Chukarov signs with Nailers

WHEELING, W.Va. - The Wheeling Nailers, ECHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins, announced the team has signed defenseman Ivan Chukarov to a contract for the 2021-22 season.Chukarov, 26, is entering his third professional season, after spending his first two years with the Worcester Railers. He made his pro debut in February of 2019, following the conclusion of his four-year college career at UMass-Amherst. The following year, Chukarov accumulated eight points (1g-7a) in 38 games, with his lone tally being a game winner at Reading.Prior to the start of his college career, the Des Plaines, Illinois native was selected by the Buffalo Sabres in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. Chukarov went on to appear in 128 games during his four seasons with the Minutemen, and skated away with25 points (6g-19a).

Chukarov also enjoyed individual and team success in juniors, as he was a member of the North American Hockey League First All-Star Team and a Robertson Cup Champion with the Minnesota Wilderness in 2014-15.