Americans Trade Forward To Nailers

The Allen Americans, ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s Utah Hockey Club, powered by Energy Transfer Partners, announced a trade over the weekend.

The club sent left winger James Hardie to the Wheeling Nailers for future considerations.

The 5-foot-11, 176-pound left-shot winger was acquired last March from the Rapid City Rush. He played in 12 games for the Americans to close out 2023-24 and had 10 points (4-6-10).

During his time with Rapid City last season, Hardie registered 14 points (10-4-14) in 43 games. Ironically, his best performance came against the Americans on Dec. 20, 2023, when he scored a hat trick in a 10-5 Rush victory.

In 28 games this season with Allen, Hardie had seven points (2-5-7).

“We would like to thank James (Hardie), for his contribution to the Allen Americans organization the last two seasons,” Americans Interim Head Coach Brett Ferguson said in a statement following the transaction. "We wish him success in Wheeling.”

Hardie originally signed with the Cincinnati Cyclones before being dealt to the Rush in November 2023. Before turning pro, the 23-year-old Barrie,Ont. native scored 82 points with the Mississauga Steelheads of the Ontario Hockey League.

Hardie will join the Nailers later this week.

The Americans are back in action starting Friday in Rapid City, as they open a five-game series against the Rush. The first two games will take place in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Games three, four, and five will be in Allen next week.