WHEELING, W.Va. – The Wheeling Nailers, ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League’s Pittsburgh Penguins, announced the team has signed forward Randy Hernández to a contract for the 2025-26 season.
Hernández’ rights were acquired by the Nailers in June to complete a future considerations trade with the Atlanta Gladiators. The 26-year-old began his professional career with Atlanta in 2024-25, posting 20 points (11g-9a) in 65 games.
Prior to turning pro, the Miami, Florida native played four seasons of college hockey – one at Robert Morris University, then three at Canisius College. His most productive college season was his freshman year at Robert Morris, when he led the Colonials with 11 goals and 25 points in 24 games. That performance earned him AHA (West Pod) Rookie of the Year honors. He transferred to Canisius following the 2020-21 season, and went on to post back-to-back seasons of over 20 points with the Golden Griffins, including a 22-point campaign as a senior, which ranked him third on the squad. Hernandez also got the opportunity to experience thrilling team success, as Canisius defeated Holy Cross to capture the 2022-23 AHA Tournament Championship and advance to the NCAA National Tournament for the second time in school history and first time in ten years.
Both of Randy’s parents are from Cuba, and in 2024, Hernández served as an assistant coach for Team Cuba at the Amerigol LATAM Cup. Cuba defeated Greece, 4-3 to win the championship.