GAME DAY 23-24
Tulsa Takes Elite Goaltending Battle in Shootout
Taylor Gauthier & Julian Junca Combine to Stop 68 of 70 in Game
WHEELING, WV- Elite goaltending was on display on Sunday afternoon at WesBanco Arena, as Taylor Gauthier of the Wheeling Nailers and Julian Junca of the Tulsa Oilers put on a remarkable show. Each team scored once during regulation, as the two netminders combined for 68 saves. It took until the seventh round of a shootout to determine a winner, and that winner was the Tulsa Oilers, who got a goal from Kishaun Gervais for the 2-1 result.
The Nailers couldn't have asked for a better start, as they needed just 49 seconds to open the scoring. Thimo Nickl tossed a shot toward the goal for the blueline, which created a scramble for the rebound. David Jankowski and Dillon Hamliuk both made contact, with Hamaliuk's final swipe sending the puck home.
The score stayed 1-0 all the way until the 4:18 mark of the third period, when Tulsa pulled even. Wheeling turned the puck over on a breakout, and Dante Sheriff eventually feathered a pass through the slot for Alec Butcher, who slid in a one-timer from the left side of the ice.
Both teams had chances galore, but ran into a pair of goaltenders who weren't budging an inch. Neither side scored for the remainder of regulation and overtime, as the contest progressed to a shootout. David Jankowski led off with a goal in the top-right corner for the Nailers. The Oilers stayed alive in the third round, when Andy Carroll wired in a left side shot. The fourth, fifth, and sixth rounds went by without any scoring, before the match got decided in round seven. Dillon Hamaliuk's shot trickled through Julian Junca, but stopped on the right post. Kishaun Gervais then netted the winner, when he made a plethora of stickhandles, before lifting a backhander into the top of the goal.
Julian Junca earned the win for Tulsa, as he denied 37 of the 38 shots he faced during the game, then went 6-for-7 in the shootout. The game was Junca's third in as many days on the weekend. Taylor Gauthier was also stellar Wheeling, as he stopped 31 of the 32 shots sent his way during the game, then went 5-for-7 in the shootout.
The Nailers will play two more home games next weekend. Wheeling will host Indy on Friday at 7:10, which will be a Frosty Friday and Ugly Sweater Night. Then, on Saturday, Cincinnati comes to town for a 7:10 face-off. Some other exciting upcoming promotions include Kids New Year's Eve on December 31st, and the next Big Six Promotional Game - Super Nailers World on January 13th. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2023-24 season are available now by calling (304) 234-GOAL.
Oilers Bring Bah Humbug to Wheeling Wonderland
Justin Lee's First Pro Goal Sets Off Annual Teddy Bear Toss
WHEELING, WV- Saturday night's game started well for the Wheeling Nailers, as Justin Lee's first professional goal set off the annual Teddy Bear Toss at WesBanco Arena. However, the remainder of the night belonged to the Tulsa Oilers, who rattled off five straight goals to collect a 5-2 road win.
The stuffed animals went flying early, as the Nailers opened the scoring 8:03 into the contest. Bobby Hampton slid a pass back to Justin Lee, who stepped up into the high slot, and drove his first professional goal in off of the left post. Unfortunately, the momentum was squashed by Tulsa's equalizer 38 seconds later. Former Nailer Alec Butcher led the way on an odd-man rush, and kept the puck to himself, as he roofed a wrist shot from the left circle. The Oilers then took the lead with 7:03 remaining. With traffic set up in front of the crease, Dante Sheriff let a wrist shot fly, which clanged in off of the crossbar.
Tulsa continued its success in the second period, as the visitors upped their advantage by two, while outshooting Wheeling, 16-6. Jimmy Lodge capitalized on a Nailers turnover at the 8:23 mark, as he swiped the puck away in the low slot and promptly placed it into the goal. That was followed by Davis Codd, who exchanged passes with Kyle Crnkovic, before shoveling a one-timer into the top-right corner of the net.
Both teams found the twine in the third. A Wheeling turnover bounced in off of Tyler Poulsen for the fifth Oilers marker, then Matthew Quercia drilled a one-timer from Dillon Hamaliuk into the top-right corner of the cage, as the contest finished 5-2 in favor of Tulsa.
Julian Junca recorded the win for the Oilers, as he made 22 saves on 24 shots. Jaxon Castor had a busy debut for the Nailers, as he stopped 33 of the 38 shots he faced.
The Nailers and Oilers will clash again on Sunday at 4:10. Sunday's game is a Screen Time Sunday, in which one lucky fan will win a free TV courtesy of Walmart. Additionally, fans will be able to skate with the odd-numbered players following the contest, and $2 sundaes will be available for kids at Flurry's. Some other fun upcoming promotions include Kids New Year's Eve on December 31st, and the next Big Six Promotional Game - Super Nailers World on January 13th. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2023-24 season are available now by calling (304) 234-GOAL.
Nailers Rally for First Win in Indy
Davis Bunz Scores Overtime Winner, as Defensemen Record Seven of 12 Points
INDIANAPOLIS, IN- The Wheeling Nailers took the monkey that was Indiana Farmers Coliseum, and launched it off of their backs on Friday night, as they started their weekend with a huge victory over the Indy Fuel. Wheeling trailed 3-2 with less than three minutes to go, before Jordan Frasca scored the tying goal to force overtime. In the extra session, Davis Bunz was the hero, as he scored the game winning goal, which featured points by three defensemen, lifting the Nailers to the 4-3 decision. Isaac Belliveau chipped in with three points and Taylor Gauthier made 26 saves.
The Fuel had a heavy advantage in shots during the first period, and were able to use one of those to take the lead while playing with the man advantage. Bryan Lemos chased down a Wheeling clear, and started the rush with a breakout pass to Seamus Malone in center ice. Malone sped down the left side, then got just above the goal line, before he slithered a pass through the slot to Jon Martin, who chipped a shot into the top-right corner of the cage.
The middle frame was significantly better for the Nailers, who flexed their muscles on the scoreboard and in the scrums. Wheeling started things off with the equalizer, which came at the 1:50 mark. Isaac Belliveau drifted down the left wing wall, then found an opening in the middle of the ice, which allowed him to turn in to the right side of the slot and shovel a backhander into the top-right corner of the goal. A little more than two minutes later, the physical play ramped up another notch, and it resulted in the third fight of the season between the squads, as Félix Paré challenged Colin Bilek. 4:10 after that, the Nailers grabbed the lead. Belliveau and Owen Headrick exchanged passes on the right side of the ice, before Cédric Desruisseaux curled out of the corner and slammed in a shot from the right hash mark.
The seesaw battle continued in the third period, as Indy scored twice in 3:18 to retake the lead, 3-2. Bryan Lemos converted on a 4-on-4 breakaway by zipping in a low shot on the right side, then Kyle Maksimovich struck on the man advantage, when his wrister from the left side of the slot found the left side of the twine. But Wheeling was determined to get points out of the game, and with 2:39 remaining, Jordan Frasca evened the score, as he sniped a shot from the left circle that was in and out of the top-right corner in the blink of an eye.
Overtime only saw one shot, and that shot ended the match at the 2:53 mark. Isaac Belliveau waited patiently in his own end, then tossed a pass to Justin Lee, who eventually led Davis Bunz ahead. Bunz sped down the right side of the ice, then fired a shot from the circle, which found a home in the left side of the net to deliver the 4-3 Nailers triumph.
Taylor Gauthier earned the win in goal for Wheeling, as he denied 26 of the 29 shots he faced. Mitchell Weeks received the overtime loss for the Fuel, as he made 22 saves on 26 shots.
The Nailers will begin a four-game homestand on Saturday night for Wheeling Wonderland, when they take on the Tulsa Oilers at 7:10. There will be a Pom Pom Hat Giveaway, fans can shop at the Small Business Holiday Village, Santa and other holiday characters will be at the game, there will be free hot chocolate, and when the Nailers score their first goal, the annual Teddy Bear Toss will take place to benefit the Salvation Army. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2023-24 season are available now by calling (304) 234-GOAL.
