GAME DAY 2024-25
Railers Edge Nailers With Special Teams
Anthony Callin Tallies Points on All Four Worcester Goals
WORCESTER, MA- The Wheeling Nailers went 13 straight road games without allowing a power play goal on the road. On Saturday night, they ran into one of the top power plays in the ECHL, and the Worcester Railers were successful on three of four opportunities. The final man advantage marker snapped a tied score in the third period and gave Worcester the 4-3 decision at DCU Center. Anthony Callin factored into all four Railers goals with two goals and two assists, and he also scored the game winner.
Both teams got on the scoreboard during the first period. Worcester opened the scoring just one minute into the contest with a power play strike. Connor Welsh swerved a pass over to Anthony Repaci, who whipped a wrist shot along the ice and in from the right face-off dot. The power play goal was the first allowed by Wheeling on the road since November 1st. The Nailers pulled even 4:39 later. Peter Laviolette grabbed the puck off of the end wall and dropped a pass back to Matt Koopman at the blueline. Koopman skated into the right side of the slot, and rocketed a slap shot into the top-left corner of the cage.
The two sides continued to match each other in the middle frame. The Railers went ahead at the 3:26 mark on a controversial goal. Anthony Callin collided with Sergei Murashov, which allowed Riley Ginnell to place a slap shot into an open net. The goal stood after video review. The Nailers temporarily tied the match at the 9:06 mark. Gabe Klassen delivered a perfect pass to the top-right corner of the crease, where Atley Calvert converted with a tip-in on the man advantage. Unfortunately, Wheeling received a penalty on the next shift, and Worcester was successful on the power play. Callin tossed a wrist shot through traffic and into the top-right corner of the twine. The goal was reviewed and counted. However, with less than three minutes later, the Railers had a goal called off for goaltender interference, and the Nailers used that energy to get a third tying goal. Chris Ortiz let a wrist shot go from the center point, which flew into the top-left corner of the cage.
The third period was extremely defensive, as only seven combined shots found their way on goal. One of them went in, and it was Worcester's power play which made the difference. Welsh set up Callin at the left face-off dot, where the forward gathered in the pass, then ripped a wrist shot into the top-right corner. That marker stood as the winner in a 4-3 final for the Railers.
Michael Bullion got the win for Worcester, as he made 29 saves on 32 shots. Sergei Murashov suffered his first regulation loss in 16 games, as he stopped 19 of the 23 shots he faced.
The Nailers and Railers will conclude their regular season series in Worcester on Sunday at 3:05. Wheeling will play three home games next weekend against the Kansas City Mavericks on January 24th, 25th, and 26th. The weekend will begin with a Frosty Friday on the 24th, then the highlight game of the weekend will be 80's night on Saturday the 25th, which will feature a post game concert by Tongue and Cheek. The next Big-6 Promotional Night is Pittsburgh Penguins Night starring Kevin Stevens on February 8th. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2024-25 season are available now by calling (304) 234-GOAL. The Wheeling Nailers, considered one of the top things to do in Wheeling, West Virginia, provide affordable family entertainment for fans throughout the Ohio Valley.
Worcester Wins by a Whisker, 2-1
Nailers Complete Busy Stretch of Ten Games in 17 Days With 7-2-1 Record
WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers completed an extremely busy stretch on Sunday afternoon, as they not only played their fourth game in five days during the week, but their tenth game in 17 days since the holidays. Wheeling finished that group of games with a 7-2-1 record, but unfortunately, came up on the short end of a 2-1 score at WesBanco Arena against the Worcester Railers. Logan Pietila was the only Nailer to solve Michael Bullion, while Justin Gill had a goal and an assist for Worcester.
All things considered, the Nailers had a solid first period, despite the fact that they trailed by one goal. That marker came at the 10:18 mark. Justin Gill carried the puck in on the left side of the offensive zone, faked a shot, then curled around the net, and stuffed a wraparound inside of the right post.
Worcester added to its lead 1:22 into the middle frame, off of an offensive zone face-off. Gill dished the puck to the right side of the crease, where Anthony Callin had himself a tap-in.
Wheeling got some life in the early stages of the third period, as the deficit was cut to one. Gabe Klassen whipped a low shot on goal from the left side, which produced a rebound for Logan Pietila to slam home. The Nailers emptied the tank with an 11-3 shots advantage in the final stanza, but were unable to find a tying goal, as the Railers prevailed, 2-1.
Michael Bullion earned the win for Worcester, as he denied 33 of the 34 shots he faced. Taylor Gauthier suffered the defeat for Wheeling, despite making 27 saves on 29 shots.
The Nailers and Railers will play two more games against each other next weekend in Worcester on Saturday at 6:05 and Sunday at 3:05. Wheeling will return home the following weekend for a three-game series against the Kansas City Mavericks on January 24th, 25th, and 26th. The weekend will begin with a Frosty Friday on the 24th, then the highlight game of the weekend will be 80's night on Saturday the 25th, which will feature a post game concert by Tongue and Cheek. The next Big-6 Promotional Night is Pittsburgh Penguins Night starring Kevin Stevens on February 8th. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2024-25 season are available now by calling (304) 234-GOAL. The Wheeling Nailers, considered one of the top things to do in Wheeling, West Virginia, provide affordable family entertainment for fans throughout the Ohio Valley.
Nailers Rally for 4-3 Shootout Win
Gabe Klassen Ties Score in Third, Then Jack Beck Delivers Shootout Winner
WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers faced quite the challenge on Saturday night at WesBanco Arena, and showed all sorts of heart to come away with their 25th victory of the season. Wheeling returned from Indy at 5:00 on Saturday morning, then turned around to face a rested Worcester Railers team, who had been off since the previous Saturday. The Nailers erased three separate deficits during regulation, then did it one more time in the shootout, before Jack Beck delivered the deciding strike in front of 4,051 fans. The final score ended up 4-3 in Wheeling's favor.
The first period was a back-and-forth battle, which resulted in a one-goal lead for the visitors. The opening marker came at the 2:54 mark. Worcester's Ryan Dickinson let a wrist shot go from the top of the left circle, which got deflected through Sergei Murashov's legs by Anthony Repaci for his team-leading 20th goal of the season. The Nailers briefly evened the score on the power play, which needed just seven seconds to convert. Jack Beck set up Chris Ortiz, who rang a one-timer off of the right post and in from the left point. The Railers regained the lead 52 seconds later on a 2-on-1 rush, as JD Dudek deposited a cross-slot pass from Justin Gill.
The score stayed 2-1 until the latter stages of the middle frame, when Wheeling temporarily pulled even. Ortiz spun and fired a wrist shot from the top of the circle, which got tipped in by Matt Koopman. The Nailers were less than one minute away from getting the contest to the intermission tied, but with 34 seconds to go, Worcester went back on top. Jordan Kaplan made a pass out of the right corner to Griffin Loughran, who escaped behind the defense, faked to his backhand, and squeezed a shot through Murashov's legs.
Wheeling was bound and determined to fend off every piece of adversity thrown its way, and with 9:19 left, the contest became tied again. Atley Calvert skated in on the right side of the offensive zone, and delivered a perfect feed for Gabe Klassen to tip home for a 3-3 deadlock.
Despite a plethora of scoring chances during the remainder of the third period and overtime, a shootout was necessary to decide a winner. After coming back three times during regulation, the Nailers had to come back in the shootout as well, as Connor Welsh tallied on the opening attempt for the Railers. David Jankowski squared the skills competition in round two with a shot into the top-right corner. Murashov forced Anthony Callin away for Worcester in round three, which set the stage for the heroics. Jack Beck sent the fabulous crowd home happy, as he lifted a backhander into the top-right corner to give Wheeling the 4-3 triumph.
Sergei Murashov earned the win for the Nailers, as he made 29 saves on 32 shots during the game, then thwarted two of three shootout shots. Hugo Ollas received the shootout loss for the Railers, as he came away with 31 stops on 34 shots during the game, then gave up two goals on three shootout shots.
The Nailers and Railers will clash again in Wheeling on Sunday afternoon at 4:10. Following the game, fans will have the opportunity to skate with the even-numbered players. Another exciting upcoming promotion is 80's Night on January 25th, which will feature a post game concert by Tongue and Cheek. The next Big-6 Promotional Night is Pittsburgh Penguins Night starring Kevin Stevens on February 8th. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2024-25 season are available now by calling (304) 234-GOAL. The Wheeling Nailers, considered one of the top things to do in Wheeling, West Virginia, provide affordable family entertainment for fans throughout the Ohio Valley.
Nailers Fire Past Fuel, 4-1
Matthew Quercia Scores Twice, as Wheeling Reaches 50 Points
FISHERS, IN- Three out of four points in a road building is always a positive, and the Wheeling Nailers secured two of those points at Fishers Event Center on Friday night against the Indy Fuel. Matthew Quercia scored twice, as Wheeling built a 3-0 lead, and ultimately skated away with a 4-1 road triumph. Taylor Gauthier was the victorious netminder with 25 saves.
The Nailers had the exact start to the game they were looking for, as they jumped out to a 2-0 lead. The first goal came less than one minute after a successful penalty kill. Jack Beck tossed a shot on goal from the left boards, which went in and out of Ben Gaudreau's glove, then landed on the ice for a slam dunk by Kyle Jackson. Wheeling's second marker came off of a rush into the offensive zone. Chris Ortiz turned away from traffic, and spotted David Drake skating in on the left side. Drake let a wrist shot go, which got tipped into the cage by Matthew Quercia.
Both teams turned on the red light in the middle frame, as the Nailers maintained their two-goal lead. Wheeling did temporarily go ahead by three with a successful power play. Cam Hausinger slashed Dakota Seaman, which led to the two dropping the gloves, and a victorious fight for Seaman. On the man advantage, David Jankowski slid a pass across the slot to Quercia, who banged a one-timer into the open left side of the twine. Indy got on the scoreboard by forcing a turnover with a borderline play in the Nailers defensive end. Ultimately, Colin Bilek made his way in deep, and chipped a shot into the top-right corner.
Gabe Klassen tacked on the team's tenth empty net goal of the season with a backhander from his own zone for the 4-1 final score.
Taylor Gauthier moved into sole possession of sixth place on Wheeling's all-time list with his 38th career victory, as he denied 25 of the 26 shots he faced. Ben Gaudreau took the loss for the Fuel with 22 saves on 25 shots.
The Nailers will return home on Saturday night at 7:10 to play the first of four straight games against Worcester. The promotion is Star Wars Night, which is the next Big-6 Promotional Game. Fans can meet Star Wars characters, there will be a winter hat giveaway, the team will wear specialty jerseys, and there will be themed food items such as lightsaber churros. Wheeling and Worcester will also do battle at WesBanco Arena on Sunday at 4:10. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2024-25 season are available now by calling (304) 234-GOAL. The Wheeling Nailers, considered one of the top things to do in Wheeling, West Virginia, provide affordable family entertainment for fans throughout the Ohio Valley.
Fuel Win Goaltending Duel in Overtime
Sergei Murashov Extends Point Streak to 14 Straight Starts
FISHERS, IN- Goaltending was elite on Wednesday night at Fishers Event Center, as the Wheeling Nailers battled the Indy Fuel. Sergei Murashov and Ben Gaudreau matched each other save for save during regulation, and many of those stops were absolute robberies. A 1-1 tie got broken 3:28 into overtime, when Indy's Ryan Gagnier converted on a breakaway to give the Fuel a 2-1 decision.
The two squads played to a scoreless first period, as Indy outshot Wheeling, 10-4. The first goal finally found the twine at the 10:40 mark of the middle frame. Shane Bull forced his way down the right wing wall, before sliding the puck in the direction of the net. Dakota Seaman quickly turned a feed into the left circle, where Mats Lindgren stepped in and wired a shot into the top-left corner. The Fuel pulled even with 2:19 to go. During the period of the long change, Wheeling's line got trapped in the defensive end, and eventually, Indy wore that unit down, with Ryan Gagnier centering a pass to Cam Hausinger for a one-time strike from the low slot.
