Wheeling, WV- For former RMU netminder Christian Pellegrino, the dream was always to one day play professional hockey. After spending four years in a Colonial sweater and helping them to a CHMA title, Pellegrino graduated thinking his playing career may be over. He got a job with the Wheeling Nailers, the ECHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins. He also decided to help out on the side with his former college team at their home games as an assistant coach.
 


After a plethora of injuries in the Pittsburgh Penguins system to goaltenders Tristan Jarry and Filip Lindberg, the Nailers needed a goalie to add to the roster after their goalies got called up to the AHL Wilkes Barre Scranton Penguins. The surprise came from a co-worker. He was getting added to the Nailers roster. "The crazy part is I had to work in the afternoon before heading to the rink for the game!" Pellegrino added. 

He took part in the morning skate, meeting his new teammates, and living his dream as a professional athlete.  He also mentioned that he told his RMU teammates and many of them and their parents came to watch their coach and teammate. "Pelly", Christians nickname, rained down from the stands as he took the ice for warmups which helped lighten the nerves of the young netminder. 

"RMU has the best parents in the ACHA" Pellegrino added when asked about the pregame chants. When asked about the adjustments from the ACHA to the ECHL he stated that the game was a lot faster. He also praised many of his new teammates' shots and how hard they were, while also praising his former RMU teammates' shots in helping him to prepare for this moment (Roman Kraemer, Joey Zottola, and Zach Gielarowski). He wanted to thank all his teammates, RMU head coach Mike Joseph, but especially with his parents for getting him to this point. 

"From the 6 am games to 6 pm practices a week and with both my brother and I being on two different teams the last two years of hockey it was very difficult. Especially with both of us traveling all over Maryland and Virginia for games. It was a lot for them and I especially want to thank them for making me the person who I am today and supporting me through that," the Maryland native added. The journey was not always easy for Christian Pellegrino but in the end his determination, leadership, and a sprinkle of luck helped him live out the lifelong dream of being a professional athlete.

Cadeyn McCrory '25
RMU Club Sports