GAME DAY 23-24
Nailers Finish Fuel With Game Five Win
Justin Addamo & Matt Koopman Both Score Twice in Series Clincher
WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers are moving on to round two of the 2024 Kelly Cup Playoffs. On Saturday night, Wheeling earned its fourth consecutive triumph over the Indy Fuel to win the series in five games. The second period was key for the Nailers, who erased a 1-0 deficit with three straight goals at three different strengths. Justin Addamo and Matt Koopman both turned on the red light twice, and Jaxon Castor made 37 saves in Wheeling's 4-2 win.
The lone goal of the first period was scored by the Fuel, who followed up a successful penalty kill with that strike just 23 seconds later. Jon Martin came down the left wing and directed a backhander on goal, which was stopped. However, the rebound kicked into the right circle, where it was served back in by Ross MacDougall.
Wheeling flipped the game around quickly in the middle frame, and knotted things up with a shorthanded marker. David Jankowski led the charge down the right side of the ice, and sent a pass over to Matt Koopman, who drove a shot into the right side of the cage. The Nailers then looked to their power play to take the lead. Jordan Martel gathered in a pass in the left circle, and looked like he was going to fire a shot on goal. Instead, he plated the puck where Justin Addamo could tip it into the goal. Addamo used another deflection for Wheeling's third goal of the period with 5:56 to go, as he got a piece of Lukas Svejkovsky's attempt from just inside of the blueline. Santino Centorame collected a late tally for Indy, when he roofed a wrist shot from the right face-off dot.
The Fuel pushed hard for the equalizer in the third period with a 13-5 shots advantage, but the Nailers refused to break. With less than one minute remaining, Koopman put the final nail in the coffin with an empty netter, as Wheeling was victorious, 4-2.
Jaxon Castor was sensational in earning his fourth win of the series for the Nailers, as he denied 37 of the 39 shots he faced. Mitchell Weeks made 16 saves on 19 shots in the loss for Indy.
The Nailers have advanced to the Central Division Final Series, where they will face the Toledo Walleye in another best-of-seven series. The series will begin at Toledo on Friday and Saturday. Wheeling will play host to games three, four, and five (if necessary) on May 8th, 10th, and 11th. To purchase tickets for the playoffs or for any questions or concerns about ticketing, please visit wheelingnailers.com or call (304) 234-GOAL.
Castor Blanks Fuel in Game Four
Martel Scores Twice on Power Play in 3-0 Win
WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers played a perfect defensive game on Tuesday night, as they earned their third straight win over the Indy Fuel in the Central Division Semifinal Series. Jaxon Castor recorded a shutout with 20 saves and Jordan Martel scored twice, as Wheeling was triumphant, 3-0 at WesBanco Arena to take a 3-1 series lead.
The first period was played very tightly, as the two teams combined for 12 shots on goal. One of those pucks found the back of the net on a Wheeling power play. Lukas Svejkovsky and Justin Addamo teamed up to push the puck to the left side of the crease, where Jordan Martel whacked in a one-timer to put his team in the lead.
A similar script was followed for the middle frame, as there were 14 combined shots on goal, and once again, the Nailers capitalized on the man advantage. Svejkovsky pounced on a loose puck in the right circle, and swung a pass over to the left circle, where a wide-open Martel destroyed a one-timer into the top-left corner of the cage.
David Jankowski put the final punctuation mark on the 3-0 victory with an empty netter from his own end, after some clutch defense and goaltending kept the Fuel at bay.
Jaxon Castor earned the tenth playoff shutout in team history, as he was perfect on 20 shots for Wheeling. Mitchell Weeks made 20 saves on 22 shots in the loss for Indy.
The Central Division Semifinal Series will continue with game five on Saturday at 7:10 from the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex in Cranberry. Very limited tickets are still available for Saturday. To purchase tickets for the playoffs or for any questions or concerns about ticketing, please visit wheelingnailers.com or call (304) 234-GOAL.
Addamo Wins Game Three in Overtime for Wheeling
Nailers Take 2-1 Series Lead 30 Seconds Into Extra Session
WHEELING, WV- Postseason overtime is as exciting as it gets, and the Wheeling Nailers gave their fans a taste of that in their first home game of the 2024 Kelly Cup Playoffs. Justin Addamo made the extra session a quick one, as he needed just 30 seconds to slide his right circle one-timer in over the goal line, lifting the Nailers to the 3-2 victory and 2-1 series lead over the Indy Fuel in the Central Division Semifinal Series at WesBanco Arena.
