“Not all heroes wear capes.”
A phrase that can be used to describe a multitude of things and events whether that be a friend helping you in a time of need or when your favorite team scores twice in the last 28 seconds to win the home opening game. To some, it’s our active/veteran military members and the first responders.
This upcoming weekend, the Wheeling Nailers will honor those individuals who help protect and serve and who are there in a time of need with the team’s appreciation weekend. For one Nailers player, it hits a little bit closer to home.
Louie Roehl is a third-year defenseman for the Wheeling Nailers. The Eden Prairie, Minnesota native has been playing hockey all his life. Roehl played his college career at hockey powerhouse the University of Minnesota Duluth. During Roehl’s time as a Bulldog, he majored in Communications and had plenty of success on the ice. Roehl and his teams won the NCAA National Championship not once but twice. It is an extremely changing feat to accomplish.
During his last two seasons at Minnesota Duluth, Roehl was named an alternate caption for his squad.
After Roehl’s college career ended, he decided to try the professional game. On July 15, 2022, the Nailers signed Roehl.
At the time of his signing, Nailers Head Coach Derek Army said, “Louie comes from a winning program at Minnesota-Duluth, and Adam Krause spoke very highly of him as his assistant coach. He is willing to do the hard things that win games, and he can play against other teams’ best lines.”
And that’s exactly what Roehl has done as a pro. A defensive defenseman in his own right, Roehl continues to log big minutes in key times for the Nailers. Although the effort doesn’t show on the stat sheet, Roehl has put up 35 points in his pro career – 29 of those being assists, and that production is proving him to be a generous teammate. That has led to Roehl being named an alternate captain the last two seasons in Wheeling, and the defenseman is currently in his third season and he has a goal and an assist so far.
Roehl has a unique connection to the military.
“My grandpa served in the Air Force, and my uncle served in the Army. My uncle was stationed in Alaska for a while, too,” he explained. “I mean, the history pretty much goes through my family.
“Just can’t thank them (veterans) enough. It’s indescribable what they go through and what they put on the line for us. To be able to be over here and get to do what we love is the ultimate sacrifice they make,” Roehl said when asked about his message to all military members.
Friday evening, the team will be honoring the active and retired military. The Nailers will be wearing a specialty jersey as they take on Trois-Rivières for the first time in team history. The team’s front office stated all military members will receive a free ticket to the game, and food and a non-alcoholic beverage will be provided during the game.
There will also be an oath of enlistment during pregame ceremonies, and it is the first “Frosty Friday” of the season, as well.
Saturday evening, the first responders will be honored, and following Game 2 against the Lions, the traditional “Guns vs. Hoses” scrimmage game will take place between skaters from the Wheeling Police Department and the Wheeling Fire Department.
This weekend’s matchups against Trois-Rivières begins of a five-game homestand for the Nailers. Single-game tickets and other ticket packages are still available for purchase. Call 304-234-GOAL or visit Wheelingnailers.com for more information.
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.