Gauthier, Nailers Blank Wings, 4-0
24 Saves for Taylor Gauthier, Two Goals for Dillon Hamaliuk
WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers went through a gauntlet of eight games in 12 days, and on Sunday afternoon, they got to finish the stretch with a smile. Taylor Gauthier was superb between the pipes for Wheeling, as he stopped all 24 shots he faced. Dillon Hamaliuk was the offensive star of the game, as he scored twice, while Jordan Frasca notched three assists in the 4-0 Nailers victory over the Kalamazoo Wings at WesBanco Arena.
The Nailers brought some good energy to the rink in the first period, as they outshot Kalamazoo, 13-8, and jumped out to a 1-0 lead. David Jankowski won a battle for possession in the corner, then wound the puck toward the slot, where Jordan Frasca immediately found Bobby Hampton for a flip-in from the right side of the crease.
The middle frame was even better for the home side, as two more pucks found the back of the net. The second tally of the afternoon came on the power play, and all six players on the ice touched the puck on its way in. Lukas Svejkovsky set up the strike, as he swept a puck to the top of the crease for a perfect redirection by Dillon Hamaliuk. Hamaliuk struck again 5:49 later, when he tipped in a low wrist shot by Thimo Nickl from the right point.
Isaac Belliveau tacked on one more goal in the third period for Wheeling, as he cruised around the back of the net, then jammed a wraparound inside of the right post. That was the final exclamation point on a 4-0 Nailers triumph.
Taylor Gauthier was perfect in goal for Wheeling, as he recorded his third professional shutout by denying all 24 shots he faced. Hunter Vorva received his first loss at WesBanco Arena for the Wings, as he made 31 saves on 35 shots.
The Nailers will have the majority of the week to rest up for another 3-in-3 weekend. On Friday night, Wheeling will travel to Indy for another battle with the Fuel at 7:00. Then, Saturday and Sunday, the Nailers will play host to the Tulsa Oilers and 7:10 and 4:10 respectively. Saturday's game is the next Big Six Promotional Game, which is Wheeling Wonderland. That night will have a Pom Pom Hat Giveaway, the Small Business Holiday Village, a chance to meet Santa and other characters, free hot chocolate, and the annual Teddy Bear Toss. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2023-24 season are available now by calling (304) 234-GOAL.
Nailers Rally Back for First Point in Indy
Jordan Frasca Assists on All Three Wheeling Goals
INDIANAPOLIS, IN- The Wheeling Nailers took one step on Saturday night, as they earned their first point of the season at Indiana Farmers Coliseum. Unfortunately, two points went the other way to the Indy Fuel. Cameron Hillis scored off an odd-man rush at the 4:36 mark of overtime, as the Fuel edged the Nailers, 4-3, despite Wheeling erasing a pair of deficits. Davis Bunz forced the extra hockey with 4:04 left, while Jordan Frasca had three assists for the Nailers.
The Nailers played a solid first period for the most part, as they outshot Indy, 8-5. However, the lone goal of the stanza went to the home side, as the Fuel cashed in on a power play. Bryan Lemos wristed a pass into the slot, where Seamus Malone redirected the puck into the left side of the cage.
The middle frame had lots of ups and downs, as both teams struck twice. The period started on a down, as Indy's Jon Martin roofed a wrist shot from the slot off of an offensive zone face-off win. However, the Nailers came back with a fantastic answering shift to get onto the scoreboard. Dillon Hamaliuk centered the puck into the low slot, where Tanner Laderoute willed himself around his defender to chip a shot into the top-left corner of the net. 3:48 later, Wheeling tied the contest with a power play marker. Lukas Svejkovsky wired a shot off of the crossbar, which created a big rebound for Hamaliuk to sweep in from the bottom of the left circle. 2-2 would have been a great score going into the intermission, but with 1:11 remaining, the Fuel regained the lead. Kyle Maksimovich had his initial try denied, but the rebound kicked out to Bryan Lemos, who converted from the bottom of the left circle.
The Nailers put up a strong fight in the third period, and with 4:04 remaining, they tied the game to secure a point. Justin Lee sent the puck toward the goal from the middle of the blueline, and Davis Bunz crashed in to dribble the equalizer in over the goal line for a 3-3 score.
Both teams had chances in the extra session, but at the 4:36 mark, Indy emerged with the win on an odd-man break. Cameron Hillis fired in a one-timer from the left side of the slot for the 4-3 final.
Mitchell Weeks picked up his third straight win against his former team, as he stopped 24 of 27 shots for the Fuel. Michael McNiven received the overtime loss, as he made 17 saves on 21 shots for Wheeling.
The Nailers will finish up their stretch of eight games in 12 days on Sunday afternoon at 4:10, when they play host to Kalamazoo at WesBanco Arena. Sunday's game is a Screen Time Sunday, in which one lucky fan will win a free TV courtesy of Walmart. Additionally, fans will be able to skate with the even-numbered players following the contest, and $2 sundaes will be available for kids at Flurry's. The next Big Six game is Wheeling Wonderland on Saturday, December 9th. That night will have a Pom Pom Hat Giveaway, the Small Business Holiday Village, a chance to meet Santa and other characters, free hot chocolate, and the annual Teddy Bear Toss. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2023-24 season are available now by calling (304) 234-GOAL.
Walleye Hold Off Wheeling, 3-2
Matt Koopman Scores Both Goals for Nailers
WHEELING, WV- A span of just under eight minutes was the difference in Friday night's game between the Wheeling Nailers and Toledo Walleye at WesBanco Arena. Toledo started the second period with three straight goals, including a tying marker on the power play, as the Walleye edged Wheeling, 3-2. Brandon Kruse scored twice for Toledo, while Matt Koopman found the net twice for the Nailers.
Both teams put forth strong defensive efforts in the first period, but at the 6:19 mark, the Nailers were able to break through for the opening tally. Thimo Nickl delivered a wrist shot along the ice from the right point, which gave Matt Koopman the perfect opportunity to redirect the puck into the left side of the cage.
Toledo had a big start to the middle frame, as the visitors scored three times in a span of 7:51 to flip a 1-0 deficit into a 3-1 lead. The tying marker came on the power play, as Mitchell Lewandowski sifted a pass through the top of the crease for Brandon Kruse, who slammed in the backdoor feed from the left side. Kruse struck again 90 seconds later, as Chase Gresock chased down a loose puck in the left circle, then dropped off the pass to Kruse, whose one-timer had just enough power to trickle over the right side of the goal line. The Walleye got their third strike from Alexandre Doucet, who lifted in a sharp angle shot from deep on the left side. Wheeling got one goal back 39 seconds after that. David Jankowski waited patiently in the left circle, before banking a shot off of Koopman and in.
Toledo's defense played a tight third period, limiting the Nailers to just three shots on goal, which finished off the 3-2 win for the Fish.
Jan Bednar got the win for the Walleye, as he made 15 saves on 17 shots. Taylor Gauthier was saddled with the defeat for Wheeling, despite blocking away 29 of the 32 shots he faced.
The Nailers will travel to Indy to face the Fuel on Saturday at 7:00, before returning home to conclude the weekend on Sunday at 4:10 against Kalamazoo. Sunday's game is a Screen Time Sunday, in which one lucky fan will win a free TV courtesy of Walmart. Additionally, fans will be able to skate with the even-numbered players following the contest, and $2 sundaes will be available for kids at Flurry's. The next Big Six game is Wheeling Wonderland on Saturday, December 9th. That night will have a Pom Pom Hat Giveaway, the Small Business Holiday Village, a chance to meet Santa and other characters, free hot chocolate, and the annual Teddy Bear Toss. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2023-24 season are available now by calling (304) 234-GOAL.
Fuel Sneak Past Nailers, 3-2
Four of Five Goals Come on Special Teams During 15-Power Play Match
INDIANAPOLIS, IN- Some night, the breaks go your way, and some nights, they don't. Although the deciding goal was scored midway through the second period, the Indy Fuel got two huge breaks late in the first period to turn a 1-0 deficit into a 2-1 lead in Wednesday's clash against the Wheeling Nailers at Indiana Farmers Coliseum. Power plays were also a notable story in this game, as Jon Martin's game winner came during one of Indy's eight man advantages, lifting the Fuel to the 3-2 win. Cédric Desruisseaux and David Jankowski were the goal scorers for Wheeling.
