WHEELING – The Wheeling Nailers have found their man.

The Nailers announced on Thursday morning that Ryan Papaioannou will be the 21st head coach in team history, replacing the departing Derek Army who joined the coaching staff of the AHL’s Colorado Eagles.

Papaioannou, 41, has spent the last 17 years with the Brooks Bandits in the Alberta Junior Hockey League and British Columbia Hockey League, a team that, under Papaioannou, has won eight total league championships and national Junior championships.

“Ryan Papaioannou comes to the Nailers with an amazing track record of being able to consistently produce a winning team, while developing talented players for the next level,” Nailers President and Governor Brian Komorowski said. “We are looking forward to welcoming Ryan and his family to

See Full Page