The netminders shined in the third period to preserve the 1-1 deadlock, which needed extra hockey to be decided. The Nailers continued their strong offensive effort from the third period (13 shots) into overtime with a four-shot effort, but the Fuel were able to cash in on their lone shot to win the game, 2-1. Gagnier scooped up a loose puck around his own crease, then chugged his way in the other direction, and lifted a backhander up and into the top-right corner of the cage.
Ben Gaudreau collected the victory for Indy, as he stopped 28 of the 29 shots he faced. Sergei Murashov saw his 13-game winning streak come to an end, but now has points in 14 consecutive starts, as he made 25 saves on 27 shots.
The Nailers and Fuel will play against each other in Indy again on Friday at 7:00. Wheeling's next home game is Star Wars Night on Saturday at 7:10 against Worcester. That is also the next Big-6 Promotional Game. Fans can meet Star Wars characters, there will be a pom-pom hat giveaway, the team will wear specialty jerseys, and there will be themed food items such as lightsaber churros. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2024-25 season are available now by calling (304) 234-GOAL. The Wheeling Nailers, considered one of the top things to do in Wheeling, West Virginia, provide affordable family entertainment for fans throughout the Ohio Valley.
Off Night in Norfolk for Nailers
North Division Heavyweights Split Two-Game Season Series
NORFOLK, VA- Every team will have an off night from time to time, and the Wheeling Nailers will look to put Saturday night's game at Norfolk Scope Arena behind them in a hurry. The Norfolk Admirals scored six times in the first period, en route to a 9-3 win, as the two teams split the only two games they will play against each other in the 2024-25 regular season.
The first period was all Admirals, as they scored six times. Stepan Timofeyev started the outburst by curving his way into the slot and roofing a wrist shot into the top-left corner of the twine. Darick Louis-Jean scored 1:51 later, when he grabbed a pass from Filip Fornåå-Svensson, faked to his forehand, and dragged the puck around Taylor Gauthier's right leg. Things quieted down for the next seven minutes, before Norfolk exploded for four goals in a span of 2:52. Pavel Padakin wired in a wrist shot from the left circle at the 10:52 mark, Brady Fleurent tapped in a rebound on the left side 51 seconds later, Denis Smirnov backhanded in a breakaway goal 38 second after that, and Justin Young jammed in a loose puck along the left post with 6:16 remaining. The Nailers swapped goaltenders after the fifth goal.
Wheeling attempted to pull out as many stops as possible, and unfortunately, one of those moves resulted in a shorthanded empty netter by Fleurent to start the second. However, the Nailers did convert on the man advantage 18 seconds later, when Gabe Klassen wired in a wrist shot from the left circle. Brandon Osmundson tallied for the the Admirals with 4:42 left in the stanza, before Wheeling turned on the red light twice in the final minute. Sam Houde picked the top-right corner from the slot, and Matt Koopman redirected Matthew Quercia's attempt on the left side of the crease.
Timofeyev tacked on his second of the night in the third to wrap up a 9-3 final.
Domenic DiVincentiis got the win for Norfolk, as he made 32 saves on 35 shots. Taylor Gauthier allowed five goals on eight shots in the loss for the Nailers, before Sergei Murashov went 16-of-19 in relief.
The Nailers will play two more road games in the coming week, as they will visit Indy on Wednesday and Friday, with both games starting at 7:00. Wheeling's next home game is Star Wars Night on Saturday, January 11th at 7:10 against Worcester. That is also the next Big-6 Promotional Game. Fans can meet Star Wars characters, there will be a pom-pom hat giveaway, the team will wear specialty jerseys, and there will be themed food items such as lightsaber churros. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2024-25 season are available now by calling (304) 234-GOAL. The Wheeling Nailers, considered one of the top things to do in Wheeling, West Virginia, provide affordable family entertainment for fans throughout the Ohio Valley.
Nailers Hold Off Admirals, 5-4
Gabe Klassen Scores Twice, Including Eventual Game Winner
NORFOLK, VA- The top two teams in the North Division went to battle on Friday night at Norfolk Scope Arena, as the division-leading Wheeling Nailers faced the second-place Norfolk Admirals for the first time this season. The match-up lived up to the billing with nine combined goals, 58 combined saves, and a one-goal differential. One of Gabe Klassen's two tallies on the night created that differential, while Atley Calvert recorded three points in a 5-4 Wheeling triumph.
The Nailers surrendered the game's opening goal, but battled back to not only tie the score, but take the lead in a matter of seconds. Norfolk's goal came at the 8:18 mark, when Carson Golder pounced on the rebound of Justin Young's shot on the right side of the low slot, and flipped a backhander into the net. Wheeling answered 1:42 later with an equalizer. Louie Roehl led a transition rush into the offensive game, and kept the puck moving forward to Matty De St. Phalle. One more pass came from De St. Phalle to Jack Beck, who deked to his backhand, and slithered a shot through Domenic DiVincentiis' legs. 32 seconds later, the Nailers hopped on top. Dilan Peters wired a shot from the right wing wall up and into the top-left corner of the cage for his first goal as a pro.
Wheeling added to its advantage with a pair of tallies in the middle frame. With 7:37 remaining, Atley Calvert entered the zone on an odd-man rush with Gabe Klassen, and swung a low shot on goal. DiVincentiis made the save, but the rebound sat at the top of the crease, where it got backhanded home by Klassen. The Nailers followed that up with a successful power play, after Darick Louis-Jean picked up an additional penalty from a scrum between Peters and Denis Smirnov. Sam Houde set up Atley Calvert, who turned off of the left side of the goal line, and whipped a shot into the right side of the twine.
Ross McDougall notched the first goal of the third period for the Admirals with a wrist shot from the right circle at the 2:47 mark. Wheeling responded to that 2:15 later, when Calvert sprang Klassen into the left circle, where he roofed his second of the night into the top-right corner of the cage to make the score 5-2. Nobody knew how big that goal would be at the time, but they found out in the closing minutes. Norfolk lit the lamp twice in the span of a minute to make the margin one. Golder potted his second with a rebound marker while his goaltender was pulled, then Sean Montgomery connected from the low slot. The Nailers made sure that was the last celebration for the home team, as they closed out that 5-4 road victory.
Sergei Murashov collected his 13th consecutive win for Wheeling, as he stopped 31 of the 35 shots he faced. Domenic DiVincentiis took the loss for the Admirals, as he made 27 saves on 32 shots.
The Nailers and Admirals will do battle in Norfolk again on Saturday at 7:05, as the four-game road stretch continues. Wheeling's next home game is Star Wars Night on Saturday, January 11th at 7:10 against Worcester. That is also the next Big-6 Promotional Game. Fans can meet Star Wars characters, there will be a pom-pom hat giveaway, the team will wear specialty jerseys, and there will be themed food items such as lightsaber churros. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2024-25 season are available now by calling (304) 234-GOAL. The Wheeling Nailers, considered one of the top things to do in Wheeling, West Virginia, provide affordable family entertainment for fans throughout the Ohio Valley.
Nailers Close 2024 With a Bang
Chris Ortiz Dishes Out Five Assists, Seven Different Players Score Goals in 7-3 Win
WHEELING, WV- 2024 was a memorable year for the Wheeling Nailers, and on Tuesday night, they sent 4,076 fans home from WesBanco Arena with lots to smile about. Seven different players found the back of the net for Wheeling, and five of those goals were assisted by Chris Ortiz. David Jankowski added four points and Jack Beck recorded three points, as the Nailers rocked the Reading Royals, 7-3. Wheeling earned its 49th victory of the calendar year, and improved to 22-5-1 on the season for an .804 points percentage. The Nailers also ran their all-time record on New Year's Eve to 21-7-4, and have won the last seven times they've played on December 31st.
The Nailers got things going with back-to-back strikes in the latter part of the first period. The first goal came off of an offensive zone face-off with 2:17 remaining. Chris Ortiz carried the puck deep on the right side, then backhanded a pass to the front of the net. Matt Koopman batted the puck out of the air and into the cage. 27 seconds later, Ortiz set up a second lighting of the lamp. His initial shot hit off of Matthew Quercia, who immediately turned and shoveled a backhander up and into the top-right corner. David Jankowski also assisted on both tallies.
Matt Brown put Reading on the scoreboard on a breakaway at the 22-second mark of the middle frame, but Wheeling answered immediately to rebuild its two-goal advantage. Matty De St. Phalle started and finished a three-way passing play, as he tipped in Jack Beck's feed on the right side of the crease. Beck's next delivery went into the net, as he took a lead pass from Ortiz, skated into the left circle, and beat Keith Petruzzelli through the legs. With less than one minute to go in the period, the Nailers converted on the first power play of the night, as Kyle Jackson clobbered in a one-timer from the top of the right circle. Once again, the lead pass came from Ortiz for his fifth assist of the match.
David Jankowski took advantage of some puck luck in the early stages of the third period, as a pass bounced off of a Reading skate and directly to him for a tap-in on the left side of the crease. Mason Primeau and Todd Skirving temporarily gave the Royals some life with back-to-back markers, before Bennett MacArthur's one-time slam dunk from the right side of the crease put the final exclamation point on Wheeling's 7-3 triumph.
Taylor Gauthier backstopped the win for the Nailers, as he turned away 25 of the 28 shots he faced. Keith Petruzzelli was the losing netminder for Reading, as he allowed seven goals on 31 shots.
The Nailers will open the 2025 calendar year with four straight road games, starting on Friday and Saturday in Norfolk at 7:05. Wheeling's next home game is Star Wars Night on Saturday, January 11th at 7:10 against Worcester. That is also the next Big-6 Promotional Game. Fans can meet Star Wars characters, there will be a pom-pom hat giveaway, the team will wear specialty jerseys, and there will be themed food items such as lightsaber churros. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2024-25 season are available now by calling (304) 234-GOAL. The Wheeling Nailers, considered one of the top things to do in Wheeling, West Virginia, provide affordable family entertainment for fans throughout the Ohio Valley.
Nailers Rally to Down Iowa Again
Wheeling Scores Three in the Third to Erase 1-0 Deficit
WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers have won games in a variety of different ways this season, and on Sunday afternoon, they battled their way to two more points against the Iowa Heartlanders at WesBanco Arena. Wheeling trailed 1-0 at the end of two periods, before Jack Beck, Atley Calvert, and Logan Pietila all scored in the third to rally the club to a 3-1 triumph. Sergei Murashov was tremendous in goal once again, as he made 32 saves.
One goal was scored in the first period, and it was visiting Iowa who did so by taking advantage of a power play. Dakota Raabe navigated his way to the top of the right circle, where he let a wrist shot go with four bodies between him and the net. The shot ended up flying in on the left side.
The score stayed 1-0 through a defensive second period, until Wheeling finally broke through with the equalizer at the 5:40 mark of the third. Cole Cameron broke up a Heartlanders rush in center ice, which allowed Logan Pietila to send Jack Beck in on the left side of the offensive zone. Beck made his way into the left circle, where he drove a shot through Kyle McClellan's legs. That goal completely turned the game around for the Nailers, who took the lead 4:48 later with a power play strike. Only five seconds were needed on the man advantage, as Atley Calvert won the face-off back to Chris Ortiz, who dished a pass over to Beck along the left wing boards. Beck delivered a perfect feed into the right side of the crease, which was tipped home by Calvert. Logan Pietila added an empty netter with 1:30 to go, as Wheeling was victorious, 3-1.
Sergei Murashov earned his 12th consecutive win for the Nailers with another superb performance, as he denied 32 of the 33 shots he faced. Kyle McClellan made 18 saves on 20 shots in the loss for Iowa.