The first period started exactly how the Nailers envisioned it, but the final two minutes spiraled away to Indy. Wheeling opened the scoring on the man advantage 1:44 into the match. The team won the face-off to start the power play, and quickly started moving the puck to create a shot. That shot came from Cédric Desruisseaux, who returned to the lineup, and roofed a wrist shot into the top-left corner of the net from the top of the left circle. With 1:25 remaining, the Fuel pulled even. Andrew Bellant beat out an icing race, then assisted in winning a puck battle along the wall. Kyle Maksimovich then carried the puck into the slot, before tossing a backhander into the right side of the cage. The Nailers received a glorious chance to take a lead, when Indy was called for back-to-back penalties 42 seconds apart from each other. However, the Fuel flipped the script with a shorthanded strike, as Bryan Lemos broke away, and shoveled a wrist shot into the top-left corner with under four seconds left.
Special teams continued to play a role in the middle frame, as both teams struck on the power play. Wheeling drew even at the 9:11 mark. Thimo Nickl set up Justin Lee for a one-timer from the right circle, which got stopped, but David Jankowski crashed in to deposit the rebound. However, Indy regained the lead 1:24 later, as Seamus Malone touched the puck to the top of the crease, where Jon Martin had a tap-in.
The Nailers had a difficult time generating chances in the third period, as they were limited to five shots, and the Fuel held on for the 3-2 decision.
Mitchell Weeks picked up the win for Indy, as he made 20 saves on 22 shots. Taylor Gauthier suffered the defeat, despite turning aside 26 of the 29 shots he faced.
The Nailers will play two home games this weekend. The first is Friday night at 7:10 against Toledo, which is a Frosty Friday featuring $2 beer specials. Then, Sunday at 4:10, Wheeling faces Kalamazoo on a Screen Time Sunday, in which one lucky fan will win a free TV courtesy of Walmart. Additionally, fans will be able to skate with the even-numbered players following Sunday's contest, and $2 sundaes will be available for kids at Flurry's. The next Big Six game is Wheeling Wonderland on Saturday, December 9th. That night will have a Pom Pom Hat Giveaway, the Small Business Holiday Village, a chance to meet Santa and other characters, free hot chocolate, and the annual Teddy Bear Toss. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2023-24 season are available now by calling (304) 234-GOAL.
Nailers Rebound to Take Down Heartlanders, 4-1
Lukas Svejkovsky Scores Twice, Taylor Gauthier Stops 28
WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers put together a terrific bounceback effort on Sunday afternoon, as they avenged Saturday's setback and defeated the Iowa Heartlanders, 4-1 at WesBanco Arena. Lukas Svejkovsky led the way offensively with two goals and an assist, while Taylor Gauthier was sensational in goal with 28 saves.
Defense and goaltending shined in the first half of the contest, as neither team was able to break through in the opening 31 minutes of play. The Nailers finally got the first goal of the match with 8:21 left in the second. Evan Vierling had his attempt kicked away, but the rebound slid out to Davis Bunz, who drilled a shot into the top portion of the net. Wheeling followed that up with another tally 1:43 later. Lukas Svejkovsky dragged the puck out of the right corner, then dangled his way to the slot, where he sifted in a backhander. Iowa got on the board with 1:07 left in the stanza, when Adam Goodsir zipped in a shot from the right circle.
Exceptional goaltending from Taylor Gauthier kept the Nailers in the lead in the early stages of the third, before his team tacked on a pair of insurance markers in the final five minutes. Svejkovsky extended the advantage with his second of the tilt, as he tapped in a loose puck in the crease, which was originally sent there by Vierling. Matt Koopman applied the final exclamation point on the 4-1 triumph with an empty netter.
Taylor Gauthier earned the victory for Wheeling, as he thwarted 28 of the 29 shots he faced. Peyton Jones took the loss for the Heartlanders, as he made 30 saves on 33 shots.
The Nailers play four more games in a five-day span in the coming week. The stretch begins on Wednesday in Indy at 7:00. Wheeling's first home game of the week is a Frosty Friday on December 1st at 7:10 against Toledo. The team will go back to Indy again on Saturday at 7:00, before returning home to conclude the week on Sunday at 4:10 against Kalamazoo. Sunday's game is a Screen Time Sunday, in which one lucky fan will win a new TV courtesy of Walmart. Fans will also have the opportunity to skate with the even-numbered players following the Sunday tilt. The next Big Six game is Wheeling Wonderland on Saturday, December 9th. That night will have a Pom Pom Hat Giveaway, the Small Business Holiday Village, a chance to meet Santa and other characters, free hot chocolate, and the annual Teddy Bear Toss. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2023-24 season are available now by calling (304) 234-GOAL.
Four-Goal First Gives Iowa the Win
Isaac Belliveau Assists on Both Wheeling Markers
WHEELING, WV- The story of Saturday night's game at WesBanco Arena was the first period, as the Iowa Heartlanders were ready from the drop of the puck. Iowa turned on the red light four times in the opening frame, en route to a 6-2 win at WesBanco Arena. Brett Budgell and Louie Boudon each had three-point nights for the Heartlanders, while Isaac Belliveau assisted on both Wheeling Nailers goals, scored by Evan Vierling and Tanner Laderoute.
The first period was all Iowa, as the visitors broke out to a 4-0 lead with a 16-5 advantage in shots. All four tallies came off of perfectly executed passing plays. Will Calverley was first on the board, as he crashed to the left side of the crease, where he redirected Brett Budgell's pass into the cage. The Heartlanders got their next two goals on the man advantage. Louis Boudon clobbered a one-time feed from Landon Kosior in the right circle, then Boudon set up Odeen Tufto, who threaded a one-timer through Michael McNiven's legs from the middle of the slot. Davis Koch finished the scoring in the stanza, when he tipped in a pass from Yuki Miura off the rush. Peter Laviolette III gave his team some life as the buzzer sounded, as he threw down the gloves with Adam Goodsir.
The Nailers began to claw back in the middle frame. Evan Vierling collected the first goal for the home squad, as he scooped in the rebound of Lukas Svejkovsky's slot from the left side of the crease. 4:53 later, Dillon Hamaliuk shed off a defender, then centered the puck to Tanner Laderoute, who chipped a shot into the top-right corner of the net. Unfortunately, Iowa slowed Wheeling's momentum just 24 seconds after that, when Budgell rolled a loose puck in on the line, following Jake Durflinger's initial rush.
Budgell potted one more on the power play with 2:56 left in the game, as the Heartlanders prevailed, 6-2.
Hunter Jones recorded the win for Iowa, as he turned away 29 of the 31 shots he faced. Michael McNiven received the loss for the Nailers, as he made 30 saves on 36 shots.
The Nailers and Heartlanders will collide again on Sunday afternoon at 4:10. That game will be a Screen Time Sunday, in which one lucky fan will win a free TV courtesy of Walmart. Following the game, fans will have the opportunity to skate with the odd-numbered players. Kids can also get $2 sundaes at Flurry's. The next Big Six game is Wheeling Wonderland on Saturday, December 9th. That night will have a Pom Pom Hat Giveaway, the Small Business Holiday Village, a chance to meet Santa and other characters, free hot chocolate, and the annual Teddy Bear Toss. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2023-24 season are available now by calling (304) 234-GOAL.
Wheeling Comeback Falls Short in Cincinnati
Dillon Hamaliuk Scores Twice for Nailers, Giving Him Points in Nine of Ten
CINCINNATI, OH- Although the final score showed a three-goal differential, Friday afternoon's tilt between the Wheeling Nailers and Cincinnati Cyclones was as tight as could be for the better part of 56 minutes. In the end, Cincinnati's top line put the host squad in front, as Matej Pekar and Luka Burzan both scored twice to complement Talyn Boyko's 32 saves. The Cyclones were victorious, 5-2. Dillon Hamaliuk scored both goals for the Nailers, giving him points in nine of his last ten games.
