Wheeling Nailers: Captain Louie Roehl

After Game Four of Round One of the Kelly Cup Playoffs, where the Wheeling Nailers won the game, Captain Louie Roehl sat down with Olde City Sports Network to talk about his time in college, becoming captain, and more!

Prior to turning to professional hockey, Roehl completed five years at University of Minnesota-Duluth. During his five years, he dressed in 180 games and tallied seven goals and 22 assists. “At Minnesota-Duluth, they had a winning culture. I think going in there, they went to the frozen four a couple of years before I got there, and then when I was there, we made it every year back. I think just the culture we had there and the willingness to do the little things for the guy next to you, I think that comes into play big, especially in college. It's a short season. You gotta every game could be could be the difference maker towards the end of the year.”

Players make lifetime bonds when they play at a collegiate level, and sometimes those teammates go on to higher levels. While playing at Minnesota-Duluth, Roehl played with Noah Cates (Philadelphia Flyers), Jackson Cates (Rockford Icehogs), and Hunter Shepard (Hershey Bears). “Oh, those guys are unbelievable. Great human beings, first of all, but even better hockey players, I think the Cates brothers are great. I mean, just the way they approach the game, the way they handle themselves on and off the ice is pro-like, and that's why you can see why they're doing well themselves in pro hockey and then Hunter Shepard, just the absolute gamer. I mean every puck that goes his way is getting stopped. It's hard to see one squeak by him and it's fun to see him have success at this high level.”

During Roehl’s final two seasons at Minnesota-Duluth, he wore the “A” on his sweater, and credits the way he was in a leadership position to those before him.  “Yeah, obviously, it meant a lot. Just the guys before me, even in my freshmen year, were like Karson Kuhlman, Parker MacCay, Billy Exell. I looked up to all those guys and how they led our team. I just kind of wanted to follow in their footsteps and it meant a lot to me and my family, so I was very honored to wear that “A” there.”

Roehl was signed to his first professional contract prior to the 2022-2023 season with the Wheeling Nailers. Signing the first professional contract is a dream for many, and few get to experience it. “I mean, it was exciting just to get that opportunity. I just gotta take advantage of what's given to you, and I think I've tried to do my best  with what I can. It's obviously exciting. It's fun, it's a different game, but I can't imagine doing anything else.”

On February 28th, 2025, Wheeling Nailers announced that Roehl was named the 28th Captain of the Nailers. Roehl has consistently carried himself on and off the ice throughout his professional career with leadership skills and caring about his teammates. “I think it didn't really change the way I approached the game too much. I think I kind of lead by example on and off the ice. I care about everyone in our room and I think they do the same for me, so I'm just willing to do whatever it takes for them.”

Players typically start their hockey dreams in their childhood, and every player has a unique story, Roehl is no different coming from a hockey family. “I think just a hockey family, my dad played hockey growing up, he was a goalie, and he was drafted to the NHL. He pursued football after high school, and played at University of Minnesota-Duluth, actually. It was more just being outside in Minnesota, I think, growing up, my sister played, so I was always out with her and her team when I was younger, just getting outside, getting on the rink with those older older players. I think it really kind of drew me as a player and as a person, and I think uh yeah, I mean, Minnesota it's great great in the winter to start hockey.”

Using physical placement and disrupting the opponent is a part of the game, and part of a defenseman's responsibility during play. Knowing that both are important, Roehl incorporates both into his game. “I mean, even just not necessarily blowing someone up, just getting in their way, slowing people down on ice, just creating space for your teammates, creating space for the puck. I think that's a big thing. I mean, even little bumps coming back to our end, little bumps going into their end, it's all important.”

Opponents will try to dump the puck into the zone, which in turn can be challenging not only for offense, but an even bigger problem for defense. “Turning for pucks is always hard as a defenseman, but I think we've done a good job of just managing our exits, knowing where our teammates are gonna be. Just communication and think that's one of the biggest keys for turning for pucks.”

Being mobile and physical as a defenseman is an attribute that is crucial for defensemen. Roehl recognizes both and speaks on why mobility is so important for a defenseman. “I think it's big. I think mobility is the biggest thing to be honest. You gotta be able to skate with guys, you gotta be able to stay up, you gotta keep your gaps, maintain defensive position all over the ice. I think skating is very important, and physicality comes into play a little bit. I mean, working down low, you gotta work the hips pretty well. I think being mobile is more important than the physical aspects.”

During the 2024-2025 season, Roehl played in all 72 regular season games, amassing five goals with 20 assists. He appeared in all five post-season games with one assist. Roehl was recently placed on the ECHL Wheeling Nailers protected list for the 2025-2026 season.

- Samantha Wismer/Olde City Sports Network

- Photos by: Stacey Gramlich/Olde City Sports Network