The Nailers will close out the 2024 calendar year at home on Tuesday at 6:10 against Reading. The promotion is Kids' Neon New Year's Eve, which will feature a postgame light show, glow sticks, sparkling grape juice, and glow cups. Star Wars Night is the next Big-6 Promotional Game, and that is also right around the corner on Saturday, January 11th. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2024-25 season are available now by calling (304) 234-GOAL. The Wheeling Nailers, considered one of the top things to do in Wheeling, West Virginia, provide affordable family entertainment for fans throughout the Ohio Valley.
Nailers Hunt Down Heartlanders, 6-2
Wheeling Earns 20th Win in Game 26
WHEELING, WV- Despite being in different conferences, the rivalry between the Wheeling Nailers and Iowa Heartlanders is still alive and well, as 2,935 fans saw at WesBanco Arena on Saturday night. Wheeling also turned in a big offensive performance with three goals each in the first and second periods. Kyle Jackson scored twice, while Jack Beck and Atley Calvert both turned in three-point performances in the 6-2 triumph. The win was the 20th of the season for the Nailers, who extended their North Division lead to four points.
The first period had everything and more, as five goals were scored, both teams were successful on the power play, and there was a fight. Iowa opened the scoring at the 2:42 mark. Hakon Nilsen let a wrist shot go from the right point, which was tipped in by Ryan Miotto. The Nailers answered that less than three minutes later. David Jankowski tossed a low shot in toward the goal from the right point. The chance produced a rebound, which was lifted up and in by Shane Bull for his first goal with the team. A few minutes after that, the fight took place, as Matthew Quercia challenged Nico Blachman, after Blachman delivered a late hit on Louie Roehl. Quercia received an instigating penalty, and the Heartlanders scored on that power play, when T.J. Walsh banked the puck off of a Wheeling stick and in. However, the Nailers were quick to capitalize on a power play of their own to draw even for a second time. Kyle Jackson whipped a wrist shot from the top of the right circle into the bottom-left portion of the goal. 1:52 later, Wheeling took its first lead of the night. Jack Beck dropped a pass to Ryan Lieth, who dangled to his backhand in the slot, and roofed the puck into the top-right corner of the cage.
The scoring continued for one team in the middle frame, and that squad was the Nailers. Jackson notched his second power play marker of the night at the 3:33 mark with a beautiful tip-in, which was set up by Beck in the left circle. Matt Koopman followed that up 1:04 later by spinning and whizzing a shot through Kyle McClellan's legs from the right circle. As the seconds ticked away toward intermission, Atley Calvert tacked on one more for the home side, as his left side backhander trickled through McClellan's legs.
Neither team dented the twine in the third period, as the final score went into the books 6-2 in Wheeling's favor.
Taylor Gauthier earned the victory for the Nailers, as he stopped 28 of the 30 shots he faced. Kevin McClellan took the loss for Iowa, as he gave up six goals on 27 shots.
The Nailers and Heartlanders will meet again on Sunday at 4:10, and following the game, fans will be able to skate with the odd-numbered players. Then, on Tuesday at 6:10, Reading comes to town for Kids' Neon New Year's Eve. That night will feature a postgame light show, glow sticks, sparkling grape juice, and glow cups. Star Wars Night is the next Big-6 Promotional Game, and that is also right around the corner on Saturday, January 11th. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2024-25 season are available now by calling (304) 234-GOAL. The Wheeling Nailers, considered one of the top things to do in Wheeling, West Virginia, provide affordable family entertainment for fans throughout the Ohio Valley.
Nailers Hold on for Thrilling 3-2 Win
Sergei Murashov Sets New Wheeling Record With His 11th Straight Victory
CINCINNATI, OH- The Wheeling Nailers gutted it out on Friday night at Heritage Bank Center, and got rewarded for their efforts. Sergei Murashov made 23 saves for his 11th straight win between the pipes, while Jack Beck delivered the deciding goal as part of a two-point effort. The Wheeling Nailers edged the Cincinnati Cyclones, 3-2 in front of 9,990 fans - the second largest crowd to ever witness a Wheeling triumph.
The Nailers got some strong play out of their defense and goaltending during the first period, but took the lead into the locker room, thanks to a late power play strike. Jack Beck carried the puck in and delivered a pass to Atley Calvert on the left side of the offensive zone. Calvert skated even deeper, before dropping the puck off to Matty De St. Phalle, who throttled in a wrist shot from the slot.
A bizarre goal helped Wheeling up its lead at the 1:53 mark of the middle frame. Logan Pietila threw the puck into the crease from the right corner. Marko Sikic nearly had it bounce off of him and in, and while that didn't go, Matthew Quercia was there to poke the puck off of Sikic's stick and past an unsuspecting Pavel Cajan. Ty Voit put the Cyclones on the scoreboard with 6:42 remaining in the period, as he flew into the left side of the slot and zipped a wrist shot into the left side of the cage.
The Nailers scored what turned out to be a huge goal at the 11:41 mark of the third period to temporarily go ahead by a pair. Louie Roehl took a pass from Chris Ortiz, and darted toward the net from the right point. Although his backhander was stopped, Jack Beck was on the scene to poke in the rebound. The marker stood following video review for potential goaltender interference. That tally was so significant, because Cincinnati made the score 3-2 with 6:53 to go, when Ryan McCleary flew in a wrist shot from the top of the right circle. After that goal was scored, Wheeling defenseman Cole Cameron cross checked Chris Dodero in the face, and received a major penalty and a game misconduct. The Nailers killed off the entire five-minute power play, and also shut down a 6-on-5 attempt by the Cyclones to close out their 3-2 victory.
Sergei Murashov became the first goaltender in Wheeling hockey history to win 11 consecutive starts, as he was victorious again with 23 saves on 25 shots. Pavel Cajan surrendered three goals on 12 shots in the loss for Cincinnati.
The Nailers will play their next three games at home to conclude the 2024 calendar year. On Saturday night at 7:10, Wheeling will host Iowa, and there will be a re-gift exchange. Fans can bring in a gift that they didn't want, and swap it out for one that another fan brought to the game. The Nailers and Heartlanders will also do battle on Sunday at 4:10, and that will be followed by a postgame skate with odd-numbered players. The homestand will conclude on Tuesday at 6:10 against Reading with Kids' Neon New Year's Eve. That night will feature a postgame light show, glow sticks, sparkling grape juice, and glow cups. Star Wars Night is the next Big-6 Promotional Game, and that is also right around the corner on Saturday, January 11th. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2024-25 season are available now by calling (304) 234-GOAL. The Wheeling Nailers, considered one of the top things to do in Wheeling, West Virginia, provide affordable family entertainment for fans throughout the Ohio Valley.
Young Backstops 2-1 Win for Wings
Peter Laviolette Scores First of Season for Wheeling
KALAMAZOO, MI- Every once in a while, a hot goaltender can steal a game, and that's what the Wheeling Nailers ran into on Sunday afternoon at Wings Event Center. Ty Young made 36 saves to lead the Kalamazoo Wings to a 2-1 win, as Peter Laviolette was the lone Wheeling player to solve him.
Neither team was able to light the lamp in the first period, which saw Kalamazoo hold a 14-11 advantage in shots on goal. The Wings ultimately broke through with a pair of tallies in the middle frame. The opening marker came with loads of congestion around the crease at the 9:06 mark. Davis Codd crashed in, and was able to push the puck in over the line. The play was originally ruled no goal, but was reversed following video review. With 2:15 to go, Kalamazoo struck again with heavy traffic. Luc Salem's left point wrist shot was denied, but the rebound booted out to Ted Nichol, who lifted the puck up and over a sprawled out Taylor Gauthier.
Wheeling pulled to within one at the 10:57 mark of the third period. Gabe Klassen fired a shot on goal from the right circle, which was stopped. However, Peter Laviolette drove in to the right side of the crease, where he scooped the rebound up and into the top-left corner of the cage. The Nailers put 16 shots on goal in the final frame, but a tying goal wasn't in the cards, and the Wings prevailed, 2-1.
Both goaltenders turned in terrific performances. Ty Young backstopped the win for Kalamazoo, as he thwarted 36 of the 37 shots he faced. Taylor Gauthier made 28 saves on 30 shots for the Nailers.
The Nailers would like to wish all of their fans a very Happy Holiday Season! The team's next game will be on Friday night at 7:00 on the road against Cincinnati. Wheeling's next home game will be Saturday at 7:10 against Iowa, which will feature a re-gifting exchange. Another exciting upcoming promotion is Kids' Neon New Year's Eve on December 31st, which will have a postgame light show, glow sticks, sparkling grape juice, and glow cups. Star Wars Night is the next Big-6 Promotional Game, and that is also right around the corner on Saturday, January 11th. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2024-25 season are available now by calling (304) 234-GOAL. The Wheeling Nailers, considered one of the top things to do in Wheeling, West Virginia, provide affordable family entertainment for fans throughout the Ohio Valley.
Nailers Bounce Back to Beat Toledo, 5-2
Sam Houde Scores Twice in Wheeling's Seventh Straight Road Win
TOLEDO, OH- The Wheeling Nailers bounced right back into the win column, and exacted revenge on the Toledo Walleye on Saturday night at Huntington Center. Sam Houde scored twice and Sergei Murashov made 34 saves in the 5-2 triumph, which was Wheeling's seventh consecutive win on enemy ice.
The Nailers started off on the right skate, as they potted the lone goal of the first period at the 3:48 mark. Wheeling forced a turnover in neutral ice, which allowed Matty De St. Phalle to transition quickly into the offensive zone. De St. Phalle ultimately floated a pass ahead to Jack Beck, who got behind the defense, deked to his forehand, and slipped a shot through Carter Gylander's legs.
While the opening stanza was good, the middle frame was better, as the Nailers upped their lead to three. Goal number two came right away at the 35-second mark. Jagger Joshua fanned on a shot, but ended up dribbling the puck into the crease for a tap-in by Sam Houde. A little more than seven minutes later, Wheeling's power play converted. Beck fired a low shot from the left point, which was tipped up into the top shelf by Atley Calvert. Brandon Hawkins temporarily brought Toledo within two on a wrist shot from the low slot, before Houde's second of the period made the score 4-1. Houde battled his way from the right circle into the slot and drove a shot through the netminder.
Casey Dornbach picked the top-right corner for the Walleye at the 1:58 mark of the third period, before David Jankowski punctuated the 5-2 victory for the Nailers with an empty netter.
Sergei Murashov tied David Brumby's team record with his tenth consecutive win in goal for Wheeling, as he rejected 34 of the 36 shots he faced. Carter Gylander was the losing goaltender for Toledo, as he allowed four goals on 25 shots.
The Nailers will head up to Kalamazoo on Sunday for a 3:00 game against the Wings. Wheeling's next home game will be Saturday, December 28th at 7:10 against Iowa, which will feature a re-gifting exchange. Another exciting upcoming promotion is Kids' Neon New Year's Eve on December 31st, which will have a postgame light show, glow sticks, sparkling grape juice, and glow cups. Star Wars Night is the next Big-6 Promotional Game, and that is also right around the corner on Saturday, January 11th. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2024-25 season are available now by calling (304) 234-GOAL. The Wheeling Nailers, considered one of the top things to do in Wheeling, West Virginia, provide affordable family entertainment for fans throughout the Ohio Valley.
Walleye Snap the Streaks
Bednar Makes 25 Saves in 4-0 Toledo Win
WHEELING, WV- The streaks were fun while they lasted, but unfortunately, they came to an end on Friday night at WesBanco Arena. Goaltender Jan Bednar was perfect on 25 shots and Tyler Spezia scored twice, as the Toledo Walleye blanked the Wheeling Nailers, 4-0. The setback ended Wheeling's 13-game winning streak, 16-game point streak, and ten-game home point streak.
One goal was scored in the opening stanza, and it came from Toledo at the 3:50 mark. Conlan Keenan entered the offensive zone, and dished a pass to his left. Tyler Spezia accepted the feed, navigated his way to the bottom of the left circle, and sifted a shot through Taylor Gauthier's legs. Another highlight from the first period was a fight by Matthew Quercia, who was challenged by Dalton Messina, after Quercia delivered a punishing check on Matt Anderson.
