has taken his game to new heights. His affinity for the Ohio Valley and the Nailers organization is such that he re-signed in the offseason.

”It’s seizing opportunities, and that’s what hockey is about,” Kwas said. ”It’s all about finding a place you fit, seizing the opportunity and making the most of it.

”You don’t get that many of them.”

That’s precisely what Kwas has done.

The third-year pro has scored 14 points (7G-7A) in 19 games this season. That’s one off his career-high in goals and seven points shy of his top point production total during his rookie season in Colorado. All this despite not playing top-6 minutes.

”When you look at what we call the third line, that’s the hardest-working line we’ve got,” Nailers coach Jeff Christian said of Kwas, Christian Hilbrich and Andrew Ammon. ”They’re all character guys and they pay the price every night.

”Kwasie just works and he’ll play any role. He’s the ultimate team guy.”

And Kwas is playing his role well.

He’s the team’s fifth-leading scorer, just four points off the top. Kwas has converted 28 percent of his shots.

”I honestly think it’s just confidence and knowing they like me here,” Kwas said. ”They know I am not just here to fill a spot until the next best thing comes along. I think Jeff and the coaching staff appreciate what I bring to the table.

”I have kind of modified my game to play a little bit more gritty both offensively and defensively.

”It’s knowing I have a spot here and they believe in me as a player.”

It’s a far cry from when Kwas arrived. The team was in a tailspin and he wasn’t sure where — or if — he fit into the equation.

”When I first got here we were depleted and could only dress nine forwards,” Kwas said. ”We had to recruit guys who were coming off the couch, who did help this team.

”In this league you are never going to have the same 18-, 20-guy roster. At the end of the day it’s about getting the wins.”

For his part, Christian is thrilled to have Kwas on his team. And so are the rest of the guys in the locker room.

”He loves the teammates and they love him,” the coach said. ”We’re so lucky to have a guy like that.

”You just cheer for guys like that.

”You really want to see them get their opportunity.”

It seems, after a long and winding road, Kwas’ opportunity has arrived. He is seizing it.

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