Wheeling, WV - The Wheeling Nailers, the 'AA' Affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins and Philadelphia Flyers announced today that Greg Puhalski will return to the friendly city as the team's head coach for the 2008-09 season. The announcement was made by Wheeling Nailers Team President Jim Brooks. As per club policy, no further terms were disclosed.
"We are excited to have Greg as our coach. He's a proven winner, he knows how to develop players, and we feel he provides us with the best opportunity to meet our goals." said Brooks
Puhalski, 43, was named interim head coach of the Nailers on January, 2nd 2008 replacing Glenn Patrick on the Nailers bench. As a center, Puhalski's pro playing career spanned 4 seasons with the Toledo Storm. He totaled 70 goals and 155 assists for 225 points and 177 penalty minutes in 123 career regular-season ECHL games. Puhalski served the Toledo Storm as their head coach from 1994-1998, while compiling 162 wins in 278 games. He then led the Port Huron Border Cats of the UHL to 88 wins in two seasons before leaving for the Fort Wayne Komets (UHL) in 2000.In his third season behind the bench for the Komets, Puhalski captured the 2002-03 Turner Cup Championship. In six seasons with the Komets, Puhalski compiled 271 wins.
He was Boston's third round choice, 62nd overall in the 1983 NHL Entry Draft after a four year career in the OHL.
"I want to thank Jim and Rob Brooks for giving me the opportunity to coach the Nailers. I am eager for the upcoming season to begin and I want the Nailer's fans to know that my passion for winning is real. My wife and I plan on living in the Wheeling area year round and we look forward to being part of the community." said Puhalski.
Fans will have a chance to meet and greet coach Greg Puhalski and his wife Ali this weekend at the Nailers Charity Steak Fry Saturday June 28th at 5:00 pm.