The score remained 1-0 until the early stages of the third period, when the Walleye extended their lead. Brandon Kruse stole the puck in the slot, and fed Sam Craggs, who proceeded to set up Mitchell Lewandowski for a one-time snipe from the right hash mark. Toledo put the game away with two goals in the closing minutes, as Dalton Messina banged in the rebound of Casey Dornbach's initial shot, then Spezia threaded in his second of the night from the left circle 16 seconds later.
Jan Bednar secured the shutout for the Walleye, as he stopped all 25 shots he faced. Taylor Gauthier made 25 saves on 29 shots in the defeat for Wheeling.
The Nailers and Walleye will travel to Toledo to play again on Saturday at 7:15. Wheeling will then finish up the pre-holiday portion of their schedule with a road game in Kalamazoo on Sunday at 3:00. The next home game for the Nailers will be Saturday, December 28th at 7:10 against Iowa, which will feature a re-gifting exchange. Some exciting upcoming promotions include Kids' Neon New Year's Eve on December 31st, and Star Wars Night on January 11th, which is the next Big-6 Promotional Game. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2024-25 season are available now by calling (304) 234-GOAL. The Wheeling Nailers, considered one of the top things to do in Wheeling, West Virginia, provide affordable family entertainment for fans throughout the Ohio Valley.
All Smiles as Nailers Win 13th in a Row
Wheeling Sets New Record for Longest Win Streak & Extends Record Point Streak to 16
READING, PA- The Wheeling Nailers continue to make history, and on Saturday night, they set a new club record for the longest winning streak with their 13th win in a row. The contest was scoreless deep into the second period, before Kyle Jackson and Matty De St. Phalle gave Wheeling the lead. Louie Roehl and Jordan Martel added insurance in the third, and Sergei Murashov made the win stand up with 30 saves, as the Nailers knocked off the Reading Royals, 4-1 at Santander Arena. In addition to the winning streak, Wheeling extended its team-best point streak to 16 straight games (15-0-1).
Neither team was able to find the twine in the first 33 minutes of the game. That finally changed, when the Nailers opened the scoring in period two. Jordan Martel rolled a pass out to Jack Beck at the left point. Beck was given lots of time and space to walk in and load up a wrist shot, which bounced off of Kyle Jackson and dribbled in over the goal line. 4:20 later, Wheeling struck again. This time, Jackson set up the marker, as he delivered a pass into the right circle, where Matty De St. Phalle fired a laser of a one-timer into the top-left corner of the cage. Reading trimmed the margin to one with 1:11 remaining, when Austin Master put back the rebound of Jake Smith's initial shot.
The Nailers stopped the potential momentum for the Royals immediately, as they regained their two-goal edge just 35 seconds into the third. Chris Ortiz dished a pass across the blueline to Louie Roehl, who wired a slap shot all the way through and in from the right point. Wheeling tacked on one more with the man advantage, when Jordan Martel split the defense, and flipped a shot into the top-right corner of the net to give the contest a 4-1 final score.
Sergei Murashov earned his ninth consecutive victory in goal for the Nailers, as he thwarted 30 of the 31 shots he faced. Keith Petruzzelli received the loss for Reading, as he allowed four goals on 21 shots.
The Nailers will return to home ice on Friday night at 7:10 for a Frosty Friday with $2 beer specials against Toledo. That will be the first of three games next week for Wheeling, who will also travel to Toledo and Kalamazoo to wrap up the pre-holiday slate. A couple of exciting upcoming promotions include Kids' Neon New Year's Eve on December 31st, and Star Wars Night on January 11th, which is the next Big-6 Promotional Game. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2024-25 season are available now by calling (304) 234-GOAL. The Wheeling Nailers, considered one of the top things to do in Wheeling, West Virginia, provide affordable family entertainment for fans throughout the Ohio Valley.
Nailers Make More History in 12th Straight Win
Wheeling has 15-Game Point Streak for First Time in Team History
READING, PA- The Wheeling Nailers have altered the history books once again. On Friday night, Wheeling matched its team record with its 12th straight win, and set a new club record by earning points in 15 consecutive contests (14-0-1). The Nailers gave up the first goal of the match, but stormed back with four straight strikes to defeat the Reading Royals, 4-1 at Santander Arena. Matty De St. Phalle scored two of the goals, while Jordan Martel assisted on three of them, and Taylor Gauthier made 28 saves.
Despite allowing the game's opening goal, the first period belonged to the Nailers. Todd Skirving was responsible for that marker for Reading, as he shortened up on his stick, and shuffled in a low shot from the right face-off dot. Wheeling's offense got cooking at the 12:15 mark. Gabe Klassen made a jaw-dropping move to dance around a defender, then slid a pass to his right for Jagger Joshua, who slammed in a one-timer from the slot. 1:42 later, the Nailers took the lead. Jordan Martel tipped a Kyle Jackson pass on goal, which produced a rebound for Matty De St. Phalle to flip into the right side of the cage with his backhand. With 1:34 to go, De St. Phalle potted another one, as he grabbed a loose puck in the right circle, and whipped a wrist shot into the left side of the twine.
The visitors upped their lead with another goal in the middle frame. Martel carried the puck in on the right side of the slot, then spotted an open Kyle Jackson, who drilled home a one-timer from the slot.
Neither team tallied in the third period, as Wheeling carried the 4-1 score to the finish line.
Taylor Gauthier earned the victory in goal for the Nailers, as he turned away 28 of the 29 shots he faced. Keith Petruzzelli took the loss for the Royals, as he made 30 saves on 34 shots.
The Nailers and Royals will meet again in Reading on Saturday at 7:00. Wheeling's next home game is a Frosty Friday on December 20th at 7:10 against Toledo. The next Big-6 Promotional Game is Star Wars Night on January 11th. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2024-25 season are available now by calling (304) 234-GOAL. The Wheeling Nailers, considered one of the top things to do in Wheeling, West Virginia, provide affordable family entertainment for fans throughout the Ohio Valley.
Martel, Nailers Rip Apart Royals, 6-2
Wheeling Wins 11th Straight & Extends Point Streak to 14
WHEELING, WV- Jordan Martel has been a prolific goal scorer during his time with the Wheeling Nailers, and when the Reading Royals are the opponent, he takes it to another level. Martel netted his third career hat trick against the Royals on Sunday afternoon, becoming just the second player in team history to record three against the same opponent (Tim Tisdale vs. Erie). That was half of the team's goal total, as the Nailers filled up the net with six in a 6-2 triumph at WesBanco Arena. Head Coach Derek Army also got to add to the history books on Sunday, as he earned his 125th career win, which puts him ahead of Doug Sauter for second place on the club's all-time list. The victory was Wheeling's 11th in a row, and the Nailers have points in 14 straight contests, which matches the team's all-time record set in 1997-98.
The Nailers notched the lone goal of the first period, which came at the 8:34 mark. Jack Beck sent the puck toward the front of the net, where multiple bodies were ready to put in the work. Matty De St. Phalle ultimately tipped a pass over to David Jankowski, who bounced in his shot from the left side of the crease.
Wheeling expanded its lead in the middle frame. Jordan Martel netted the team's second goal of the day at the 3:53 mark, when he raced out of the penalty box, accepted a pass from Gabe Klassen, and proceeded to lift a breakaway goal in off of goaltender Keith Petruzzelli's left arm. Reading temporarily pulled within one on Gianfranco Cassaro's wrist shot from the top of the left circle. However, the Nailers added two key insurance tallies with less than three minutes remaining. Logan Pietila navigated his way to the top of the crease to tap in a centering feed from Bennett MacArthur, then Martel potted his second of the period off of an offensive zone face-off win in the right circle.
Putting the game away in the third period was far from an issue for the home team. Matty De St. Phalle sifted a shot through Petruzzelli's legs at the 1:37 mark, then Martel completed his hat trick by roofing a wrist shot from the right circle for the 6-2 final score. Tyler Gratton recorded the other Royals goal in the middle of those two.
Sergei Murashov snatched his eighth straight win in goal for the Nailers, as he thwarted 27 of the 29 shots he faced. Keith Petruzzelli allowed six goals on 30 shots in the loss for Reading.
The Nailers and Royals will meet up again in Reading on Friday and Saturday, with each game starting at 7:00. Wheeling's next home game is a Frosty Friday on December 20th at 7:10 against Toledo. The next Big-6 Promotional Game is Star Wars Night on January 11th. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2024-25 season are available now by calling (304) 234-GOAL. The Wheeling Nailers, considered one of the top things to do in Wheeling, West Virginia, provide affordable family entertainment for fans throughout the Ohio Valley.
Gauthier Blanks Cyclones for Tenth Straight Win
Derek Army Ties Doug Sauter for Second With 124th Victory Behind the Bench
CINCINNATI, OH- The Wheeling Nailers have done a lot of things in the first quarter of the 2024-25 season, and on Saturday afternoon, they checked off another item. Taylor Gauthier recorded the club's first shutout of the campaign, as he stopped all 17 Cincinnati Cyclones shots he faced in a 3-0 triumph at Heritage Bank Center. Matty De St. Phalle, Jagger Joshua, and Justin Lee were the goal scorers for Wheeling, who won for the tenth time in a row and extended its point streak to 13 straight games (12-0-1).
The Nailers got off to another terrific start, as they turned on the red light twice in the first period. The opening goal came at the 10:16 mark. Justin Lee broke a stick on his shot from the right point, which got redirected into the corner. Kyle Jackson pounced on the loose change immediately, then proceeded to set up Matty De St. Phalle in the low slot, where he flipped a shot into the left side of the cage. Wheeling added to its lead with 1:31 left on the clock during a stretch of 4-on-4 action. Chris Ortiz won a battle along the right wall, then delivered a pass to Jagger Joshua along the right side of the goal line. Joshua muscled his way to the crease, and used his reach to tuck a shot around goaltender Vyacheslav Peksa and in.
The rest of the contest was a defensive clinic, as the two teams combined for just 22 shots on goal over the course of the final 40 minutes. One of those shots went in for the Nailers at the 4:39 mark of the third. David Drake set up Justin Lee, who absolutely destroyed a one-timer into the right side of the twine. That was the final marker in Wheeling's 3-0 win.
Taylor Gauthier earned his sixth career shutout with the Nailers, as he was perfect on 17 shots in the victory. Vyacheslav Peksa made 18 saves on 21 shots for Cincinnati.
The Nailers will wrap up the weekend on Sunday afternoon at 4:10, when they play host to the Reading Royals. That will be the first ever Sensory Day game at WesBanco Arena. The goal horn will not be utilized, music will be lowered, there will be no flashing lights, and there will be a quiet room. That game will also feature the traditional Sunday post game skate, and all Nailers players will be skating. The next Big-6 Promotional Game is Star Wars Night on January 11th. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2024-25 season are available now by calling (304) 234-GOAL. The Wheeling Nailers, considered one of the top things to do in Wheeling, West Virginia, provide affordable family entertainment for fans throughout the Ohio Valley.
Late Game Heroics Key Nailers Ninth in a Row
Wheeling Scores Three in Final Six Minutes to Turn 2-1 Deficit into 4-2 Win
WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers have gained tons of confidence, thanks to their fantastic play over the course of the last month, and they showed that on Friday night at WesBanco Arena. Wheeling trailed the Kalamazoo Wings 2-1, before scoring three times in the final six minutes of the game to thrill the home crowd with a 4-2 victory. Jordan Martel scored the tying goal, then assisted on Sam Houde's winning strike, while Sergei Murashov made 31 saves. The Nailers extended their winning streak to nine games, their point streak to 12 games (11-0-1), are 8-0-1 at home, and at 13-3-1, have the best 17-game start in the 33-year history of the team.
