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WHEELING -- Although the coronavirus has winter sports in question, the Wheeling Nailers remain on track to begin the upcoming 2020-21 campaign on Dec. 12 when they host Central Division foe, the Indy Fuel, inside WesBanco Arena.
In fact, Wheeling has already announced its first 10 games of the season -- with the remaining 62 games still to be decided.
Wheeling will open the season with three straight home games and will take on Indy five times in the first seven contests. Three of those battles with Indy will be held at WesBanco Arena.
Last year Wheeling went 4-2 against Indy before the season was cut short due to COVID.
Also on the slate during the first 10 games will be Orlando, Greenville and South Carolina.
The Nailers were 1-1 vs. Orlando a season ago and did not play Greenville or South Carolina.
WELCOME TO WHEELING
In preparation for the 2020-21 season, the Nailers have already brought in some new faces to give new head coach Mark French some depth and new tools to work with.
∫ Sean Josling: The 21-year old rookie forward comes to Wheeling after leading OHL's Sarnia Sting in scoring last year with 32 goals, 46 assists and 78 points in 60 games.
∫ Alex Tonge: At the age of 25, Tonge joins his fourth team in the last two years but the forward did turn in nine goals, seven assists and 16 points in 20 games for Norfolk last season.
∫ Cody Sylvester: It's a homecoming for Sylvester, 28, who began his pro career with the Nailers in 2013 when he led the team with 24 goals and helped them reach the postseason. The forward spent the last five seasons playing in Europe.
∫ Matt Alfaro: At 24 years-old, Alfaro is primed for his pro debut with the Nailers. The forward led the University of Calgary in scoring last year with 15 goals, 21 assists and 36 points in only 27 contests.
∫ Drydn Dow: Dow is a 28-year old defenseman who will make his pro debut in North America after becoming the EIHL's Dundee Stars' top scorer from the blueline last year with 14 goals, 27 assists and 41 points. His 14 goals led the EIHL.
∫ Matt Miller: The 25-year old rookie defenseman is coming off a sensational career at Ohio State University where he turned in 19 goals, 45 assists and 64 points in 119 games. He helped the Buckeyes reach the NCAA Tournament three times, including a trip to the Frozen Four in 2018.
∫ Michael Pelech: Entering his 12th pro season at the age of 31, the forward brings leadership to the club. Pelech ranks fourth in games played in ECHL history (705), fifth in assists (372) and is coming off a two-year stint with Greenville.
Other pickups in the offseason for Wheeling have been forwards Cody Bradley, Tyler Drevitch, Kevin Dufour, Andrew Guas and Luke Lynch and defensemen Chad Duchesne, Shane Kuzmeski and Dylan MacPherson.
Dec. 12: Indy, 7:05 p.m.
Dec. 18: Orlando, 7:05 p.m.
Dec. 19: Orlando, 7:05 p.m.
Dec. 26: at Indy, 7:05 p.m.
Dec. 27: Indy, 4:05 p.m.
Dec. 31: Indy, 6:05 p.m.
Jan. 2: at Indy, 7:05 p.m.
Jan. 6: at Greenville, 7:05 p.m.
Jan. 8: at South Carolina, 7:05 p.m.
Jan. 9: at South Carolina, 6:05 p.m.