The two teams were still shaking off the cobwebs of the early start, as the first period was played to a scoreless deadlock. Cincinnati was first on the board at the 2:56 mark of the middle frame. Matej Pekar dug the puck off of the right wing wall, then slithered a pass through the crease to Luka Burzan who tapped in the goal from the left side. Pekar was at the center of attention less than three minutes later, as his top-left corner snipe from the slot gave the Cyclones their second marker. With less than one minute remaining in the second, the Nailers struck. Thimo Nickl intercepted a clearing attempt, and immediately directed the puck to Dillon Hamaliuk, who tipped in the feed from the left side of the crease.
Wheeling came out with lots of shots in the third period, and had a couple of great chances to tie the score on the power play, but with 3:21 to go, Cincinnati upped its lead. Josh Burnside's shot from the center point bounced off of a leg and deflected to the right side of the slot, where Lincoln Griffin had a slam dunk. The Cyclones tacked on a pair of empty netters by Burzan and Pekar, which were sandwiched around Hamaliuk's second of the contest, as he lifted in the rebound of Justin Lee's point drive. The final score was 5-2 for Cincinnati.
Talyn Boyko collected his second win of the week for the Cyclones, as he denied 32 of the 34 shots he faced and added two assists. Taylor Gauthier made 21 saves on 24 shots for the Nailers.
The Nailers will return home for games on Saturday at 7:10 and Sunday at 4:10, both against Iowa. Saturday's game is First Responders Night, which will be followed by the annual Guns vs. Hoses match. First Responders will also be able to get a free fountain beverage at the concession stands. Sunday is a Screen Time Sunday, in which one lucky fan will win a free TV courtesy of Walmart. Additionally, fans will be able to skate with the odd-numbered players after Sunday's tilt. The next Big Six game is Wheeling Wonderland on Saturday, December 9th. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2023-24 season are available now by calling (304) 234-GOAL.
Nailers Thankful for Two Points Against Toledo
Avery Winslow Scores in Pro Debut & Taylor Gauthier Stops 33
WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers battled through call-ups and injuries, and when the dust settled on Wednesday night, they collected two big points against the Central Division leading Toledo Walleye. Avery Winslow scored in his pro debut, David Jankowski lit the lamp twice, and Taylor Gauthier made 33 saves, as the Nailers earned a 4-2 victory at WesBanco Arena.
The first period featured some great back-and-forth hockey, as both teams scored once and not a single penalty was called. The Nailers were first on the board at the 9:39 mark. Avery Winslow hopped up to snag a loose puck, then went to work by creating a scoring chance with Tanner Laderoute and Jarrett Lee. Winslow ultimately got rewarded for his efforts, as he pounced on a rebound in the crease and shuffled in his first professional goal. Toledo tied the tilt with 1:17 remaining. Jake Willets dribbled a pass to Sam Craggs, who spun and whirled in a wrist shot from the top of the right circle.
Wheeling got a little bit of everything in the middle frame, from clutch scoring to phenomenal goaltending, as it fended off a 17-shot attack from the Walleye, while potting three goals. The go-ahead marker came off of a turnover by Toledo goaltender John Lethemon, who gave the puck to Matthew Quercia in the slot. Quercia immediately took a shot, which was tipped into the open net by David Jankowski 44 seconds into the period. 2:16 later, Jankowski struck again. Justin Lee drilled a low shot on goal from the point, which produced the rebound for Jankowski to slam dunk from the bottom of the left circle. With 11 seconds left, the Nailers got a huge goal to take a three-goal lead into the break, as Jarrett Lee swatted in a one-time feed from Tanner Laderoute on the right hash mark.
The Walleye closed the gap to two, when the rebound of Thomas Farrell's shot bounced off of Trenton Bliss and in, but Wheeling's defense stood tall. The Nailers limited Toledo to six shots, and locked down the 4-2 triumph.
Taylor Gauthier was splendid in goal for Wheeling, as he denied 33 of the 35 shots he faced, including all 17 in the second period. John Lethemon took the loss for the Walleye, as he made 27 saves on 31 shots.
The Nailers will make a quick trip to Cincinnati for a 1:35 game on Friday afternoon, before returning home for two more contests this weekend on Saturday at 7:10 and Sunday at 4:10, both against Iowa. Saturday's game is First Responders Night, which will be followed by the annual Guns vs. Hoses match. First Responders will also be able to get a free fountain beverage at the concession stands. Sunday is a Screen Time Sunday, in which one lucky fan will win a free TV courtesy of Walmart. Additionally, fans will be able to skate with the odd-numbered players after Sunday's tilt. The next Big Six game is Wheeling Wonderland on Saturday, December 9th. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2023-24 season are available now by calling (304) 234-GOAL.
Brochu a Brick Wall in 3-1 Komets Win
Wheeling Unloads 43 Shots on Rookie Goaltender
FORT WAYNE, IN- For the second time this weekend, the Wheeling Nailers put a shooting gallery on an opposing goaltender, but were unable to get two points to show for their efforts. Wheeling poured 43 shots on rookie goaltender Brett Brochu, who was only beaten in the second period by Tanner Laderoute. The Fort Wayne Komets also succeeded in the special teams department, as Ture Linden scored two power play goals, while Fort Wayne blanked Wheeling's six power plays in a 3-1 win for the home side at Allen County War Memorial Coliseum.
The Nailers dominated the first period with a 13-4 shots advantage, but neither squad was able to turn on the red light during the opening 20 minutes. However, both sides wasted little time in getting on the board in the middle frame. Fort Wayne struck first at the 1:26 mark. Wheeling attempted to clear the puck on the penalty kill, but William Provost made a steal and promptly set up Ture Linden, who zipped a wrist shot into the right side of the net. The Nailers answered 22 seconds later on a 2-on-1 break. Dillon Hamaliuk saucered a pass across the slot to Tanner Laderoute, who slammed in the feed as he crashed in on the right side. Although those were the only two goals in period two, there was an enormous save with 2:41 remaining, as Taylor Gauthier denied a penalty shot attempt by Jack Dugan, who led the Komets with 12 points.
Wheeling's power play struggled to dent the twine for the second time on the weekend, and at the 6:43 mark of the third period, Fort Wayne capitalized on its man advantage. Goaltender Brett Brochu launched a pass ahead to Jake Chiasson, who then connected with Linden for a tip-in at the top of the crease. 2:10 later, Alexis D'Aoust collected a key insurance marker for the Komets, as he squirted a shot through from along the goal line. Fort Wayne took 11 of the first 12 shots in the first 8:53 of the third period, but the rest of the stanza belonged to Brochu. The Nailers took 15 of the final 17 shots and finished with 43, but were unable to cash in again, as the Komets prevailed, 3-1.
Brett Brochu was incredible in his ECHL debut for Fort Wayne, as he stopped 42 of 43 shots to earn the victory. Taylor Gauthier made 21 saves on 24 shots for Wheeling.
The Nailers will have three home games in the coming week, starting with Thanksgiving Eve on Wednesday at 7:10 against Toledo. That night will feature live IWC Wrestling, Turkey Bowling, $2 Beer Specials, and a Twisted Tea Special. First Responders Night is later that week on Saturday, November 25th, which will feature the Guns vs. Hoses Game following the Nailers match against Iowa at 7:10. The next Big Six game is Wheeling Wonderland on Saturday, December 9th. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2023-24 season are available now by calling (304) 234-GOAL.
Weeks Stymies Former Team in 4-1 Indy Win
Cédric Desruisseaux's Scores Shorthanded for Lone Nailers Goal
INDIANAPOLIS, IN- On Friday night, the Wheeling Nailers ran into a hot hand, who they used to call their own. Indy Fuel goaltender Mitchell Weeks faced his former team for the first time, and had great success, as he stopped 27 of 28 shots, leading Indy to a 4-1 home win at Indiana Farmers Coliseum. The Fuel scored twice in the first period and never looked back, while Cédric Desruisseaux netted the lone marker for Wheeling.