The Nailers got lots of great opportunities in the first period, as they outshot Kalamazoo, 17-8. However, the lone goal in the stanza was scored by the visitors. Ayden MacDonald curled out of the right corner to the bottom of the right circle. The forward waited for traffic to set up in front of the goal, then found himself a tiny hole to squeeze a shot through to give the Wings a 1-0 lead.
Wheeling kept the shots coming in the middle frame, and got rewarded with a tying goal at the 4:19 mark. Kalamazoo attempted a pass to exit the defensive zone, but that was denied by Jack Beck, who immediately looked to create offense. Beck spotted Kyle Jackson wide open on the right side of the crease, and Jackson slammed his shot into the undefended cage.
The Wings regained the lead at the 9:51 mark of the third. Travis Broughman battled his way down the slot, and ultimately muscled a shot through Sergei Murashov. At that point, the Nailers just needed one break to turn the game around. That came with 7:31 left, when Jay Keranen's high stick drew blood on Jordan Martel to give Wheeling a four-minute power play. Martel was more than ready to capitalize on the opportunity, as he set up in the left circle and wired a one-timer from Chris Ortiz into the top-left corner of the net. That was the exact jolt of energy the Nailers needed, and 2:58 later, Martel delivered a one-time pass to Sam Houde, who launched a one-timer from the right side of the slot into the top-right corner of the twine for the team's first lead of the match. Jagger Joshua put the finishing touches on the 4-2 triumph with an empty netter, which was set up by Matt Koopman.
Both goaltenders were outstanding. Sergei Murashov earned his seventh straight win for Wheeling, as he denied 31 of the 33 shots he faced. Jonathan Lemieux received the loss for Kalamazoo, after making 37 saves on 40 shots.
The Nailers will make a quick trip out to Cincinnati on Saturday to face the Cyclones at 4:00. Wheeling will then return home on Sunday at 4:10 to face Reading for the first ever Sensory Day. The goal horn will not be utilized, music will be lowered, there will be no flashing lights, and there will be a quiet room. That game will also feature the traditional Sunday post game skate, and all Nailers players will be skating. The next Big-6 Promotional Game is Star Wars Night on January 11th. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2024-25 season are available now by calling (304) 234-GOAL. The Wheeling Nailers, considered one of the top things to do in Wheeling, West Virginia, provide affordable family entertainment for fans throughout the Ohio Valley.
Nailers Toss Around Teddy Bears & Cyclones, 7-1
Kyle Jackson Scores Teddy Bear Goal as Part of Four-Point Night
WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers put forth a legendary performance on a night when two former players were inducted into the Wheeling Hockey Hall of Fame. Kyle Jackson was the top offensive performer, as his goal for the Teddy Bear Toss kickstarted a two-goal, four-point, +5 night, leading Wheeling to a 7-1 triumph over the Cincinnati Cyclones. The Nailers now have an eight-game winning streak, an 11-game point streak(10-0-1), and have at least one point in 11 consecutive home games (10-0-1) dating back to the end of last year's regular season.
The stuffed animals for the annual Teddy Bear Toss took flight early, as the Nailers needed just 4:12 to open the scoring. Jack Beck dropped a pass into the bottom of the left circle for Kyle Jackson, who clobbered a one-timer into the top-right corner of the cage. Wheeling probably hoped more fur would come down, as the lead got upped to two 1:15 later. Gabe Klassen set up Logan Pietila for a one-timer that got stopped, but the rebound was shoveled up and in by Bennett MacArthur.
Cincinnati briefly pulled within one in the early stages of the middle frame, when Jacob Frasca slid in a shot on the power play from the right side of the low slot. The Nailers grabbed some huge momentum around the midway mark of the period, as they killed off a two-man disadvantage for over a 1:06, and translated that into an insurance goal 34 seconds after the final penalty expired. Matty De St. Phalle held onto the puck in the bottom of the left circle to draw the attention of the defense, then delivered a perfect pass through the low slot for a slam dunk of a one-timer by Jackson. Jackson came inches away from completing a hat trick later in the stanza, as his shot from the left circle deflected off of Atley Calvert on its way into the goal.
Wheeling drove the game to the finish line in the third by putting three more markers on the board. Sam Houde roofed a wrist shot into the top-right corner on a power play at the 2:01 mark, Louie Roehl tapped in a cross-crease pass from Matt Koopman at 10:01, then De St. Phalle slammed home a one-time dish by Jack Beck with 8:04 remaining for a 7-1 final score.
Taylor Gauthier was victorious in his first start of the season, as he denied 31 of the 32 shots he faced for the Nailers. Jon Gillies took the loss for the Cyclones, as he allowed seven goals on 31 shots.
The Nailers will play two more home games next weekend. Friday night at 7:10, Wheeling will play host to Kalamazoo, and the concourse will be filled with holiday spirit with the annual Small Business Holiday Village. That game will also be a Frosty Friday with select $2 beers. On Sunday afternoon at 4:10, the Nailers will face Reading for the first ever Sensory Day game. The goal horn will not be utilized, music will be lowered, there will be no flashing lights, and there will be a quiet room. That game will also feature the traditional Sunday post game skate, and all Nailers players will be skating. The next Big-6 Promotional Game is Star Wars Night on January 11th. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2024-25 season are available now by calling (304) 234-GOAL. The Wheeling Nailers, considered one of the top things to do in Wheeling, West Virginia, provide affordable family entertainment for fans throughout the Ohio Valley.
Nailers Shop for Five Goals on Black Friday
Gabe Klassen Scores Twice; Wheeling Matches Best 15-Game Start in Team History
CINCINNATI, OH- The Wheeling Nailers hadn't seen many power plays over the past few weeks, so they were hungry for chances on Friday afternoon at Heritage Bank Center. Wheeling converted on three of five opportunities with a Cincinnati Cyclone in the penalty box, and rolled to a 5-1 triumph. Gabe Klassen started the scoring for the Nailers, and finished with two goals and an assist in support of Luke Richardson, who won his Wheeling debut in the crease. The Nailers are now on a seven-game winning streak, a ten-game point streak (9-0-1), and have matched the best 15-game start in team history (2005-06 & 2008-09) with 23 points.
One goal was scored in the first period, as a neutral zone turnover resulted in Cincinnati getting onto the board. Tristan Ashbrook stole a pass in center ice, and immediately rushed down the left side of the ice on a 2-on-1 break. Ashbrook kept the puck to himself, and roofed a wrist shot into the top-left corner of the cage. There was also a fight in the opening stanza, as Matthew Quercia delivered a punishing check along the end boards, then got asked to drop the gloves with Rhett Parsons.
Wheeling successfully turned things around by lighting the lamp three times in the middle frame. The tying and go-ahead strikes both came on the power play. Gabe Klassen knotted the score at the 5:17 mark, when he set up at the right face-off dot, and drove a Jordan Martel pass into the top-right corner of the twine. Klassen and Martel were also involved on goal number two, as Klassen fed a one-time pass across to Martel in the left circle. That shot got stopped, but it produced a rebound, which was tucked in by Matthew Quercia on the right side of the crease. The Nailers added one more goal 1:24 after that. Chris Ortiz let a wrist shot go from the top of the left circle, which flew into the top-right corner of the net.
The visitors added two more insurance goals in the third period for the 5-1 victory. Klassen netted his second of the contest, when he took a cross-ice pass from Martel, flew down the left side, and zipped a wrist shot into the top-right corner. Kyle Jackson punctuated the scoring with Wheeling's third power play goal, as he sifted in a one-timer from the right face-off dot.
Luke Richardson collected the win in his debut for the Nailers, as he tossed away 19 of the 20 shots he faced. Vyacheslav Peksa took the loss for the Cyclones, as he allowed five goals on 20 shots.
The Nailers and Cyclones will match up again on Saturday night, when the scene will shift to WesBanco Arena for a 7:10 face-off. That game will be Hall of Fame Night, when former players Tomas Vokoun and Steve Gibson will be inducted in the Wheeling Hockey Hall of Fame. There will also be a full team post game autograph session, plus the annual Teddy Bear Toss will take place to benefit the Salvation Army. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2024-25 season are available now by calling (304) 234-GOAL. The Wheeling Nailers, considered one of the top things to do in Wheeling, West Virginia, provide affordable family entertainment for fans throughout the Ohio Valley.
Nailers Feast on Fish Before Thanksgiving
Mats Lindgren Scores Twice & Sergei Murashov Stops 36
WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers continued their stellar play at WesBanco Arena on Wednesday night, and got some revenge in the process, as they took down the Toledo Walleye, 4-1. Defenseman Mats Lindgren netted Wheeling's first two goals of the night, while fellow 20-year old Sergei Murashov won his sixth straight start with 36 saves. The Nailers extended their winning streak to six games, their point streak to nine games (8-0-1), and now have points in ten straight regular season home games (9-0-1) dating back to last season.
The Nailers got off to a terrific start, as they scored twice in the first period. The first goal came quickly at the 1:29 mark. Jordan Martel wired a pass across the ice to send Mats Lindgren in alone on the left side of the offensive zone. Lindgren breezed his way into the circle, then drove a shot into the top-right corner of the cage. Lindgren was also responsible for the second marker, which came with 3:15 remaining. The rookie blueliner dangled his way to the right side of the slot, where he flipped a backhander into the top-left corner.
Toledo battled back to within one during the middle frame, as the visitors scored just two seconds after a power play expired. Casey Dornbach set up Griffin Ness in the bottom of the left circle, where he placed a wrist shot into the right side of the goal. The Walleye outshot Wheeling, 12-5 in period two.
In the third period, the Nailers looked to their defense and goaltending to carry them into the win column, and they delivered in a big way, which included a successful three-minute penalty kill. Louie Roehl and Bennett MacArthur applied the finishing touches to the 4-1 triumph with a couple of empty netters in the closing minutes.
Sergei Murashov was spectacular again for Wheeling, as he extended his personal winning streak to six games by blocking away 36 of the 37 shots he faced. Jan Bednar took the loss for the Walleye, as he made 18 saves on 20 shots.
The Nailers will play a home-and-home series against the Cincinnati Cyclones this weekend, beginning on Friday afternoon in Cincinnati at 1:35. The Saturday 7:10 game in Wheeling will be Hall of Fame Night, as Tomas Vokoun and Steve Gibson will be inducted into the Wheeling Hockey Hall of Fame. That night will also be the annual Teddy Bear Toss, when fans throw a new or gently used stuffed animal onto the ice after the first goal by the Nailers. The stuffed animals will be donated to the Salvation Army. Additionally, there will be a full team post game autograph session. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2024-25 season are available now by calling (304) 234-GOAL. The Wheeling Nailers, considered one of the top things to do in Wheeling, West Virginia, provide affordable family entertainment for fans throughout the Ohio Valley.
Nailers Get Final Say in Wild 6-4 Win at Fort Wayne
Atley Calvert Scores First Pro Hat Trick; Matt Koopman Nets Game Winner With 1:34 Left
FORT WAYNE, IN- Saturday night was the only game of the week for the Wheeling Nailers, and they utilized every ounce of energy they had to defeat the Fort Wayne Komets, 6-4 at Allen County War Memorial Coliseum. Both teams had two-goal leads evaporate, as Fort Wayne led 2-0 and Wheeling led 4-2, before the Nailers went ahead for good on Matt Koopman's tally with 1:34 remaining. Atley Calvert was Wheeling's top offensive performer, as he netted his first career hat trick, while Sergei Murashov racked up 48 saves in the crease. The Nailers have now won five straight games, have points in eight consecutive contests (7-0-1), and have beaten Fort Wayne five straight times for the first time ever.
