Caputi and D'Aversa.

Luca Caputi and Jon D'Aversa were sent to Wheeling today for disciplinary reasons. Much like Daniel Carcillo a few seasons ago.

The call ups keep coming.

With Bryan Ewing (WBS) and Erik Johnson (NOR) loaned to American Hockey League teams this week, it brings the current list of players that are called up to 9. For the life of me, I cannot remember a time when the Nailers' have had so many called up at one time. With Ruslan Fedotenko coming back as early as this Wednesday, Wheeling may see Ewing back in town by this weekend, possibly even for Wednesday's game against Trenton.

In Wilkes-Barre/Scranton:
Bryan Ewing
Nick Johnson
Tommy Goebel
Reid Cashman

In Philadelphia:
Rob Sirianni

In Springfield:
Shane Willis

In Binghamton:
Aaron Clarke

In Portland:
Cliff Loya

In Norfolk:
Erik Johnson

Wha'chu talkin bout Willis?

The Nailers signed former NHL forward Shane Willis as a player/assistant coach.

Willis, 31, was in Columbus Bluejacket training camp but was unable to reach an agreement with the Bluejacket's affiliate Syracuse. He missed all but one game last year with Milwaukee with a neck injury.

More help is on the way in the form of Aaron Clarke who was also released from his PTO with Binghamton earlier today.

David Brown was placed on the 7-day injured reserve after spraining his knee in Dayton on Saturday.

Big Trouble in Little Wheeling

Last night it appeared that the Wheeling Nailers would be moving to Youngstown, this morning it is all in the air. Owners Rob and Jim Brooks have both denied intentions of moving the team. In an article released this morning by the Youngstown Vindy, the story thickens.

In a quote to the Vindy, Bruce Zoldan said, “They (The Brooks Brothers) are embarrassed in front of their Wheeling fans and Wheeling facility and being questioned by the Wheeling media. If security or confidentiality was breached, it wasn’t done intentionally.”

Of course if a team were to relocate there would be some sort of confidentiality until the end of the season, because you wouldn't want to cause an uproar in your current community.
However, Youngstown has until January 21st to submit their paperwork to the ECHL offices in order to be eligble for the 2009-2010 season. The fate of next seasons team will be more clear once that deadline has passed.

I believe Rob and Jim when they say they are going full steam ahead with being here next season, I also believe that if attendance isn't increasing, that they may be forced to do the unthinkable. Until then, I would take advantage of the team that we have by attending games and supporting the Nailers. Afterall, they are having a heck of a season.

For the meantime, the team is still here and if the citizens of Wheeling still want it here, the ball (or puck) is in their court (or rink) if you will.

News Tidbits

Nailers made a trade with the Idaho Steelheads for rookie defensemen Kelly Sullivan. Sullivan, spent 4 years playing college hockey for UMass-Lowell. He's skated in 13 games for Idaho this season. This move puzzles me a little because currently we're short on forwards. It appears that Snavely for the time being, will continue to find himself on the wing.

Coach Puhulski will join Rob Sirianni, Tommy Goebel and Nick Johnson as he has been selected to co-coach the American Conference for 2009 All Star Game along with Johnstown Chiefs coach Ian Herbers.

News on the Nailers possibly moving to Youngstown as early as next season is really starting to heat up.

Cedrick Bernier has been waived and signed with the Charlotte Checkers. David Mitchell is expected to pick up Bernier's role on the team.