On Tuesday November 10th, the Wheeling Nailers announced the signing of Canadian forward Alex Tonge. The two sides agreed to terms on a standard player contract for the upcoming season. For Tonge, the Wheeling Nailers are his fourth team in the ECHL.
Tonge made his pro debut with the Florida Everblades in 2018-19. In doing so, he recorded five goals along with eight assists which made for 13 points. He then added two more goals along with two assists in the midst of a playoff run. That would see them reach the Eastern Conference Finals.
Prior to making the jump pro, Tonge played collegiate hockey with the Robert Morris Colonials in the NCAA. There, he finished fourth all-time in points with 138 on 56 goals and 82 assists. The only players ahead of him on that list are Zac Lynch and Cody Wydo and former Growlers forward Brady Ferguson.
In a statement from the left-handed shooter, he said on Tuesday upon signing his contract, “Wheeling had interest in me, and it was an easy call, because I love what they’ve been doing with the organization. I pride myself on being offensive and being creative when I make plays.”
As for the thoughts of Mark French, head coach of the Wheeling Nailers, he said of the team’s latest signing, “Alex is a skilled player, who is entering his second full year in the league. He has a history of producing at the NCAA level and last year at the ECHL level.”
Wheeling’s roster is currently comprised of twelve forwards; Matt Alfaro, Cody Bradley, Alec Butcher, Tyler Drevitch, Brad Drobot, Kevin Dufour, Andrew Gaus, Luke Lynch and Will Smith. That also includes Michael Pelech, Cody Sylvester, and the newly signed left-winger. 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.