The Komets controlled a good portion of the first period, but a late sequence gave Wheeling some energy to carry into the intermission. Fort Wayne lit the lamp twice in a span of 2:26, and both were rebound strikes by Odeen Tufto. The opening tally came off of an offensive zone face-off, as Brannon McManus tossed a puck toward the goal, which got redirected by Ethan Keppen. The deflection caused chaos, and ultimately led to the puck landing in the crease, where it got tapped in by Tufto. The second marker started with a defensive zone draw for the Komets. Noah Ganske sprung Keppen down the right side of the ice, before he eventually jammed on the brakes and shot from the right dot. Sergei Murashov made the save, but Tufto swatted in the rebound from the slot. Late in the period, the Nailers were forced to kill a four-minute penalty for high sticking. Not only did they succeed in doing that, but also netted a shorthanded goal. Atley Calvert blocked a shot in his own end, and proceeded to lead David Jankowski in the other direction. Jankowski waited for Calvert to join in the offensive zone with him, then gave him a perfect pass, which Calvert slammed into the open left side of the goal.
Wheeling carried its momentum into the middle frame, and completely turned the match around. Sam Houde knotted the score at the 11:33 mark, when he received a pass from Jordan Martel, sped down the left side of the ice, and drove in a shot from the circle. The Nailers got their first lead of the night with 4:18 remaining. Louie Roehl made a nifty play off of the right wall, as he spun a backhand pass to Jack Beck, who stepped into the right circle, and roofed a wrist shot into the top-left corner of the cage. With less than one minute to go, Wheeling upped its lead with a successful power play conversion. Beck slipped a pass to Calvert, who danced off of the goal line and threaded a shot through his former teammate for his second tally of the contest.
The two-goal lead was maintained in the beginning of the third period, but with 8:46 left, Fort Wayne began to battle back. Darren Brady touched in a cross-ice feed from Alex Aleardi to bring the Komets within one. 2:46 later, Keppen tipped in a McManus point shot off of a Nailers icing to knot the score at four. Wheeling followed that by facing one of its most challenging tests of the evening, as a penalty was killed with 4:11 on the clock. The Nailers got the job done, and used that momentum to grab the lead back. Mats Lindgren let a shot go from the right point, which got redirected home by Matt Koopman for his first marker of the season. The Komets continued to unload a barrage of shots, but Wheeling refused to break, and with 22 seconds to go, Calvert completed his hat trick, as well as the 6-4 victory.
Sergei Murashov had his busiest night in a Nailers uniform, as he blocked away 48 of the 52 shots he faced for the win. Connor Ungar took the loss for Fort Wayne, as he gave up five goals on 23 shots.
The Nailers will return home on Wednesday night at 7:10 for their traditional Thanksgiving Eve game, which will be played against the Toledo Walleye. Fans will have the opportunity to enjoy live IWC wrestling in the main lobby, there will be $2 beers available, and turkey bowling will be played during the first intermission. Then, Saturday, November 30th is the next Big-6 Promotional Game, which is Hall of Fame Night. Tomas Vokoun and Steve Gibson will be inducted into the Wheeling Hockey Hall of Fame, there will be a full team post game autograph session, and the annual Teddy Bear Toss will take place that night. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2024-25 season are available now by calling (304) 234-GOAL. The Wheeling Nailers, considered one of the top things to do in Wheeling, West Virginia, provide affordable family entertainment for fans throughout the Ohio Valley.
Nailers Raise the Jolly Roger on Pirates Night
Wheeling Extends Point Streak to Seven With 5-2 Win in Homestand Finale
WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers are making it clear early that WesBanco Arena will not be a friendly place for opposing teams in 2024-25. On Saturday night, the Nailers closed out a five-game homestand by earning points in their seventh straight contest with a 5-2 victory over the Indy Fuel. Wheeling rolled out to a 3-0 lead in the first period, then got a pair of insurance tallies in the third to get the win to the finish line. Kyle Jackson led the way offensively with two goals and an assist, Matty De St. Phalle assisted on each of the team's first four goals, and David Jankowski chipped in with three points from the blueline. The Nailers went 4-0-1 on the homestand, are 6-0-1 in their last seven games, and lead the North Division with an 8-3-1 overall record.
The Nailers were swinging for the fences from the start, as they stormed out to a 3-0 lead in the first period. All three goals were scored from within a couple of feet of the crease. Kyle Jackson opened the scoring at the 5:07 mark, when he crashed in to lift the rebound of Matty De St. Phalle's right circle wrist shot into the top portion of the twine. Jackson helped to create the second marker as well, as he directed a shot on goal that got kicked out by Ben Gaudreau. However, the loose puck sat in the crease, before it got tapped home by David Jankowski. Wheeling turned on the red light again with 2:06 remaining. Atley Calvert scooped up the puck in the trapezoid, then wrapped it around on his forehand, which he jammed inside the left post.
Indy pushed back in the middle frame, and the margin became one. Matus Spodniak put the Fuel on the scoreboard at the 2:38 mark, when he spun along the right side of the goal line, and shoveled a shot up and into the top-right corner of the cage. Colin Bilek followed by spiking in a one-timer from the low slot, as tempers began to boil.
The Nailers maintained their one-goal advantage into the third period, then added two key insurance markers. Jackson notched his second of the night with 6:03 left on the clock, as he dangled around a defender in the right circle, then danced in alone to score with a forehand shot into the left side of the net. Sam Houde tacked on an empty netter with 2:30 remaining to put the finishing touches on Wheeling's 5-2 triumph.
Jaxon Castor was stellar in goal for the Nailers, as he earned the win by denying 30 of the 32 shots he faced. Ben Gaudreau received the loss for Indy, as he allowed four goals on 18 shots.
The Nailers will play one game next weekend, and that will be on the road against the Fort Wayne Komets on Saturday at 7:35. Wheeling will play two home games the following week around the Thanksgiving holiday. First up is the annual Thanksgiving Eve game on Wednesday, November 27th, which will feature live IWC Wrestling in the front lobby, $2 beers, and turkey bowling. Then, Saturday, November 30th is the next Big-6 Promotional Night, which is Hall of Fame Night. Former players Tomas Vokoun and Steve Gibson will be inducted into the Wheeling Hockey Hall of Fame. That game will also feature the annual Teddy Bear Toss to benefit the Salvation Army. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2024-25 season are available now by calling (304) 234-GOAL. The Wheeling Nailers, considered one of the top things to do in Wheeling, West Virginia, provide affordable family entertainment for fans throughout the Ohio Valley.
Nailers Keep Rolling With Shootout Win
Six-Game Point Streak Puts Wheeling Into First Place Tie
WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers are thoroughly enjoying their five-game homestand at WesBanco Arena, and on Friday night, they chalked up another victory. Wheeling's Sergei Murashov and Ben Gaudreau of the Indy Fuel both played terrific games in goal, as a 1-1 deadlock needed a shootout to determine a winner. Jack Beck delivered the deciding goal on the second shot for the Nailers, and Murashov was perfect on his three attempts in goal to give Wheeling the 2-1 triumph. The Nailers are 5-0-1 in their last six games, and are tied for first place in the North Division with a 7-3-1 overall mark.
Only one goal was scored during the first period, and it came right away at the 19-second mark. Wheeling iced the puck twice in a row to start the game, and the Fuel scored off of the second icing face-off. Cam Hausinger won the draw over to Brandon Saigeon, who helped the puck back to Christopher Cameron at the right point. Cameron crushed a slap shot along the ice and in on the right side of the cage. Indy's captain made his way onto the scoresheet again less than two minutes later, when he dropped the gloves with Matthew Quercia.
The Nailers had a good response in the middle frame, as they reversed the first period shots on goal with a 10-6 advantage, and also delivered a tying tally. Kyle Jackson spun a pass out of the corner to Matthew Quercia, who blasted a one-timer from the left face-off dot and into the right side of the twine.
The contest was extremely evenly matched, as the score remained tied at one through the third period, while only one shot on goal separated the two clubs. Wheeling dominated overtime with an 8-2 shots advantage, but the goaltenders continued to trade saves, and a shootout was necessary to decide a winner. Jack Beck broke through in the second round for the Nailers, as he drilled a shot through Ben Gaudreau's legs. Sergei Murashov denied Jalen Luypen, Ryan Gagnier, and Colin Bilek to put Wheeling into the win column with a 2-1 result.
Sergei Murashov was great again in goal for the Nailers, as he thwarted 24 of the 25 shots he faced during the game, before his perfect shootout performance. Ben Gaudreau was also very good in goal for Indy, as he stopped 31 of the 32 shots he faced during the game.
The Nailers and Fuel will swing for the fences in their re-match on Saturday night at 7:10, as the promotion is Pittsburgh Pirates Night. Former Pirates star Neil Walker will be signing autographs before the game, there will be a specialty hat giveaway, a trading card vendors showcase in the concourse, and the Pirate Parrot will be on hand. Plus, fans will be able to enjoy ballpark favorites, such as pierogies, peanuts, and cracker jacks. The next Big-6 Promotional Game is Hall of Fame Night on November 30th, when Tomas Vokoun and Steve Gibson will be inducted into the Wheeling Hockey Hall of Fame. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2024-25 season are available now by calling (304) 234-GOAL. The Wheeling Nailers, considered one of the top things to do in Wheeling, West Virginia, provide affordable family entertainment for fans throughout the Ohio Valley.
Murashov, Nailers Send Komets to Detention
Jack Beck Scores First Pro Goal, as Wheeling Improves to 16-4-3 in the Morning
WHEELING, WV- Education Day games have historically treated the Wheeling Nailers well, and on Tuesday morning at WesBanco Arena, they aced their first test of the season against the Fort Wayne Komets. Goaltender Sergei Murashov earned extra credit with a 32-save effort, and Jack Beck scored his first professional goal as part of a 3-1 triumph. Wheeling is now 16-4-3 all-time in morning contests.
The two teams played to a scoreless and penalty-free first period, as Fort Wayne held a 13-7 advantage in shots on goal. The Nailers finally broke through with the first goal of the day at the 7:08 mark of the middle frame. Chris Ortiz broke up a play in his own zone, and sent the puck ahead to Nick Hutchison. Hutchison ultimately connected with Jack Beck, who pumped the brakes in the right circle, and drove a wrist shot into the left side of the cage for his first goal as a pro.
Wheeling got a key goal in the early stages of the third period to up its lead to two. Dustin Manz took down a defender in the trapezoid, then dribbled the puck to the right side of the net, where Matthew Quercia slammed home his third goal of the year. Jack Dugan pulled the Komets within one, when he tipped in Kyle Mayhew's point shot on the power play. However, the Nailers finished the game strong, and Manz put the exclamation point onto the 3-1 win with an empty netter.
Sergei Murashov was sensational in goal for Wheeling, as rejected 32 of the 33 shots he faced. Brett Brochu received the loss for Fort Wayne, as he made 17 saves on 19 shots.
The Nailers will play two home games this weekend against the Indy Fuel on Friday and Saturday, with both matches starting at 7:10. Friday's game will be a Frosty Friday with select $2 beers. Saturday is Pittsburgh Pirates Night Starring Neil Walker. Neil will be signing autographs before the game, the Pirate Parrot will be at the game, there will be a hat giveaway, and a trading card vendor showcase. The next Big-6 Promotional Game is Hall of Fame Night on November 30th, when Tomas Vokoun and Steve Gibson will be inducted into the Wheeling Hockey Hall of Fame. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2024-25 season are available now by calling (304) 234-GOAL. The Wheeling Nailers, considered one of the top things to do in Wheeling, West Virginia, provide affordable family entertainment for fans throughout the Ohio Valley.
Nailers Respond With 4-3 Win on First Responders Night
Kyle Jackson Posts Three-Point Night in Home Victory
WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers finished off a strong week of hockey on Saturday night at WesBanco Arena, as they earned five out of six possible points in three games. Wheeling scored twice each in the first two periods for a 4-1 lead, before ultimately securing a 4-3 win. Kyle Jackson led the way offensively for the Nailers with one goal and two primary assists, while Sergei Murashov made 27 saves.