The Fuel jumped out to a 2-0 lead, thanks to a pair of perfectly placed wrist shots. The first marker came during some 4-on-4 action at the 7:15 mark. Andrew Bellant curved into the left circle, and despite being on his off wing, turned and sniped a wrist shot just under the crossbar. Indy added to its advantage 4:44 later with a goal off the rush. Bellant slid a pass into the slot for trailer Anthony Firriolo, who skated between the hash marks, and shelved a wrist shot into the top-right corner.
Both teams found the back of the net once in the middle frame, and it started with the third Fuel strike of the net just 1:40 into the period. Ryan Gagnier dropped a pass into the right circle for Zach Jordan, who got enough mustard on his one-timer to squeeze the puck through Michael McNiven's legs and in over the goal line. The Nailers got on the board with 6:08 remaining courtesy of a shorthanded tally, as Cédric Desruisseaux zipped a wrist shot into the top-right corner of the cage.
Wheeling had every intention of trimming its deficit in the third period, as the visitors recorded the first 12 shots of the stanza. However, Mitchell Weeks had an answer each time, and Indy's Seamus Malone finished off his team's 4-1 win with an empty net goal.
Mitchell Weeks turned in a stellar performance for the Fuel, as he turned aside 27 of the 28 shots he faced in the victory. Michael McNiven made 14 saves on 17 shots for Wheeling.
The Nailers will wrap up their road week on Sunday afternoon, when they visit the Fort Wayne Komets at 5:00. Wheeling will be home for three games next week, starting with Thanksgiving Eve on Wednesday at 7:10 against Toledo. That night will feature live IWC Wrestling, Turkey Bowling, $2 Beer Specials, and a Twisted Tea Special. First Responders Night is later that week on Saturday, November 25th, which will feature the Guns vs. Hoses Game following the Nailers match against Iowa at 7:10. The next Big Six game is Wheeling Wonderland on Saturday, December 9th. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2023-24 season are available now by calling (304) 234-GOAL.
Nailers Earn Bonus Points on School Day
David Jankowski Wins it for Wheeling in Round Three of Shootout
TOLEDO, OH- The Wheeling Nailers and Toledo Walleye gave the students lots of exciting action to watch during Toledo's school day game on Wednesday morning at Huntington Center. The two teams lit the lamp ten times in regulation, then needed even more hockey to decide a winner, as the match progressed to a shootout. David Jankowski was the hero in the third round for the Nailers, as he scored the winning goal, in support of Michael McNiven, who stopped 31 shots during the game. Wheeling was victorious, 6-5. Dillon Hamaliuk, Tanner Laderoute, and Lukas Svejkovsky all had a goal and an assist for the Nailers, who are now tied with the Walleye for the top spot in the Central Division.
Two of the top-five offenses in the league flexed that muscle early, as both clubs put a pair of goals on the board in the first period. The first half of the stanza belonged to the Nailers, who struck twice in a span of 1:02. Matt Koopman won a face-off to Raivis Ansons on the right edge of the left circle, where he immediately roofed a wrist shot into the top-right corner of the net. Tanner Laderoute followed that goal by slamming in a centering pass from Dillon Hamaliuk during a delayed penalty. Brandon Hawkins started Toledo's comeback with 5:19 remaining, when he waltzed into the slot, and fired a wrist shot into the top-right corner of the twine. Then, with 14.7 seconds to go, Grant Gabriele took a one-timer from the left circle, which squirted into the crease for Trenton Bliss to touch in over the line.
The goals kept on flying in during the middle frame, as four more pucks found the twice. Wheeling regained the lead at the 4:16 mark. Jarrett Lee whipped a pass through the slot to Bobby Hampton, who slammed in a one-timer from the left side of the crease. The Nailers added to their advantage with a pair of power play strikes. Lukas Svejkovsky wound his way into the right circle, where he whizzed a wrist shot past Jan Bednar's glove. 3:08 later, Svejkovsky set up another one on the man advantage. This time, he sifted a pass to the top of the crease, where Hamaliuk deflected the feed into the cage. The Walleye got a goal back with 1:33 left, when Colin Theisen swatted in a loose puck in the right circle.
Wheeling was back on its heels for the majority of the third period, as Toledo held a 12-1 advantage in shots, and scored twice to tie the match. Chase Gresock pulled the Walleye to within one, when he wired in a one-timer from the left circle at the 8:45 mark. Then, with 34 seconds to go, Hawkins forced overtime, when he skimmed a shot along the ice and in from the top of the right circle.
Both teams had phenomenal chances to grab a win in the extra session, as each side received a power play. However, the penalty kills both stood tall, and the score remained deadlocked at 5-5, so a shootout was necessary to decide a victor. Neither side scored in the first two rounds. In round three, Toledo turned to Orrin Centazzo, who had his high shot denied. The Nailers went with David Jankowski, and that was the right decision, as he lifted a shot into the top-right corner for the 6-5 Wheeling win.
Michael McNiven earned his second triumph in a Nailers uniform, as he thwarted 31 of the 36 shots he faced in regulation and overtime, including a remarkable glove save on Brandon Hawkins in the second period. He then blocked away all three shootout attempts. Jan Bednar received the shootout loss for the Walleye, as he made 16 saves on 21 shots during the game, before a 2-for-3 effort in the shootout.
The Nailers will continue their road trip with a pair of games in the Hoosier State over the weekend, as they will visit the Indy Fuel on Friday at 7:00 and the Fort Wayne Komets on Sunday at 5:00. Wheeling's next home game is Thanksgiving Eve on Wednesday, November 22nd at 7:10 against Toledo. That night will feature live IWC Wrestling, Turkey Bowling, $2 Beer Specials, and a Twisted Tea Special. First Responders Night is later that week on Saturday, November 25th, which will feature the Guns vs. Hoses Game following the Nailers match against Iowa at 7:10. The next Big Six game is Wheeling Wonderland on Saturday, December 9th. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2023-24 season are available now by calling (304) 234-GOAL.
Steelheads Special Teams Superior on Sunday
Matthew Quercia Scores Twice for Wheeling
WHEELING, WV- Sunday afternoon's match-up between the Wheeling Nailers and Idaho Steelheads filled every column of the scoresheet. The two squads combined for 11 goals, 69 shots, and 16 power plays, as they wrapped up their three-game series at WesBanco Arena. Idaho's special teams ended up being the difference in the contest, as the Steelheads converted on four of seven power play chances, while limiting the Nailers to one goal on nine opportunities. A.J. White was the top performer for Idaho, as he scored three of the power play markers, as his team took the rubber match, 7-4. Matthew Quercia scored twice for Wheeling.
Two top-five offenses were ready to show their power early on, as both sides scored twice in the opening stanza. Patrick Kudla put Idaho on the scoreboard first at the 3:50 mark, when he stepped into the left circle and drove a slap shot in off of the right post. The Nailers answered 61 seconds later, needing just four seconds of power play time to cash in. Isaac Belliveau slid the puck over to Raivis Ansons in the right circle, where he whipped a wrist shot into the left side of the cage. The Steelheads were also successful on their first man advantage, as they regained the lead. Kudla's initial shot was denied, but Keaton Mastrodonato feathered a pass to the top of the crease, where A.J. White had a tap-in. Wheeling had another quick response 2:11 after that. Dillon Hamaliuk took a whack at a loose puck in the low slot, and Tanner Laderoute sent it the rest of the way, as his third tally in two days was the equalizer.
The story of the second period was the performance of Idaho's special teams, as the Steelheads scored on all three of their power plays, while killing all five of Wheeling's, including a pair of extended 5-on-3's. White gave Idaho its third lead of the day, when he tipped in Matt Register's ice level pass on the right side of the crease. The Nailers were able to answer that strike, as Matthew Quercia deflected Davis Bunz's right point shot out of the air and into the left side of the twine. The final three minutes of the frame belonged to the Steelheads, who scored three times in a span of 2:07. Seamus Donohue buried the rebound of White's initial shot, Kudla roofed a wrist shot on a 2-on-1 break, and White completed his hat trick by sweeping in a wrist shot from the left side of the slot.