The Nailers played a great first period, as they outshot Indy, 12-5, while netting the night's first goal. Isaac Belliveau wound his way around the offensive zone in search of a teammate for a passing option. He was unable to find one, so he navigated his way into the slot, where he sifted a low wrist shot through Mitchell Weeks and into the cage.
The Fuel had control of the shots at a 17-8 margin in the middle frame, while both teams found the net, as Wheeling maintained its one-goal edge. Indy did tie the game at the 10:02 mark, following an icing call against the Nailers. Matthew Cairns sent a bouncing puck into the low slot, where Kyle Maksimovich turned and tossed in a backhander. Wheeling regained its lead with 4:42 to go. Tanner Laderoute chipped the puck ahead to the offensive blueline, where David Jankowski swept a pass over to Davis Bunz on the left side. Bunz drove into the circle, and placed a wrist shot into the right side of the goal.
With 6:21 remaining in the third period, Indy netted an equalizer to force extra hockey. Santino Centorame slid a pass over to Andrew Perrott at the top of the left circle, where he clobbered a one-timer into the left side of the twine.
Overtime was over in the blink of an eye. Justin Lee carried the puck in over the middle of the blueline and dished a pass to his right, where Justin Addamo hammered a one-timer from the circle. Weeks got a piece of the shot, but the puck squeezed its way over the goal line to give Wheeling the 3-2 triumph.
Jaxon Castor was terrific in goal for the Nailers, as he denied 31 of the 33 shots he faced, with 26 of the saves coming during the second and third periods. Mitchell Weeks took the loss for the Fuel, as he made 22 saves on 25 shots.
The Central Division Semifinal Series will be right back in action for game four at WesBanco Arena on Tuesday at 7:10. The Nailers will also be the home team for game five on Saturday at the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex in Cranberry. To purchase tickets for the playoffs or for any questions or concerns about ticketing, please visit wheelingnailers.com or call (304) 234-GOAL
Nailers Tie Series With Blowout Win
Jordan Martel's Five-Point Night Leads Charge in 7-1 Victory
INDIANAPOLIS, IN- The Wheeling Nailers are coming home with a split, as they put forth a dominant performance in game two of the Central Division Semifinal Series at Indiana Farmers Coliseum. Wheeling got humongous offensive contributions from a group of players, led by Jordan Martel, who had two goals and three assists. Evan Vierling also found the back of the net twice, Justin Addamo dished out four assists, and Matt Koopman and Justin Lee both had three-point games. The Nailers clobbered the Indy Fuel, 7-1, to tie the best-of-seven series, 1-1.
The opening stanza was exactly what the Nailers were looking for, as they collected the first two goals of the contest. The first tally came at the 6:36 mark. Jordan Martel threw a pass off of the right wall for Justin Addamo to skate onto. Addamo curled around the offensive zone, and ultimately landed in the high slot, where he drilled a wrist shot toward the goal. His attempt didn't go in, but Matt Koopman banged away at the loose change and got it to squirt through. With ten seconds to go in the period, Indy's Chase Lang high sticked Dustin Manz on a face-off, which gave Wheeling a four-minute power play. It took the Nailers just six seconds to convert. Addamo brushed an initial pass by Justin Lee to the right side of the crease, where Evan Vierling swatted a goal in during his return to the lineup.
The Nailers blew the game open in the second period, as they added four goals to their total. Jordan Martel lit the lamp twice in a span of 21 seconds, as he slid into the slot to deposit a centering pass from Koopman, then faked out goaltender Zach Driscoll and shuffled a shot into the right side of the cage off of another setup from Koopman. With 2:56 remaining, another pair of strikes went to the visitors. Martel took a hit to move the puck into neutral ice. Justin Lee skated into the offensive zone and took a shot that got denied, but followed that up by burying his own rebound. 65 seconds after that, Jared Westcott joined the party, as he took a feed from David Jankowski and roofed a wrist shot into the top-left corner of the goal.
Vierling notched his second of the game with a power play wrist shot from the right side of the slot, before Ross MacDougall delivered the lone Indy goal with 4:42 to go, as Wheeling finished off its 7-1 triumph.
Jaxon Castor backstopped his first career playoff victory for the Nailers, as he thwarted 20 of the 21 shots he faced. Zach Driscoll gave up six goals on 22 shots in the loss for the Fuel, before giving way to Mitchell Weeks, who was 6-of-7 in relief.
The Central Division Semifinal Series will shift to WesBanco Arena for games three and four on Monday and Tuesday, both with 7:10 face-offs. Monday's game will feature Fan Appreciation Night festivities, including the vacation giveaway to Put-in-Bay. To purchase tickets for the playoffs or for any questions or concerns about ticketing, please visit wheelingnailers.com or call (304) 234-GOAL.