Fans were barely settled into their seats, as the Nailers needed just 30 seconds to open the scoring. Kyle Jackson won an offensive zone face-off, then proceeded to the slot, where Jordan Martel gave him a pass to one-time into the right side of the net. Trois-Rivières tied the score at the 6:32 mark. Jakov Novak held onto the puck at the right face-off dot to allow traffic to set up, then roofed a shot into the top-right corner of the twine. Wheeling regained the lead less than four minutes later. Atley Calvert picked off a pass in neutral ice and sent Jackson breaking in on goal. The initial shot was stopped, but the rebound sat loose in the crease, where it got tapped home by Cole Cameron.
The Nailers carried great energy into the second period, and added some key goals to their lead. At the 5:49 mark, Chris Ortiz made a fabulous play, as he wound down the left side of the ice, then delivered a pass to the top of the crease, where the puck got slammed in by Nick Hutchison. 1:22 later, Wheeling struck on the power play. The home team won a puck battle behind the net, and the end result was Jackson setting up Matty De St. Phalle for an open shot and score from the bottom of the left circle. The Lions pushed back in the back half of the stanza, and trimmed the Nailers lead down to one. Sergei Murashov made a fantastic lunging save on Israel Mianscum, but the rebound kicked to Anthony Beauchamp for a lay-up. Then, with 1:37 remaining, Chris Jandric rushed from end to end and slithered a backhand through Murashov's legs.
Wheeling turned to its defense and goaltending to finish putting the result into the win column, as the match finished 4-3 in favor of the Nailers.
Sergei Murashov backstopped the victory for Wheeling, as he stopped 27 of the 30 shots he faced. Zachary Émond made 15 saves on 19 shots in the loss for Trois-Rivières.
The Nailers will continue their five-game homestand on Tuesday morning, with the first of two Education Day games this season, when they play host to the Fort Wayne Komets at 10:45. Wheeling will also play twice at home next weekend, when the Indy Fuel come to town. Friday night is a Frosty Friday, then Saturday night is Pittsburgh Pirates Night starring Neil Walker. Both face-offs take place at 7:10. The next Big-6 Promotional Game is Hall of Fame Night, when Tomas Vokoun and Steve Gibson will be inducted into the Wheeling Hockey Hall of Fame. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2024-25 season are available now by calling (304) 234-GOAL. The Wheeling Nailers, considered one of the top things to do in Wheeling, West Virginia, provide affordable family entertainment for fans throughout the Ohio Valley.
Lions Escape With Overtime Win
Martel, Houde, Beck All Post Multi-Point Nights for Wheeling
WHEELING, WV- Friday night's game between the Wheeling Nailers and the Trois-Rivières Lions was a back-and-forth affair, which saw lots of offense. The two teams combined for four one-goal leads, before overtime was eventually needed to determine a winner. That winner was Trois-Rivières, who capitalized on its second 4-on-3 power play of the night to prevail 5-4 in the extra session at WesBanco Arena. Jakov Novak's second goal of the game was the deciding strike for the Lions, while Jordan Martel, Sam Houde, and Jack Beck each recorded two points for the Nailers.
The Nailers controlled almost every aspect of the first period, as they outshot Trois-Rivières, 17-3. However, both teams were able to find the back of the net for a 1-1 deadlock. The Lions were first on the board at the 5:25 mark. Tommy Cormier poked the puck through to defenseman Chris Jandric, who broke in behind the defense. Jandric kept the puck on his forehand, and zipped in a shot along the ice. Wheeling utilized the power play to draw even. Sam Houde worked the puck to Jordan Martel, who dragged the puck around in the right circle, then fired a wrist shot into the left side of the cage.
The offenses opened up in the beginning of the second stanza, as the two clubs combined for four goals in a span of 6:38. The Lions took their second lead of the night at the 4:11 mark, during a 4-on-3 power play. Anthony Beauregard skated below the left face-off dot, and blazed a wrist shot into the left side of the twine. The Nailers battled back with an equalizer 59 seconds later. Matty De St. Phalle battled his way into the slot, and fought off a defender, while willing a shot up and over goaltender Hunter Jones. 3:34 after that, Wheeling went ahead for the first time. Jack Beck rushed in off of a neutral zone face-off, and had his shot stopped, but Atley Calvert charged in to bury the rebound on the right side. Trois-Rivières kept the seesaw affair going with Tyler Hyllard's tip of Anthony Beauchamp's shot, which ramped into the top-right corner for a 3-3 tie.
The Lions got some puck luck in the early stages of the third, as Jakov Novak's pass from behind the net glanced off of a Nailers skate and landed in the goal. Wheeling came back to tie things up with 8:46 to go, when Matthew Quercia smashed in a loose puck on the right side of the crease.
The tilt remained tied through the end of third period, which led to the first overtime game of the campaign for the Nailers. Unfortunately, a penalty gave the Lions their second 4-on-3 power play of the evening. They cashed in, as Novak snapped a shot into the top-right corner from the right face-off dot for a 5-4 final in favor of the visitors.
Hunter Jones got the win for Trois-Rivières, as he stopped 28 of the 32 shots he faced, including 16 of 17 in the first period. Jaxon Castor made 11 saves on 15 shots in the overtime loss for the Nailers.
The Nailers and Lions will clash again on Saturday at 7:10 for First Responders Night. Local First Responders will be assisting in the pregame presentation, and the annual Guns vs. Hoses scrimmage will take place after the contest. The next Big-6 Promotional Game is Hall of Fame Night on November 30th, as Tomas Vokoun and Steve Gibson will be inducted into the Wheeling Hockey Hall of Fame. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2024-25 season are available now by calling (304) 234-GOAL. The Wheeling Nailers, considered one of the top things to do in Wheeling, West Virginia, provide affordable family entertainment for fans throughout the Ohio Valley.
Nailers Blow Past Cyclones, 5-2
Sam Houde Scores Twice in Wheeling's Second Straight Win
CINCINNATI, OH- The Wheeling Nailers arrived at Heritage Bank Center ready to go from the drop of the puck on Wednesday night, as they played the first of nine head-to-head contests against the Cincinnati Cyclones. Wheeling led 2-0 after one period, and despite a pushback from Cincinnati in the second, the Nailers were on a mission, as they tallied three more times in the third for a 5-2 victory. Sam Houde scored twice for Wheeling, while Jordan Martel and Atley Calvert both contributed goals as part of multi-point nights.
The Nailers had a tremendous opening period, as they jumped out to a 2-0 lead on the scoreboard, while outshooting Cincinnati, 12-2. The first goal came seven seconds after a Wheeling power play expired. Atley Calvert took a feed from Matty De St. Phalle along the left side of the goal line, and quickly pivoted to his right to swing a shot into the right side of the twine. 1:38 later, the Nailers struck again. Jordan Martel whirled out from behind the net and put a pass onto the inner edge of the left circle for Sam Houde, who took a hit and drove a shot through goaltender Pavel Cajan.
The Cyclones had the better middle frame, as the hosts denied a couple of power plays, and proceeded to build momentum into two goals to even the score. At the 10:45 mark, Ty Voit chased down a loose puck on the left side of the offensive end. Voit twisted his way out toward the blueline, where he let a shot go, which got tipped in by Tristan Ashbrook. Cincinnati then picked up the equalizer during 4-on-4 action. Lincoln Griffin poked the puck into the slot to a wide-open Mathieu Gosselin, who stickhandled a bit, then stuffed a forehand shot through Sergei Murashov's legs.
The back half of the second turned out to be a blip on the radar screen, as Wheeling took control back in the third. The go-ahead strike came at the 10:27 mark, after an extended shift of offensive zone possession. The goal was scored by Kyle Jackson who took a pass from Jack Beck, and squeezed in a shot from just above the right side of the goal line. Houde added the first piece of insurance, when he roofed the rebound of Jordan Martel's initial shot, which rang off the corner of the post and the crossbar. Martel then put one inside of the iron with 2:35 go, when he flew in on a power play rush, and slid the puck around Cajan's left leg to put the finishing touches on the 5-2 triumph.
Sergei Murashov collected the win for the Nailers, as he made 18 saves on 20 shots. Pavel Cajan took the loss for the Cyclones, as he gave up five goals on 36 shots.
The Nailers will play a pair of home games this weekend at WesBanco Arena. Friday night is Military Appreciation Night at 7:10, as well as the first Frosty Friday of the season. There will be an Oath of Enlistment, specialty jerseys, and Military members will receive a free small popcorn and fountain drink with their ID. Saturday at 7:10 is First Responders Night, which will feature a post game Guns vs. Hoses scrimmage. Both Wheeling contests will be played against the Trois-Rivières Lions. The next Big Six Promotional Game is Hall of Fame Night on Saturday, November 30th. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2024-25 season are available now by calling (304) 234-GOAL. The Wheeling Nailers, considered one of the top things to do in Wheeling, West Virginia, provide affordable family entertainment for fans throughout the Ohio Valley.
Nailers Give Sellout Crowd Improbable Ending in 2-1 Win
Wheeling Scores Twice in Final 30 Seconds to Celebrate in Front of 4,790
WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers opened their home season on Saturday night, and the sellout crowd of 4,790 fans will all tell you that the ending was one they'll remember for a long time. Wheeling trailed the Bloomington Bison 1-0 with less than 30 seconds left in the third period. That's when the Nailers turned things completely around. Atley Calvert's first professional goal tied the score with 27 seconds left, then Matthew Quercia scored with 12 seconds to go, and Wheeling celebrated a 2-1 triumph on home ice. The sellout was the team's second straight in the home opener.
Both teams played and traveled on Friday night, which led to a bit of a slow start, as Bloomington outshot Wheeling, 10-5 during a scoreless opening stanza. It took all the way until the 15:38 mark of the second period for a goal to be scored, and it was the Bison who turned the tables with a shorthanded strike. Gavin Gould led the charge on a 2-on-1 rush, and poked a pass through to Eddie Matsushima barreling down the slot. Matsushima had his initial shot stopped, but pounced on the rebound, and roofed it up and under the crossbar.
The Nailers pushed back hard in the third period, and outshot Bloomington, 15-6. Wheeling got a break with 2:06 to go, when Bryce Montgomery swatted the puck over the glass for a delay of game penalty. With under 28 seconds left, the home team pulled even. A mad scramble took place in the crease, and Atley Calvert ultimately jammed a rebound through goaltender Hugo Ollas for his first professional goal. Kyle Jackson and Chris Ortiz assisted. It appeared the tilt might be headed to overtime, but with just over 12 seconds remaining, David Jankowski won a right circle face-off to Matthew Quercia, who spun in a low shot to send the sellout crowd into a frenzy. The Bison attempted a tying shot in the closing seconds, but the night belonged to the victorious Nailers, 2-1.
Jaxon Castor earned the win in goal for Wheeling, as he denied 24 of the 25 shots he faced. Hugo Ollas suffered the loss for Bloomington, as he made 27 saves on 29 shots.
The Nailers will take a quick road trip to Cincinnati on Wednesday to face the Cyclones at 7:35, before returning to WesBanco Arena for five straight home contests. The first two of those will take place on Friday, November 8th and Saturday, November 9th against the Trois-Rivières Lions. Friday's game will be Military Appreciation Night with specialty jerseys and an Oath of Enlistment, plus it will be the first Frosty Friday of the season. Saturday's game will be First Responders Night, which features a post game scrimmage of Guns vs. Hoses. The next Big-6 Promotional Night is Hall of Fame Night on November 30th. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2024-25 season are available now by calling (304) 234-GOAL. The Wheeling Nailers, considered one of the top things to do in Wheeling, West Virginia, provide affordable family entertainment for fans throughout the Ohio Valley.
Special Teams Power Walleye Comeback Win
Mats Lindgren Scores First Pro Goal for Wheeling
TOLEDO, OH- The Wheeling Nailers nearly quieted a sellout crowd of 8,300 at Huntington Center, as the Toledo Walleye played their home opener on Friday night. Wheeling busted out to a 2-0 lead on goals by defensemen Mats Lindgren and Louie Roehl. However, the Walleye rallied back with three goals, including two power play strikes from Brandon Hawkins to collect a 3-2 win.
