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ACHA Player and Former National University Team Member Goes Pro
The beat goes on for arguably the best player in Ohio University hockey history.
Tyler Pilmore signed with the Wheeling Nailers Saturday to become the second ACHA player in just over a week to join the ECHL. This comes just 11 days after the Bobcats season came to an end in the ACHA National Tournament semi-finals.
“Words can’t describe how it feels when this happens,” said Pilmore. “I’ve always loved to play [hockey], so if you have the opportunity to play after it is just a really good feeling.”
Pilmore, the ‘Cats Captain, accumulated 227 points in his college career, which made him the leading scorer in Ohio history. This included 14 goals and 44 assists this season, which was the top mark in the CSCHL.
Wheeling will play in Toledo Saturday night, creating an intriguing opportunity for Pilmore because he is originally from the area.
“It’s going to be weird [playing in Toledo],” said Pilmore. “I haven’t played there in eight or nine years. But it’s definitely going to be a cool feeling. My parents are going to be there to watch, so it’ll be an unreal experience.”
Being as modest as he is, Pilmore was thankful for the effort of his coach’s to get him to this point, and he is excited about what his (and other) such signings can do for the Ohio program and the ACHA.
“There’s starting to be exposure for the ACHA and the quality of hockey that is being played,” said Pilmore. “[And] it’s an extra bonus for our program. Coach won’t depend on it for recruiting because it’s a wonderful school, but it can certainly help.”
But not surprisingly, the intense work ethic of Pilmore isn’t allowing him to be content with this next move in his career.
“Making the jump [to the ECHL] isn’t going to be good enough,” said Pilmore. “I want to perform and show how good Ohio hockey is and how much it benefitted me.”
The opportunity to do so is certainly there, as the Nailers are in the thick of a playoff race in the Eastern Conference of the ECHL. Wheeling is currently tenth in the league; eight points behind eighth-seeded Toledo.
Pilmore was a member of Team USA when he was selected to the 2011 Men's National University Team and helped propel them to the best finish ever in the 2011 Winter World University Games in Erzurum, Turkey.
