ECHL: Wheeling Nailers Sign 2021 NCAA National Champion

Will Katcher/Daily Collegian

The Wheeling Nailers announced today they have signed the 2021 NCAA National Champion and two-time Hockey East Champion, Cal Kiefiuk, for the 2024-25 ECHL Season. Kiefiuk signed with the Nailers at the end of last season, where he played three regular-season games and one game during the 2024 Kelly Cup Playoffs. He made his ECHL debut on March 29th against the Toledo Walleye.

The 24-year-old was drafted 121st overall in the 2016 Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection by the Erie Otters. Though drafted by the Otters, his junior career took him to the United States Hockey League. He played for the Bloomington Thunder for all three seasons, though they rebranded to the Central Illinois Flying Aces for his final two seasons. He played 52 games with the Thunder, but points were hard to come by for him as he notched 11 points on four goals and seven assists.

In 2017-18 with the newly branded Flying Aces, Kiefiuk notched 46 points on 18 goals and 28 assists in 60 games. Things were not great defensively for him that season, as he had a plus-minus rating of -21. He was named assistant captain in his final season, playing 50 games and notching 41 points on 15 goals and 26 assists. His stellar final two seasons landed him committing to the University of Massachusetts. He saw 30 games in his freshman season, notching six goals and three assists with a +4 rating. In his sophomore season with the Minutemen, Kiefiuk was part of a huge accomplishment, winning the Hockey East Championship and then the NCAA National Championship. He again recorded nine points on five goals and four assists.

Kiefiuk had breakout seasons in his junior and senior seasons. He played 61 games across those two seasons, notching 13 goals and 26 assists for 38 points and winning the Hockey East for the second-straight year in 2021-22. After completing his senior season, Kiefiuk transferred to Providence College for his graduate year. In 25 games with the Friars, he tallied two goals and eight assists.

Consistency will be a key thing Kiefiuk will need to focus on heading into the season. Finding the right balance of offensive and defensive play will help him massively in his first full season as a pro.

insidetherink.com/join-us

Discover more from Inside The Rink

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Zachary Alvarado

Inside The Rink journalist covering the Wheeling Nailers and Norfolk Admirals of the ECHL. I am a Duquesne University Sports Information and Media major graduating in December. I have been passionate about hockey since I was 4 years old.

Leave a Reply

ECHL: Norfolk Admirals Bring Back Connor Fedorek

The Norfolk Admirals have announced that they’ve re-signed defenseman Connor Fedorek for the 2025-26 season. Fedorek, 26, had four goals and 14 assists for 18 points in 67 games during his first full season in Norfolk. He led the Admirals in PIMs with 95. He would add a goal and an assist in eight games […]

Read More

ECHL: Special Olympics Skating Camp Brings Smiles

CUMMING, Ga. — On Sunday morning, the ice at The Ice in Cumming came alive with laughter, smiles, and a sense of community that stretched far beyond the boards. The Special Olympics skating camp, led by 16-year-old Deerfield Academy student and lifelong hockey player Grey Altemeyer, showcased months of planning, preparation, and passion. What unfolded […]

Read More

ECHL: Ryan Sullivan and Michael Suda Return to Savannah

Earlier today, the Savannah Ghost Pirates announced the return of two players from last season in Ryan Sullivan and Michael Suda. Both players have been signed to ECHL contracts for the upcoming season. The Blueline The Ghost Pirates have brought back defenseman Michael Suda for the upcoming season. Prior to making his professional debut Suda […]

Read More