On Friday November 6th, the Wheeling Nailers announced the signing of Canadian left-winger Cody Sylvester. The two sides agreed to terms on a standard player contract for the upcoming season. Sylvester originally signed with Atlanta before the team opted out for 2020-21. He now makes his return to Wheeling, where he was the leading goal scorer in 2013-14.
The native of Kelowna, B.C. had a huge rookie season with the Nailers, where he led the team in game-winning goals (7), tied first in shorthanded goals (4), second in shots on goal (155) ands third in +/- (+19). In 2014-15, Sylvester signed with South Carolina before making the decision to sign a contract in Europe. That saw him play in Germany and Austria from 2015 until the play stoppage back in March.
In a statement from the left-handed shooter, he said upon signing his contract on Friday, “I loved playing in Wheeling, and I’m looking forward to coming back. I had great success on the ice, plus the fans are always very supportive, and the organization treated me extremely well. Mark French is a well-known coach who I’ve heard a lot of good things about, and am excited to play for this season.”
As for the thoughts of Mark French, head coach of the Wheeling Nailers, he said of the team’s latest signing, “Cody has been a good scorer throughout his career, which includes a big season here in Wheeling when he was a rookie. Cody has also been recognized as a leader, and we expect him to continue that on and off the ice.”
Wheeling’s roster is currently comprised of eleven forwards; Matt Alfaro, Cody Bradley, Alec Butcher, Tyler Drevitch, Brad Drobot, Kevin Dufour, Andrew Gaus, Luke Lynch, Will Smith, Michael Pelech and Cody Sylvester. 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.