Series Opener Goes to Indy, 5-2
Dillon Hamaliuk Notches a Goal & an Assist For Wheeling
NDIANAPOLIS, IN- The Wheeling Nailers began their 2024 Kelly Cup Playoff journey on Friday night, as they opened a best-of-seven series against the Indy Fuel. After tying for the season series lead with seven goals, Indy's Kyle Maksimovich played a big role in his team's success in game one, as he recorded two goals and an assist. The Fuel scored twice in a 57-second span during the second period to take a two-goal lead, and ultimately went on to the 5-2 victory at Indiana Farmers Coliseum.
The series started with a bang, as the two teams who played 11 times in the regular season were plenty ready to distribute the hatred. Gloves hit the ice just 3:57 into the match, as Justin Lee challenged Brett Bulmer, following a collision between Lee and Kale Howarth along the glass. Some more physicality led to the opening goal, as the Fuel capitalized on the man advantage. Zach Jordan carried the puck down the middle of the offensive zone and attempted to force his way to the goal. Kyle Maksimovich followed his teammate, and batted a loose puck in for the tally.
Wheeling netted its first goal of the postseason at the 1:21 mark of the middle frame. Tanner Laderoute swung a pass off of the right boards to Davis Bunz, who stepped into a slap shot and wired it into the top-left corner of the cage. Indy regained its lead at the 5:07 mark. Bryan Lemos stole a Nailers pass and broke into the right circle, where he zipped a wrist shot into the bottom-left corner of the net. 57 seconds later, Maksimovich struck for a second time. Colin Bilek launched a pass into center ice, where Maksimovich batted it down to himself, then sped in and squeezed a shot into the left side of the goal. A second steal by Lemos led to a third goal in the stanza for the Fuel, as he sent Andrew Bellant in behind the defense on the right side. Bellant attempted to cut toward the goal, and ultimately dribbled a shot through Jaxon Castor's legs.
Both sides found the twine in the third period. Dillon Hamaliuk brought Wheeling within two at the 11:05 mark, when he slammed in a one-time feed from Jordan Martel in the bottom of the right circle. That marker came during a 4-on-3 power play. The Nailers got another man advantage later in the tilt, but Indy killed it off, and proceeded to add an insurance goal for the 5-2 final score, when Maksimovich delivered a one-time dish to Kale Howarth on the right side of the slot.
Mitchell Weeks picked up the win in goal for the Fuel, as he made 18 saves on 20 shots. Jaxon Castor turned away 26 of the 31 shots he faced in his playoff debut for the Nailers.
The Nailers and Fuel will play game two of their Central Division Semifinal Series in Indy on Saturday at 7:10. The series will then shift to WesBanco Arena for games three and four on Monday and Tuesday at 7:10. Monday's game will feature Fan Appreciation Night festivities, including the vacation giveaway to Put-in-Bay. To purchase tickets for the playoffs or for any questions or concerns about ticketing, please visit wheelingnailers.com or call (304) 234-GOAL.
Nailers Clinch Playoffs With 6-0 Shutout Victory
Castor Stops All 17, While Martel & Koopman Score Twice
CRANBERRY, PA- The Wheeling Nailers are heading to the 2024 Kelly Cup Playoffs! On Saturday night, the club punched its ticket with a dominant performance in a 6-0 victory over the Cincinnati Cyclones at UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex. Jaxon Castor denied all 17 shots he faced, and Wheeling got two goals each from Jordan Martel and Matt Koopman.
Neither team was able to get onto the scoreboard in the first period, but that changed in a hurry, as Wheeling poured it on in the middle frame with four goals and a 15-4 shots advantage. The opening marker came at the 34-second mark. Justin Addamo fended off some checkers, then placed a pass into the low slot, where Matt Koopman stepped in and drilled a shot into the bottom-left side of the cage. As the midway mark of the period approached, the Nailers converted on the power play for the fourth game in a row. Jordan Martel delivered a pass to Justin Lee, who powered in a one-timer from the middle of the blueline. Martel was also involved on the next tally, but that time, he was the one who put the biscuit in the basket. Davis Bunz threaded a pass to Martel, who pulled the puck around to his backhand, and lifted a shot into the top-left corner. 30 seconds after that, Jared Westcott tipped Lee's left point wrist shot down and in to put Wheeling up, 4-0.
The Nailers tacked on two more goals in the third period. Martel swatted in a cross-crease pass from Koopman at the 5:58 mark, then Koopman capped off the scoring by launching a shorthanded slapshot into the top-right corner of the twine. Those markers put the finishing touches on the 6-0 triumph.