Both teams tacked on one goal in the third, as Jack Becker roofed a wrist shot into the top-left corner off of a rush for Idaho, before Quercia shuffled in a rebound for his second of the game for the 7-4 final.
Dylan Wells collected the win for the Steelheads, as he stopped 32 of the 36 shots he faced. David Tendeck suffered the loss for Wheeling, as he allowed five goals on 23 shots, before giving way to Michael McNiven, who made seven saves on nine shots in relief.
The Nailers will spend the next week on the road, starting with a school day game in Toledo on Wednesday at 10:35 a.m. There will be visits to Indy and Fort Wayne over the weekend. Wheeling's next home game is Thanksgiving Eve on Wednesday, November 22nd at 7:10 against Toledo. That night will feature live IWC Wrestling, Turkey Bowling, $2 Beer Specials, and a Twisted Tea Special. First Responders Night is later that week on Saturday, November 25th, which will feature the Guns vs. Hoses Game following the Nailers match against Iowa at 7:10. The next Big Six game is Wheeling Wonderland on Saturday, December 9th. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2023-24 season are available now by calling (304) 234-GOAL.
Nailers Flip the Script, Beat Idaho 5-2
Tanner Laderoute Scores Twice, Michael McNiven Stops 34 in Wheeling Debut
WHEELING, WV- The old saying goes that turnabout is fair play, and the Wheeling Nailers turned the tables against the Idaho Steelheads at WesBanco Arena on Saturday night. One night after Idaho erased a 2-0 deficit with five straight goals, Wheeling did the exact same thing. The Nailers trailed 2-0 in the second period, then found the back of the net five times in a span of 7:38 to reverse the result and collect a 5-2 triumph on home ice. Tanner Laderoute led the way offensively with two goals, while Michael McNiven was magnificent with 34 saves in his Nailers debut.
The first period was evenly played, but one mistake made the difference, as a Wheeling turnover resulted in a goal by the Steelheads. The Nailers reversed the puck into their trapezoid, where A.J. White made an interception. White quickly delivered a pass into the bottom of the right circle, where Keaton Mastrodonato belted in a one-timer along the ice.
Mark Rassell's unassisted goal gave Idaho a 2-0 lead in the early stages of the middle frame, but the rest of the period belonged to Wheeling, as the home squad rattled off five straight goals in a span of 7:38. Jordan Frasca was first on the board for the Nailers, as he wired in a slap shot from the left circle, off of a drop pass from Dillon Hamaliuk. Hamaliuk picked up the primary helper on Wheeling's equalizer as well, as he placed a perfect pass to the top-right corner of the crease, where Tanner Laderoute touched the puck into the cage. 52 seconds later, the Nailers took the lead. Isaac Belliveau drove a shot on goal from the left point, which got stopped, but Matthew Quercia instantly scooped the rebound up and over Bryan Thomson's right leg pad. 1:53 after that, the red light got turned on again. David Drake let a wrist shot go from the left point, which deflected off of Justin Addamo and found its way into the net. Laderoute struck again with 5:06 to go, as he deposited the rebound of Raivis Ansons' power play attempt.
Momentum had a chance to shift early in the third, but Michael McNiven made it clear that was going to be his period to shine. The Wheeling netminder denied Mark Rassell's penalty shot attempt 1:55 into the stanza, and proceeded to stop all 18 shots sent his way in the 20-minute session, as the Nailers finished off the 5-2 win.
Michael McNiven earned the victory in his Wheeling debut, as he denied 34 of the 36 shots he faced. Bryan Thomson took the loss for Idaho, as he allowed five goals on 35 shots.
The Nailers and Steelheads will wrap up their weekend series in Wheeling on Sunday at 4:10. Sunday's game is a Screentime Sunday, in which one lucky fan will win a free TV courtesy of Walmart. There will also be a post game skate with even-numbered players, and $2 sundaes will be available for kids. Other exciting upcoming promotions include Thanksgiving Eve with IWC Wrestling on November 22nd and First Responders Night on November 25th. The next Big Six game is Wheeling Wonderland on Saturday, December 9th. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2023-24 season are available now by calling (304) 234-GOAL.
Steelheads Rally Back With Five Unanswered to Take Opener
Justin Addamo & Cédric Desruisseaux Extend Point Streaks to Six on Wheeling's Second Goal
WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers faced a tough test on Friday night, as they welcomed the defending Western Conference Champion Idaho Steelheads to WesBanco Arena for the first of three straight matches. Wheeling skated out to a 2-0 lead on goals by Dillon Hamaliuk and Justin Addamo, but the Steelheads rallied back with five unanswered strikes. Wade Murphy snapped a 2-2 deadlock at the 1:19 mark of the third period with a breakaway goal, as Idaho took the opener, 5-2.
The Nailers got off to another great start, as they netted the opening goal 6:01 into the contest, while holding a 10-7 advantage in shots. Davis Bunz created the goal, as he wheeled around the offensive zone, then delivered a pass to the right side of the slot for a one-timer by Matt Koopman. Dillon Hamaliuk got a piece of the shot, as the puck fluttered into the cage.
Wheeling needed just ten seconds to extend its lead in the middle frame. Cédric Desruisseaux pushed the puck forward into the left circle, where Justin Addamo stepped up and clobbered a one-time rocket into the top-right corner of the net. The Steelheads battled back to tie the score with a pair of markers in a span of 4:05. Mark Rassell put Idaho on the board with a goal in his seventh straight game, as he jammed in a one-time feed from Ben Zloty below the left circle. Keaton Mastrodonato set up Seamus Donohue for the equalizer, as Donohue slithered a one-timer along the ice and in from the right face-off dot.
The visitors carried their momentum into the third period, and took their first lead 1:19 into the stanza. Cody Haiskanen sprung Wade Murphy on a breakaway, which Murphy converted by roofing a wrist shot into the top-left corner of the goal. The tilt stayed tight until 3:28 remained, when Idaho utilized its second power play of the night to add insurance. Zane Franklin slid a pass across the slot to Keaton Mastrodonato, who drove in a one-timer from the bottom of the left circle. Haiskanen tacked on an empty netter in the closing seconds for the 5-2 Steelheads win.
Dylan Wells picked up the victory in goal for Idaho, as he thwarted 26 of the 28 shots he faced. David Tendeck suffered the defeat for the Nailers, as he made 20 saves on 24 shots.
The Nailers and Steelheads will meet up twice more this weekend at WesBanco Arena, as the games will take place on Saturday at 7:10 and Sunday at 4:10. Saturday is Military Appreciation Night. Discounted tickets and free fountain beverages will be available for Military members, there will be an Oath of Enlistment, and the team will be wearing specialty jerseys. Sunday is a Screen Time Sunday, as one lucky fan will win a free TV, courtesy of Walmart. There will also be a post game skate with even-numbered players, plus $2 sundaes will be available for kids. The next Big Six game is Wheeling Wonderland on Saturday, December 9th. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2023-24 season are available now by calling (304) 234-GOAL
Hats Off for Frasca, Nailers in Weekend Sweep
Jordan Frasca Scores Three Straight Goals Three Different Ways
WHEELING, WV- Home-opening weekend was a huge success for the Wheeling Nailers, as they swept a two-game series against the Reading Royals to improve to 4-1-0. Jordan Frasca had career game for Wheeling on Sunday afternoon, as he scored a natural hat trick with three different types of goals (even strength, shorthanded, power play), and added an assist for a four-point day. Thimo Nickl netted his first pro goal in North America, while Dillon Hamaliuk potted his first goal as a Nailer to go along with two assists. Wheeling opened up a 4-1 lead in the first period, and never looked back in a 7-4 triumph at WesBanco Arena.
The Nailers came out surging, as they scored four times in the opening stanza. It only took 97 seconds for the home team to get on the board. Thimo Nickl let a shot go from the right point, which ramped off of goaltender Jacob Kucharski's stick and into the right side of the net. Reading briefly tied the game on a power play one-timer by Ryan Chyzowski from the middle of the blueline, before Wheeling grabbed the lead back a little more than six minutes later. Matthew Quercia pounced on a loose puck in the left circle, and dropped a pass off to Cédric Desruisseaux. October's ECHL Player of the Month slid a pass through the slot to Lukas Svejkovsky, who roofed a shot into the top-right corner. The Nailers extended their advantage 1:06 after that. Davis Bunz sent the puck toward the goal, where Jordan Frasca crashed in to deposit the rebound from the blue paint. Frasca added another one later in the period, when he stole the puck in his own end, then broke the other way, as he whipped in a shorthanded strike.
