Hockey officials in Wheeling said if the Pittsburgh Penguins win the Stanley Cup Final on Friday, it will be nothing but good news at the Nailers' box office.

Wheeling's hockey team started when Pittsburgh's team was at the top of its game in the early 1990s. Team officials said one thing holds true: When the Penguins do well it means better business for the Nailers.

Back in the days of the Wheeling Thunderbirds, hockey was just gaining popularity in Wheeling. Still, local team officials give a lot of credit to the success of the Penguins when they won the Stanley Cup in 1991 and 1992.

"The excitement they generated actually created interest here in Wheeling, and that's what led to actually bringing the team to Wheeling," said Craig Bommer, of Wheeling Nailers corporate sales.

Since then, the Nailers have thrived on the partnership between the two teams. The affiliation means Pittsburgh brings players to Wheeling, and Penguins fans' excitement trickles down to the Nailers.

"Without that, I don't think this team exists. It would be difficult to think it would because the interest level just wasn't there where it is now," Bommer said.

Not to mention, hockey fans who can't afford a Penguins game ticket can get their fix for a lot less at WesBanco Arena. Bommer said new season ticket sales for the Nailers have already jumped as the Penguins get closer to the cup.

Bommer said renewals are at about 80 percent already.

"So, we've seen a jump over what we usually see in the past years because of the Stanley Cup run," Bommer said.

Game 7 is set for Friday night in Detroit. WTOV9 will have a one-hour Stanley Cup pre-game show starting at 7 p.m. Friday. The game starts at 8 p.m., followed by complete NEWS9 Sports coverage.

For more Stanley Cup news, visit our Pittsburgh Penguins section.