Hockey in Wheeling?

By Robert Walling
Many are unaware that West Virginia does host a professional hockey team. The Wheeling Nailers of the East Coast Hockey League have started their 13th season in the Mountain State by wining six of their first nine games, the best start in franchise history. As of Nov. 10, the Nailers hold a tight one-point margin over the Toledo Storm for the North Division lead.

Contributing to their success is the ability to score on a nightly basis. Wheeling currently leads the National Conference with 34 goals, and is tied for third in their goals for-against differential with a +10 margin.

Leading the team is forward Brendon Hodge. After knocking in four goals and passing on three assists, Hodge was named Player of the Week to open the season. In addition, Sean Collins was named Rookie of the Month for October. So far, he has scored five goals and added seven assists to his resume.

Wheeling Nailer games are very accessible and inexpensive. Ticket prices range from $11 to $14 to the public and are $6 with a college ID. If gas prices are a factor, the distance between Parkersburg and Wheeling via Ohio Rt. 7 is only about 90 miles. The route contains few towns and is scenically located along the Ohio River.

To listen to or watch the games on your computer, free audio coverage is available as well as pay-per-view streaming video. The cost for video is $6 a game and can be watched at http://www.wheelingnailers.com.