On Friday November 13th, the Wheeling Nailers announced the signing of Canadian right-winger and centreman Sean Josling. The two sides agreed to terms on a standard player contract for the upcoming season.
Josling played the previous four seasons with the Sarnia Sting in the OHL. Nailers fans will love the special connection of this signing as former Eastern Conference Champion Franky Palazzese held the post last season as Sarnia’s goaltending coach.
Josling has improved every season during the four years he spent playing major junior hockey. During his first season in the league, Josling racked up 11 goals along with 10 assists which made for 21 points. In his final season, while sporting the A, Josling recorded 32 goals along with 46 assists which made for 78 points. This gave the forward the honours of being named to the league’s Third All-Star Team.
In a statement from the right-handed shooter, he said on Friday upon signing his contract, “Wheeling is the best opportunity for me, as it’s a great spot to play, and they have a history of moving players up the lineup quickly to the AHL and NHL. I like to score goals and put points up, but I take pride in my own end first and like to be an all-around player.”
As for the thoughts of Mark French, head coach of the Wheeling Nailers, he said of the team’s latest signing, “Sean is coming off of a strong overage campaign with Sarnia in the OHL. His greatest assets are his puck skills and his speed, and we are looking forward to him contributing to our offence.”
This signing is huge for the Nailers as they continue to add to their star power on offence and because I believe any normal season, Josling would be in the American Hockey League or at least on an AHL contract to start the year.
Wheeling’s roster is currently comprised of thirteen forwards; Matt Alfaro, Cody Bradley, Alec Butcher, Tyler Drevitch, Brad Drobot, Kevin Dufour, Andrew Gaus, Sean Josling and Luke Lynch. This also includes Michael Pelech, Cody Sylvester and Will Smith. On defence, they have Drydn Dow, Marc-Olivier Duquette, Matt Miller, Chad Duchesne, Shane Kuzmeski and Dylan MacPherson. Wheeling is set to play their home opener on the 12th of December as they welcome the Indy Fuel.