The goals continued to fly in during the middle frame. Frasca picked up right where he left off, as he completed his hat trick at the 56-second mark, when he sifted a wrist shot along the ice and in from the right circle. Less than four minutes later, Frasca started the play that led to the team's sixth red light of the afternoon. He delivered a pass to Tanner Laderoute, who had his right circle wrister blocked, but Dillon Hamaliuk darted in to tuck in the rebound. The Royals tallied twice in a span of 1:24 to pull within three, when Shane Sellar scooped a loose puck out of the crease and up under the crossbar, then Joseph Nardi spun and zipped in a wrist shot from the right side of the slot.
Both squads added one to their totals in the third period. Justin Addamo tapped in a centering pass from Svejkovsky, then Sellar tipped in Matt Brown's shot from the slot. Wheeling was victorious, 7-4.
David Tendeck secured his second straight win for the Nailers, as he denied 20 of the 24 shots he faced. Jacob Kucharski got pulled for Reading after allowing four goals on 14 shots. However, his replacement, Will Cranley, got saddled with the loss, as he made 18 saves on 21 shots in relief.
The Nailers will play three more home games next weekend, as they welcome the Idaho Steelheads to town on Friday and Saturday at 7:10 and Sunday at 4:10. Friday is a Frosty Friday featuring $2 beers, plus there will be a special guest appearance by former Nailers captain Shane Bakker. Saturday is Military Appreciation Night. Discounted tickets and free fountain beverages will be available for Military members, there will be an Oath of Enlistment, and the team will be wearing specialty jerseys. Finally, Sunday is a Screen Time Sunday, as one lucky fan will win a free TV, courtesy of Walmart. There will also be a post game skate with even-numbered players, plus $2 sundaes will be available for kids. The next Big Six game is Wheeling Wonderland on Saturday, December 9th. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2023-24 season are available now by calling (304) 234-GOAL
Sellout Crowd Celebrates Home-Opening Win
Wheeling Gets Blueline Goals From Belliveau & Bunz in Front of 4,716
WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers had the perfect scenario on Saturday night, as a sellout crowd of 4,716 fans were treated to an exhilarating game, which resulted in a 3-2 victory. Cédric Desruisseaux and Isaac Belliveau helped build a 2-0 lead for Wheeling in the first, before Davis Bunz netted the eventual game winner with 9:53 remaining.
The first period was exactly what the Nailers were hoping for with the home fans cheering them on. Wheeling outshot the Royals, 9-3, and jumped out to a 2-0 lead on the scoreboard. The first goal came at the 11:39 mark. Lukas Svejkovsky drove to the left side of the crease and jammed the puck into a pile of bodies. The shot ultimately created a rebound for Justin Addamo, who flipped a backhander that got tipped in by Cédric Desruisseaux. With 52 seconds remaining, the Nailers extended their lead. Addamo handed the puck off to defenseman Isaac Belliveau, then cruised toward the goal, which created loads of space on the left side of the ice. Belliveau stepped up into the left circle, and roofed a wrist shot into the top-right corner of the cage for his first professional goal.
Wheeling poured on all sorts of pressure with 15 shots in the middle frame, but the margin remained at two until the final two minutes, when Reading got on the board. Shane Sellar floated a pass through the slot to Ryan Chyzowski, who put the puck on his backhand and flipped a shot up and under the crossbar.
The Nailers got a key goal at the 10:07 mark of the third period to push their lead to two. Davis Bunz let a shot go from the right point, which had eyes, as it dribbled all the way through a maze of players and into the net. The significance of that marker grew, as the Royals trimmed their deficit to one with 7:18 left. Koletrane Wilson slid the puck along the ice from the right point, and connected with Matt Brown, who ramped the feed into the left side of the twine. Wheeling's defense stood tall all night, as it limited Reading to 17 shots, and that allowed the home side to put the finishing touches on a 3-2 win.
David Tendeck earned the victory in his Nailers debut, as he made 15 saves on 17 shots. Will Cranley took the defeat for the Royals, as he stopped 28 of the 31 shots he faced.
The Nailers and Royals will meet up again on Sunday at 4:10. The traditional post game skate returns for another season, and the odd-numbered players will be skating this week. New to Sunday games this season is Screentime Sunday, as one lucky fan will win a new TV, courtesy of Walmart. Fans will also be able to enjoy $2 ice cream sundaes at the Grand Vue Park stand. Next weekend's highlight game is Military Appreciation Night on November 11th, and the next Big Six game is Wheeling Wonderland on Saturday, December 9th. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2023-24 season are available now by calling (304) 234-GOAL.
Wright Night, Wrong Team, as Komets Prevail
Wheeling Finishes Season-Opening Road Trip 2-1-0
FORT WAYNE, IN- This weekend was a tale of two nights for the Wheeling Nailers and Fort Wayne Komets, who both came away with one win for their efforts. Unfortunately for Wheeling, Saturday night's contest belonged to the hosts. Cameron Wright led the way with a natural hat trick for the Komets, while Morgan Adams-Moisan netted a pair of goals in a 7-3 win. Justin Addamo, David Jankowski, and Lukas Svejkovsky all scored on the power play in the third period for the Nailers, who take a 2-1-0 record into their home opener next Saturday.
After getting blown out by rival Toledo on Friday, the Komets started with some angry energy, and used that to build a 2-0 lead in the first period. The opening tally came with 6:01 remaining. Morgan Adams-Moisan skated onto a pass and wound his way into the left side of the offensive zone. As he reached the circle, he let a wrist shot go, which found a home in the right side of the cage. Fort Wayne added another with 2:07 left. Carl Berglund centered a feed to Cameron Wright, who rolled his backhander from the left side of the crease right along the goal line, and eventually inside of the right post.
Wheeling kept the Komets at bay during the first half of the middle frame, but the hosts put two more on the board during the final five minutes. The first strike ended a season-opening run of 13 straight penalty kills by the Nailers, and it came off of a quick passing play. Jack Dugan played the puck to Berglund, who needed less than a second to one-touch a pass to Wright, who drilled in a one-timer from the right side of the slot. Wright completed his natural hat trick 1:48 later, as Ture Linden sent him on a breakaway, which he converted by shelving a shot into the top-right corner.
The power play breathed some life into Wheeling in the third, which started with a Justin Addamo goal 28 seconds in, when he tapped a centering feed from Lukas Svejkovsky into the left side of the twine. However, Fort Wayne responded to that with three straight markers, as Adams-Moisan and Alexis D'Aoust scored 1:24 apart, then Darien Kielb connected with a power play wrist shot from the right circle. The Nailers showed heart until the end, and tallied twice in the final four minutes. David Jankowski buried the rebound of Jordan Frasca's one-timer, and Lukas Svejkovsky whizzed in a wrist shot from the high slot, giving the game a 7-3 final.
Tyler Parks got the win for the Komets, as he made 28 saves on 31 shots. Taylor Gauthier had a busy night for Wheeling, as he came away with 33 stops on 40 shots.
The Nailers will play their home opener on Saturday night at 7:10 against Reading. Opening Night will feature Mad Chad Taylor - the chainsaw juggler, as well as a magnetic schedule giveaway, and the debut of Nail Ale by Big Timber Brewing. Wheeling and Reading will also play on Sunday, November 5th at 4:10, as the Nailers play five straight games at WesBanco Arena. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2023-24 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 Roast Wings With Five-Goal Third
Evan Vierling's First Pro Goal Sparks Rally, Félix Paré Scores Twice
KALAMAZOO, MI- Friday's game between the Wheeling Nailers and Kalamazoo Wings was close for two periods, before the Nailers took complete control. Wheeling exploded for five goals in the third period to earn a 7-2 victory at Wings Event Center. Evan Vierling's first pro goal snapped the 2-2 tie, Félix Paré was the lone player with two goals, and Cédric Desruisseaux racked up four points, while Taylor Gauthier made 31 saves.
