ECHL: Wheeling Nailers Sign 2021 NCAA National Champion

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.