VALENCIA — Young goaltender Will King is without a hockey home.

For now.

The 23-year-old Valencia resident was released Monday by the ECHL's Wheeling Nailers despite putting up solid numbers for the team.

“I was surprised, but it's just one of those things that can happen,” King said. “The Nailers had a bunch of guys called up in a short period of time and had to sign a bunch of new players.

“They had to open up roster spots and decided they didn't need three goalies. The other two guys have AHL (American Hockey League) contracts, so I was the one to go.”

King was 6-6-1 and played in 15 games for the Nailers this season. It marked his first professional hockey season in North America after playing pro hockey for two years in Sweden.

King fashioned a 3.40 goals against average and a .905 save percentage with Wheeling.

“My numbers were favorable compared to the other goalies who are there,” King said. “But other things factor in.

“I'm confident I'll get something else this year. If not, I'll keep working out and be ready for the next opportunity to come along.”

That next chance may come sooner rather than later.

King and his agent have already heard from three other ECHL teams now looking for goaltenders. There are 41 teams in the league.

“It's been a crazy year for goalies,” he said. “Look what's been going on with the Pittsburgh Penguins and down at Wilkes Barre. All of that goalie movement has affected the Nailers, too.”

The Nailers are a minor league affiliate of the Penguins.

King said he's confident his agent will help “land me in the best situation.

“Some teams had goalies called up, have goalies hurt, some opportunities may be longer term than others,” he added. “The Olympics going on have created openings on teams, too, with a few goalies playing over there (South Korea).”

King has not heard from any teams outside of the ECHL. He will clear waivers at 2 p.m. Tuesday and can be signed as a free agent by anybody at that point.

“I'm only 12 hours into this,” he said. “We'll see what happens.”