WHEELING – The Wheeling Nailers announced Thursday that head coach David Gove will take a personal leave of absence for an undetermined amount of time, as the team prepares to face the Reading Royals in the Eastern Conference semifinal round of the 2016 Kelly Cup Playoffs.

In the interim, assistant coach Jeff Christian will lead the Nailers. Regional Economic Development Executive Director and Nailers governor Don Rigby said he could not discuss the reasons for Gove’s hiatus because it’s a matter of personnel.

Rigby said the team is supportive of Gove’s decision, and that Coach Christian has been active with the team throughout the season. He assured that the team and staff are confident in the assistant coach.

Christian said he expects a tough series against the Royals, following The Nailers’ first-round victory against the Florida Everblades, but he’s confident about taking over as head coach. Christian noted that little else will change within the organization, and that the team’s forthcoming games are “business as usual.”

Christian said the guys on the team want to win the Kelly Cup for the residents of Wheeling. This hope has provided them with the necessary focus and excitement.

The 2016 Eastern Conference semifinal series between the Nailers and Royals will begin at WesBanco Arena at 7:35 p.m. tonight, followed by Game 2 at 7:05 p.m. on Monday.

The series will then shift to Santander Arena in Reading, Pa., for Games 3 and 4, and if necessary Game 5. If needed, Games 6 and 7 would return to Wheeling at 7:05 p.m. on May 9 and again on May 11.