Two-Time SPHL Champion Led Evansville in Scoring Three Years in a Row
WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers are excited to announce their 19th player signing of the 2026 offseason. Wheeling has signed forward Scott Kirton to an ECHL contract.
Kirton, 30, is entering his sixth professional season, as he has played in the ECHL and the SPHL. Scott has been the leading scorer for the SPHL’s Evansville Thunderbolts during each of the last three seasons. His career totals in the SPHL are 85 goals, 103 assists, and 188 points in 215 games. Kirton’s individual success has gone hand in hand with team success, as Evansville captured back-to-back President’s Cups as SPHL champions in 2025 and 2026.
The forward has appeared in 35 career ECHL games, and current Nailers Associate Coach Jason Payne was his head coach for 26 of the 35, when he suited up for the Cincinnati Cyclones in 2021-22, 2023-24, and 2024-25. Scott has also played for the Norfolk Admirals, the Newfoundland Growlers, and the Maine Mariners in the ECHL.
Prior to turning pro, the Scarborough, Ontario native played three seasons of USports, as he attended the University of Toronto. Kirton accumulated 11 goals, 16 assists, and 27 points in 78 games for the Varsity Blues. Scott’s final season at the University of Toronto was the best season in school history, as the Varsity Blues went 21-5-2. That was also his best season there, as he finished with 11 points during the regular season, then added three goals in three playoff contests. Kirton also played three seasons of junior hockey for the OJHL’s Whitby Fury.
Scott Kirton and the Wheeling Nailers will begin the 2026-27 season in Indy on Friday, October 16th. The first home game is Saturday, October 24th against the Toledo Walleye. For information about season tickets, group tickets, ticket packages, and more, call (304) 234-GOAL or visit wheelingnailers.com.
The Wheeling Nailers, considered one of the top things to do in Wheeling, West Virginia, provide affordable family entertainment for fans throughout the Ohio Valley.
