On Tuesday October 27th, the Wheeling Nailers announced the signing of Canadian defensemen Drydn Dow. The two sides agreed to terms on a standard player contract for the upcoming season. Dow makes his pro debut in North America after spending two seasons in the EIHL. He did so with the Dundee Stars.
During those two seasons with the Stars, the lefty was known for his offensive playing style, scoring 23 goals along with 56 assists. That made for 79 points, a total he’d amass in 112 games. As such, he was the leading defensemen in scoring both seasons.
Prior to making the jump pro, Dow spent four seasons playing with the Tri-City Americans in the USHL. Each season, his numbers only got better. In his first season, he recorded two goals along with three assists which would make for five points. His fourth year was his best in the league, putting up five goals along with 28 assists. That would make for 33 points.
In a statement from the left-handed shooter, he said on Tuesday upon signing his contract, “I have heard a lot of really good things about Mark French and the Nailers organization, and I think this year especially, it is going to be a very talented league, I pride myself on skating and moving the puck, but I also play a pretty hard game, so I see myself as more of a two-way defensemen.”
As for the thoughts of Mark French, head coach of the Wheeling Nailers, he said of the team’s latest signing, “Drydn played in all situations and produced offensively as a defensemen in Europe last season, We think he will fit in well to our team and defensive corps.” Dow now joins Kevin Dufour as the second player to join the Nailers from Dundee.
The Nailers roster is currently comprised of nine forwards; Cody Bradley, Alec Butcher, Tyler Drevitch, Brad Drobot, Kevin Dufour, Andrew Gaus, Luke Lynch, Will Smith and Michael Pelech. On defence, alongside Dow, they have Marc-Olivier Duquette, Chad Duchesne, Shane Kuzmeski, Dylan MacPherson and Kyle McKenzie. That also includes Matt Miller.