The Nailers got off to a great start, thanks to a pair of goals by defensemen. The first marker came at the 5:59 mark. Sam Houde curled off of the right wing wall, and spotted Mats Lindgren jumping into the high slot. Lindgren took the feed, and roofed his first professional goal into the top-right corner of the cage. Houde also set up the second tally, which came off of the rush. This time, Louis Roehl got a step on his defender, broke in alone, and shoveled a shot into the top-right corner. With under one minute to go, Toledo converted on the first power play of the match. Mitchell Lewandowski set up Brandon Hawkins, who zipped a wrist shot along the ice and in from the right face-off dot.
The Walleye turned the game around in the middle frame, as the hosts turned their 2-1 deficit into a 3-2 lead. Sam Craggs evened the score at the 10:07 mark, when he deposited the rebound of Conlan Keenan's initial shot. Then, in the final minute of the period, Hawkins connected for his second of the night on the man advantage, when he clobbered a one-timer from the top of the left circle into the top-left corner of the twine.
Wheeling had its best shots output in the third period, as the visitors poured 17 shots onto the goal. Unfortunately, a tying goal wasn't in the cards, despite one puck trickling to the goal line, before it was swept away, and Toledo prevailed, 3-2.
Jan Bednar got the win for the Walleye, as he made 28 saves on 30 shots. Sergei Murashov had an impressive night in the defeat for the Nailers, as he turned away 32 of the 35 shots he faced.
The Wheeling Nailers will play their home opener on Saturday night at 7:10 against the Bloomington Bison. Swaggy P (former Nailer Peter Lenes) will be performing trick shots during both intermissions, and all fans will receive a magnetic schedule. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2024-25 season are available now by calling (304) 234-GOAL. The Wheeling Nailers, considered one of the top things to do in Wheeling, West Virginia, provide affordable family entertainment for fans throughout the Ohio Valley.
Wheeling Splits for Second Straight Week
Matty De St. Phalle Scores Lone Goal in 34-Shot Attack
READING, PA- For the second straight week, the Wheeling Nailers have left an opposition building with a split. After a 5-4 Wheeling victory on Saturday, it was the Reading Royals who prevailed at Santander Arena on Sunday afternoon. Jacques Bouquot and Connor McMenamin both registered one goal and one assist for the host Royals, who received a 33-save effort from Keith Petruzzelli in a 4-1 home ice win.
Both teams came out strong offensively, as three goals were scored during the opening ten minutes of play, and two of those came on man advantages. Reading was first to strike at even strength at the 1:44 mark. The Royals got a numerical advantage in front of the net, as Jacques Bouquot touched the puck to his left for Connor McMenamin, who shoveled in the tally. The Royals then converted on their first power play opportunity. McMenamin's wrist shot was partially stopped by Sergei Murashov, but the rebound leaked into the crease, where it was tapped home by Bouquot. Wheeling battled to within a goal at the 9:55 mark with a power play goal of its own. Matty De St. Phalle stepped into a wrist shot in the right circle, which he sniped into the left side of the cage.
The score stayed 2-1 for nearly 38 minutes, before Reading netted an insurance tally at the 7:53 mark of the third period. Parker AuCoin grabbed the puck out of the corner, and spotted Todd Skirving in the slot, where he lifted a shot up and into the top-left corner of the cage. The Royals tacked on an empty netter from Powell Connor for a 4-1 final score.
Keith Petruzzelli earned the win for Reading, as he stopped 33 of the 34 shots he faced. Sergei Murashov took the loss for the Nailers, as he surrendered three goals on 21 shots.
The Nailers have one more game left on their season-opening five-game road journey, and that will be on Friday at 7:15 against the Toledo Walleye. Wheeling will begin its home season on Saturday, when it faces the Bloomington Bison for the first time ever. Swaggy P will be performing trick shots during both intermissions, and fans will receive a magnetic schedule. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2024-25 season are available now by calling (304) 234-GOAL. The Wheeling Nailers, considered one of the top things to do in Wheeling, West Virginia, provide affordable family entertainment for fans throughout the Ohio Valley.
Nailers Spoil Reading's Home Opener, 5-4
Cole Cameron & Logan Pietila Score First Professional Goals in the Win
READING, PA- The young guns came out firing for the Wheeling Nailers on Saturday night at Santander Arena, as the team collected its second win in three road games to open the regular season. Cole Cameron and Logan Pietila both scored the first goals of their professional careers, while fellow rookie Matty De St. Phalle joined in the scoring party. Sam Houde's third period goal put Wheeling ahead for good, while Pietila's marker turned out to be the winner, as the Nailers defeated the Reading Royals, 5-4 on Reading's home opening night.
The first two periods were complete opposites, as the opening stanza went by without a goal, while the middle frame saw five pucks enter the nets. The Nailers got on the board first at the 1:42 mark. Jack Beck let a long wrist shot go from just inside of the offensive blueline, and got a deflection from Matty De St. Phalle to drop the puck down and into the cage. 37 seconds later, Wheeling struck again. Beck was the catalyst once again. This time, he hesitated at the top of the right circle, then delivered a perfect feed to Chris Ortiz for a tap-in from the left side of the crease. De St. Phalle set up marker number three, when he stole the puck at the top of the left circle and turned a quick shot on goal, which was tipped home by Cole Cameron for his first as a pro. Reading got its first tally of the night just 38 seconds after that, when Todd Skirving blazed in a one-timer from the inner edge of the left circle, which was set up by Jacques Bouquot. Connor McMenamin made the score 3-2, when he pounced on a loose puck and converted from the low slot.
The Royals eventually pulled even for a brief time in the early goings of the third period, when Connor McMenamin hammered in a one-timer from the bottom of the right circle off of a pass by Shane Sellar. The Nailers quickly rebounded to go back on top 3:15 later. Jordan Martel shimmied the puck along the left wing wall to send Sam Houde and Matt Koopman on a 2-on-0 break. Houde initially gave Koopman a pass, but Koopman returned the favor, and Houde tossed the puck into the open left side of the cage. Logan Pietila then added what turned out to be a key insurance goal, when he sniped his first professional goal into the top-left corner from the left face-off dot. That became the game winner, as Skirving's shorthanded strike with 1:05 remaining made the final score 5-4 in Wheeling's favor.
Sergei Murashov was the victorious goaltender in his debut for the Nailers, as he made 16 saves on 20 shots. Wheeling defeated last week's ECHL Goaltender of the Week, as Parker Gahagen allowed five goals on 36 shots in the loss for Reading.
The Nailers and Royals will meet up again in Reading on Sunday at 3:00. Wheeling will begin its home season next Saturday, November 2nd at 7:10, when it faces the Bloomington Bison for the first time ever. Swaggy P will be performing trick shots during both intermissions, and fans will receive a magnetic schedule. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2024-25 season are available now by calling (304) 234-GOAL. The Wheeling Nailers, considered one of the top things to do in Wheeling, West Virginia, provide affordable family entertainment for fans throughout the Ohio Valley.
Maine Splits Weekend Series with Identical 4-1 Final
Sam Houde Scores Lone Wheeling Goal; Nailers Travel to Reading Next Weekend
PORTLAND, ME- 4-1 was the score of the weekend, as the Wheeling Nailers and Maine Mariners split their two-game series at Cross Insurance Arena. After Wheeling was victorious in Friday's season opener, Maine evened the score in the second contest on Saturday. Jacob Hudson and Evan Vierling both posted three-point nights for the Mariners in support of goaltender Ryan Bischel, who won his professional debut. Sam Houde notched the lone marker for the Nailers.
For the second night in a row, the game started out with a bang. Matthew Quercia delivered a punishing clean hit on Maine's Turner Ripplinger. Wyllum Deveaux challenged Quercia to a fight, which came to an end when Quercia landed a powerful uppercut. One goal was scored in the first period, and it went in by inches for Maine. Evan Vierling aired a pass through the low slot to Jacob Hudson on the left side. Hudson got just enough of the puck to send it trickling in over the goal line. The call was originally no goal, but was overturned after video review.
The Nailers battled back to even the score at the 2:50 mark of the middle frame. Sam Houde took a pass from Jared Westcott, and spun his way around the offensive zone into the slot. Looking directly at the net, Houde lifted a wrist shot into the top-left corner. The Mariners answered with two goals to go ahead by a pair. Moments after an icing call against Wheeling, Deveaux took a handoff from Justin Bean, swung his way into the high slot, and drove a wrist shot into the top-right corner of the cage. Maine followed that up with a power play strike, as Hudson dropped a pass off to Millman, who walked into the high slot, and fired a shot into the left side of the twine.
The Mariners locked things down defensively in the third period, as they limited Wheeling to four shots on goal in the final 20 minutes. Maine put the finishing touches on its 4-1 win with Evan Vierling's empty net goal, as he ended the night with three points.
Ryan Bischel earned the win in his professional debut for the Mariners, as he turned away 25 of the 26 shots he faced. Jaxon Castor made 29 saves on 32 shots in the defeat for the Nailers.
The Nailers will continue their five-game road stretch with two contests next weekend against the Reading Royals on Saturday at 7:00 and Sunday at 3:00. Wheeling will play its home opener on Saturday, November 2nd against the Bloomington Bison at 7:10. Swaggy P will be performing trick shots during both intermissions. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2024-25 season are available now by calling (304) 234-GOAL. The Wheeling Nailers, considered one of the top things to do in Wheeling, West Virginia, provide affordable family entertainment for fans throughout the Ohio Valley.
Nailers Magnificent in Maine to Start Season
Gabe Klassen & Phip Waugh Both Score First Pro Goals in 4-1 Win
PORTLAND, ME- The Wheeling Nailers had the exact start to the season they were looking for on Friday night, as they earned their first ever triumph in the State of Maine. Gabe Klassen and Phip Waugh both scored their first professional goals, while Jordan Martel snapped a 1-1 deadlock in the second period to propel Wheeling to the 4-1 road win over the Maine Mariners at Cross Insurance Arena. Jaxon Castor was the winning netminder with 25 stops.
The game got started with some fireworks, as Wheeling's Matthew Quercia and Maine's Justin Bean threw down the gloves 2:38 into the contests. That emotional boost favored the Nailers, who opened the scoring 1:22 later with a power play strike. Kyle Jackson played the puck to Atley Calvert along the left side of the goal line, and Calvert promptly delivered a feed to Gabe Klassen, who drilled a one-timer into the right side of the cage for his first professional goal. Maine drew even at the 8:58 mark, when former Nailer Evan Vierling maneuvered his way into the high slot and roofed a wrist shot off of the left side of the crossbar and in.
Wheeling's power play converted again at the 3:01 mark of the middle frame, as the visitors retook the lead. Chris Ortiz chipped a pass to Jordan Martel along the left wing wall. Martel twirled his way into the slot, and shoveled a wrist shot into the top-left corner of the net.
The Nailers locked things down defensively in the third period, and got some breathing room with a pair of insurance markers. Phip Waugh put Wheeling ahead by two at the 5:07 mark, when he stepped up to the top of the left circle and shoveled a wrist shot into the top-right corner of the twine for his first goal as a pro. Kyle Jackson iced the 4-1 triumph with an empty netter, which was set up by Jack Beck's first career point.
Jaxon Castor earned the victory in goal for the Nailers, as he began his second pro season with 25 saves on 26 shots. Nolan Maier took the loss for the Mariners, as he was bested three times on 23 shots.
The Nailers and Mariners will meet up again on Saturday at 6:00 in Portland, as the team continues its five-game season-opening road stretch. Wheeling will play its home opener on Saturday, November 2nd against the Bloomington Bison at 7:10. Swaggy P will be performing trick shots during both intermissions. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2024-25 season are available now by calling (304) 234-GOAL. The Wheeling Nailers, considered one of the top things to do in Wheeling, West Virginia, provide affordable family entertainment for fans throughout the Ohio Valley.