Tom Mele Blazing An Unconventional Path Through The Pro Hockey Ranks

WILKES-BARRE — Tom Mele’s approach to media interviews is the same as the way he does things on the ice: direct. The 31-year old forward signed a deal with the Wheeling Nailers this summer and now he’s in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton’s training camp trying to make an impression. The sixth-year pro has spent most of his career in the ECHL and has only appeared in three AHL games despite logging two seasons of 20-plus goal and more than 180 penalty minutes. When it was pointed out that it’s a bit surprising he hasn’t gotten more of a look in the AHL, Mele said, “That makes two of us.” When asked if he is a bit of a late bloomer in pro hockey, he replied, “100 percent.” And regarding his thoughts about joining the Pittsburgh organization, Mele replied, “It’s an honor.” The native of the Bronx, N.Y., Mele had a breakout season in 2014-15 with the Tulsa Oilers when he posted 21 goals, 38 points and 200 penalty minutes in 60 games.