The bouts of warmer temperatures we’ve had throughout the winter, no doubt, had us anxious for spring. It’s always exciting when the Pittsburgh Pirates head to Florida in February because you know baseball season is just around the corner, but until the first pitch of the regular season is thrown, have you ever considered going to a hockey game? There’s still time. The Ohio Valley is lucky in that we have the Wheeling Nailers. A part of the community since 1992 and originally known as the Wheeling Thunderbirds, the team provides great family-friendly entertainment at an affordable price on numerous weekends from October to April. The Nailers are the ECHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins of the AHL. In addition to competitive hockey, the club always has some fun promotions going on. This season, the Pirates’ Clint Hurdle spent some time in Wheeling meeting hockey fans as did former Penguin Pascal Dupuis, former Steeler Merril Hoge and former Brown Earnest Byner. Recently, Justin Martin and John Godwin from Duck Dynasty stopped by WesBanco Arena to sign some autographs, and those are just a few of the promos. Some upcoming promotional events include Hockey Fights Cancer Night on March 25; Pups & Pucks Night on April 2; and Fan Appreciation Night on April 7.
And speaking of fun at Nailers games, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Justice, the Bordas & Bordas Legal Beagle. Justice is a big Nailers fan and loves cheering on the team. You can find Justice hanging out in the arena, sometimes with Spike and Buck. Justice loves to have his picture taken, so if you attend a game, don’t be shy about asking Justice to pose for a photo. He gets really excited when the picture makes Facebook and Twitter. Of course Justice will be on hand with his friends for Mascot Night on March 24. So whether you’re a die-hard hockey fan or are just looking for an entertaining evening out, consider a Wheeling Nailers hockey game. There’s a little bit of fun for everyone!
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