The Wheeling Nailers announced today they have re-signed Matthew Quercia for the 2024-25 ECHL season. Quercia completed his first full season in the ECHL last season, as he did not play a game in the 2022-23 season due to injury. He becomes the fifth player to re-sign with the Nailers, following the signings of Matt Koopman, Louie Roehl, David Jankowski, and Jaxon Castor.
Quercia had a solid bounce-back season this past season, having played 64 games tallying 11 goals and 22 assists during the regular season. His +13 goal differential rating was tied with Justin Addamo for second among all Nailers forwards. Quercia would play seven of the nine playoff games, tallying one goal and five assists. This included back-to-back two-point nights for him again, the Toledo Walleye, in games two and three of the second round of the 2024 Kelly Cup Playoffs.
Quercia was a big factor on special teams as he scored three shorthanded goals, which was tied for third on the team, and collected six points (1g-5a) on the powerplay. During the Nailers’ 12-game win streak that stretched from Jan. 19th to Feb. 10th, Quercia recorded a six-game point streak, notching two goals and seven assists for nine points from Jan. 27th to Feb. 6th against the Cincinnati Cyclones, Orlando Solar Bears and Reading Royals. Quercia earned a call-up to the Nailers’ AHL affiliate, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. He did not record a point in six games but did have a +1 goal differential rating.
Quercia’s road to becoming a pro did not come without many up-and-down seasons. The Andover, MA, was drafted in the 2016 United States Hockey League Entry Draft by the Sioux Falls Stampede 91st overall in the 6th round. He would make his USHL debut during the 2016-17 season, playing 37 games, notching five goals and four assists. He would return for the 2017-18 season looking to have a better performance for the Stampede, and while he did, it was not much of an improved season. Quercia played 59 games, notching five goals and 13 assists while putting up 99 penalty minutes. He saw action in three games during the 2018 Clark Cup Playoffs but did not tally a point.
Quercia committed to go to college near home as he attended Boston University to play NCAA DI. His freshman year, however, was a concerning one, but one that was expected for a freshman. Quercia played 36 games, tallying just two points (1g-1a). His sophomore season was much better, as he tallied six goals and seven assists in 29 games. In his junior year, he slipped again, playing 16 games, getting one goal and two assists. Quercia would transfer to Michigan Tech for his senior year. He played 14 games, notching two goals and two assists. Following his senior season, he would earn an opportunity with the Nailers in the 2021-22 season. Unlike his college career, Quercia’s pro career started off on the right foot. As a rookie, Quercia played 19 games, scoring three goals and tallying four assists. In the Nailers 2022 Kelly Cup Playoff run, Quercia saw action in 10 games. He notched two goals and two assists to add on to his already impressive ECHL start.
In his second season, Quercia will look to continue building momentum and being a key player for this Nailers team. He is a physical body that is unafraid to get to the dirty areas and can play on both ends of the ice. Having that, combined with the capability of burying the puck in the back of the net in crucial moments, is something every team wants.
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