Ryan Papaioannou was named the 21st head coach of the Wheeling Nailers, a move tied to the Pittsburgh Penguins' development pipeline. The 41-year-old led the Brooks Bandits for 16 seasons, turning them into a junior hockey factory with seven AJHL titles, a BCHL championship, and multiple national Junior A crowns. His career record sits at 907-217-48, a .774 win rate and a .794 points percentage, punctuated by two massive 50-win seasons and a historic 33-0 regular-season run in 2018-19. The Nailers tout the hire as a catalyst for on-ice success and community impact, while the Penguins highlight his proven talent development. The hire also deepens the Penguins’ link to players who have reached the NHL, including Bandits alumni who moved through Papaioannou’s system on their way to pro careers.

Papaioannou’s tenure at Brooks produced top prospects and award-winning seasons, underscoring why Wheeling and the Penguins view this as a pivotal step in player development. He spoke about Wheeling as a great place to raise a family and a storied organization with a Penguins affiliation that makes the opportunity especially appealing. The connection to NHL stars and current pros—most notably Cale Makar—illustrates the pipeline effect his teams have historically fostered. Penguins officials, including Jason Spezza, stressed the value of his sustained winning and the long track record of developing players who move on to the NHL.