The Nailers had a terrific start for the second game in a row, but a pair of unlucky bounces put themselves behind at the end of the first period. Wheeling opened the scoring just 1:18 into the contest. Cédric Desruisseaux centered a feed to Justin Addamo in the low slot, where Addamo slammed a shot through Jonathan Lemieux's legs. The Wings pulled even at the 8:21 mark. Brad Morrison waited patiently in the trapezoid, before delivering the puck to the front of the goal, where it bounced off of a Nailer and dribbled in over the line. Kalamazoo then took the lead less than four minutes later. Michael Joyaux's initial shot created a scramble around the crease, and the rebound chance was eventually squeezed in from the right side by Josh Passolt.
The middle frame featured a wild turn of events, as Wheeling faced a two-man disadvantage for 1:57. However, the Nailers killed the whole thing, and immediately turned the penalties into a tying tally. Tanner Laderoute lobbed a pass ahead to Jordan Frasca, who was the first player to leave the sin bin. He carried the puck in on the left side, then delivered a feed to Desruisseaux, who drilled a one-timer into the right side of the net, moments after he exited the box as well.
Wheeling thoroughly dominated the third period with five goals to turn the 2-2 deadlock into a 7-2 triumph. The tied score got snapped at the 2:35 mark. Evan Vierling blocked a shot and created a breakaway for himself, which he converted by slipping a backhander through Lemieux's legs. 1:18 later, Félix Paré doubled the lead for the Nailers, when he redirected Desruisseaux's long distance shot in from the slot. Another tip followed that at the 9:05 mark, as David Jankowski used his stick as a ramp to send Louie Roehl's wrist shot from ice level into the top-right corner. Next up was Paré's second of the stanza, as he smashed in the rebound of Matt Koopman's one-timer from the left circle. Koopman provided the final exclamation point, when he rolled a shot in off of the netminder's back, which also gave Desruisseaux his fourth point of the contest.
Taylor Gauthier backstopped his second straight win for Wheeling, as he denied 31 of the 33 shots he faced, including all 21 in the final two periods. Jonathan Lemieux received his first pro loss, as the Nailers beat him seven times on 23 shots.
The Nailers will wrap up their season-opening road trip on Saturday at 7:35, when they visit Fort Wayne. Wheeling will play its home opener against Reading next Saturday, November 4th at 7:10. Opening Night will feature Mad Chad Taylor - the chainsaw juggler, as well as a magnetic schedule giveaway, and the debut of Nail Ale by Big Timber Brewing. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2023-24 season are available now by calling (304) 234-GOAL.
Nailers Open With 4-1 Win in Cincinnati
Desruisseaux Scores Twice, Gauthier Stops 30, as Wheeling Wins First Opener Since 2017
CINCINNATI, OH- The Wheeling Nailers couldn't have scripted a better start to the 2023-24 season than what they got on Saturday night against the Cincinnati Cyclones at Heritage Bank Center. Wheeling's special teams dominated the contest, as the power play scored three times, while the penalty kill was perfect on five chances. The Nailers got two goals and an assist from Cédric Desruisseaux, as well as 30 saves from Taylor Gauthier to take down the Cyclones, 4-1.
The first period featured plenty of action, and the Nailers skated out of it on the right side of the equation, as they sandwiched two of their goals around one by Cincinnati. The opening marker was the second fastest to start a season in team history, as it came 2:47 into the match. Thimo Nickl teed up Jordan Frasca for a one-timer from the right circle, which got stopped. However, the rebound kicked into the slot for David Jankowski, who roofed his wrist shot into the top-left corner. Nickl's assist was his first pro point in North America. The Cyclones responded 3:02 later with a rebound goal of their own to tie it. James Hardie's left side shot off the rush was denied, but Adam Berg followed up to deposit the second chance. Wheeling went back on top with 4:40 remaining. Frasca led the way down the right side on a 2-on-1 break, before dishing a pass over to Cédric Desruisseaux, who squeezed a shot through Olof Lindbom.
The Nailers added to their advantage in the middle frame, as the power play struck again. Dillon Hamaliuk poked the puck ahead to Desruisseaux, who drove into the offensive zone on the left side of the ice. Wheeling's leading scorer from last season picked his spot and rang a shot in off of the right post for his second of the contest.
The visitors finished off their terrific performance with another man advantage marker in the third. Desruisseaux whipped a pass through the crease to Lukas Svejkovsky, who slammed in a one-timer from beneath the right circle to put the finishing touches on the 4-1 triumph.
Taylor Gauthier earned the win for the Nailers with a fantastic evening between the pipes, as he thwarted 30 of the 31 shots he faced. Olof Lindbom took the loss for the Cyclones, as he allowed four goals on 23 shots.
The Nailers wil have two more road games next week, as they will visit Kalamazoo on Friday at 7:00, followed by Fort Wayne on Saturday at 7:30. Wheeling will then play its home opener against Reading on November 4th at 7:10. Opening Night will feature Mad Chad Taylor - the chainsaw juggler, as well as a magnetic schedule giveaway, and the debut of Nail Ale by Big Timber Brewing. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2023-24 season are available now by calling (304) 234-GOAL.
Nailers Blank Cyclones, 5-0 in Preseason Clash
Davis Bunz Scores Twice & David Tendeck Earns 24-Save Shutout
WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers are ready for their 32nd season to begin, and with the show they gave their home fans on Sunday, there will be loads of excitement in the Ohio Valley. Wheeling had everything clicking in its lone preseason match. The offense scored five goals, the defense and goaltending turned in a shutout, and a fight put a cherry on top of a 5-0 triumph over the Cincinnati Cyclones at WesBanco Arena. Davis Bunz turned on the red light twice and Peter Laviolette had a goal and two assists to lead the offense, while David Tendeck earned the shutout with 24 saves.
The Nailers were more than ready to get their preseason slate started, and they came out flying with a 2-0 lead in goals and a 17-5 advantage in shots. Both Wheeling markers were created with shots that came from the left point. David Drake sent the puck deep and connected with Cédric Desruisseaux on the right side of the slot. Desruisseaux slid a pass through to Jarrett Lee, who turned to his backhand and flipped the puck into the left side of the cage at the 10:30 mark. Less than seven minutes later, Desruisseaux threw a shot on goal from deep, which produced a rebound for Davis Bunz, who deposited the puck along the ice and in on the right side of the net.
The home team put two more goals on the board in the middle session. At the 7:48 mark, Bunz struck for the second time in the contest, and this time, he did so on the team's first power play. Bunz glided into the middle of the offensive zone, and launched a wrist shot into the top-left corner. The Nailers' fourth tally of the afternoon came with 7:13 left, when Jeff Solow teed up Matt Koopman for a one-timer from the slot, which Koopman drilled along the ice and in. The first fight of the exhibition slate took place in the latter stages of the period. Matthew Quercia laid a punishing clean hit on Colton Kalezic, then got challenged to a fight by Malcolm Hayes, who received an instigator penalty.
Wheeling iced its victory with one more marker in the third. Avery Winslow let a wrister go from the right point, which was tipped in by Peter Laviolette III, who punctuated his three-point night with the goal.
David Tendeck saw his workload increase each period, and he was perfect in all three, as he denied all 24 shots he faced to earn the shutout. Stephen Mundinger allowed three goals on 23 shots in the first half of the clash for Cincinnati, before Julian Sime made ten saves on 12 shots in relief.
The Nailers are less than one week away from the beginning of their 32nd season, as they will drop the puck in Cincinnati on Saturday at 7:35. That will be followed by two additional road matches, before Wheeling plays its home opener against Reading on November 4th at 7:10. Opening Night will feature Mad Chad Taylor - the chainsaw juggler, as well as a magnetic schedule giveaway, and the debut of Nail Ale by Big Timber Brewing. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2023-24 season are available now by calling (304) 234-GOAL.