Jaxon Castor was perfect on 17 shots to earn his tenth victory of the season in goal for Wheeling. Rylan Parenteau took the loss for the Cyclones, as he allowed six goals on 35 shots.
The Nailers will face the Indy Fuel in the opening round of the playoffs. The full schedule for that series and other scheduling details will be announced in the coming days. 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 Take One Step Closer With Win Over Komets
Jordan Martel Picks Up Three Points & Jaxon Castor Stops 31 on Derek Army's Birthday
WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers took one more big step closer to their goal on Wednesday night, as they played a key game against the Fort Wayne Komets at WesBanco Arena. Jaxon Castor was splendid in goal with 31 saves, former Komet Jordan Martel recorded a goal and two assists, and the Nailers were in control of the special teams in their 4-1 triumph on home ice.
The first period was very tightly played, but there was one goal scored to create some separation. That marker went to Wheeling at the 6:08 mark, as Isaac Belliveau entered the offensive zone, and hesitated briefly, before he delivered a pass over to David Jankowski on the right side. Jankowski skated into the circle, then flipped a shot into the left side of the cage.
The Nailers fended off a 19-shot attack by Fort Wayne in the middle frame, and that success, coupled with a pair of goals, extended the lead to three. Wheeling first added to its advantage at the 3:24 mark. Justin Addamo muscled his way through the trapezoid, which allowed him to deliver a tape-to-tape pass into the low slot. The recipient was Jordan Martel, who buried his 33rd goal of the year with a rip into the right side. The Nailers killed back-to-back penalties in the second, then took that special teams momentum into a power play goal. Komets goaltender Ryan Fanti turned the puck over to Addamo, who quickly worked with Martel to set up Tanner Laderoute for a tip-in at the top of the crease. Laderoute's goal was his 50th point of the campaign.
Ethan Keppen spoiled Wheeling's shutout bid at the 1:16 mark of the third period, when he snuck behind the defense and lifted a backhander into the top shelf. However, the Nailers quickly rebounded and put the game away with their power play. Justin Lee swept a pass to Jordan Frasca, who found the twine by drilling in a low wrist shot from the right face-off dot. Fort Wayne managed only two shots after Keppen's goal, as Wheeling locked down the 4-1 victory.
Jaxon Castor was fantastic in goal for the Nailers, as he denied 31 of the 32 shots he faced, including all 19 in the second period. Ryan Fanti took the loss for the Komets, as he allowed four goals on 21 shots.
The Nailers will have two more regular season home games this weekend, as they continue their push for the playoffs. Wheeling will host Toledo for a Frosty Friday at 7:10, then welcome in Cincinnati on Saturday at 7:10 for Fan Appreciation Night. Tons of prizes will be given out throughout the evening, including one grand prize winner, who will receive a trip to Put-In-Bay.
Nailers Start Homestand Successfully With 5-3 Win
Jared Westcott Scores Twice in Third to Snap 2-2 Tie
WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers have four huge home games remaining in the regular season, as they attempt to qualify for the Kelly Cup Playoffs. The first of those was exactly what they were looking for, as they earned a 5-3 victory over the Indy Fuel at WesBanco Arena on Sunday afternoon. Jared Westcott snapped a 2-2 tie by scoring two goals in the third period, and Jaxon Castor made the win stand up with 21 saves.
The first period was a tale of two parts, as Indy started strong, but the Nailers finished stronger. The Fuel opened the scoring at the 4:36 mark, when a Wheeling player swatted a loose puck that went directly to Andrew Bellant in the right circle. Bellant immediately ripped a snap shot into the top-right corner of the cage. The Nailers got things turned around with special teams success. Jared Westcott bounced a pass back to Isaac Belliveau, who skated all the way up to the left face-off dot, and rang a wrist shot in off the right post. Wheeling's second power play took just five seconds to convert, as Tanner Laderoute helped Jordan Frasca win a face-off back to Jordan Martel, who drilled a shot into the top-right corner from the high slot.
The Nailers held onto their lead until 4:43 remained in the middle frame, when Indy pulled even. Bellant led the way on the left side of a 2-on-1 rush, then threaded a pass over to Bryan Lemos, who wound a shot into the right side of the twine.
Wheeling needed a big third period, and that was exactly what it got, thanks to one of the newer members of the squad. At the 6:57 mark, Davis Bunz tossed a shot toward the goal from the right point. The puck kicked to Jared Westcott, who stashed the rebound through Mitchell Weeks to give the Nailers the lead. Westcott struck again at 11:20, as he wrapped the puck around the goal and found daylight just inside of the left post. That tally turned out to be key, as Ross MacDougall brought the Fuel within one during 6-on-5 play with 2:11 left. Wheeling put the finishing touches on its 5-3 triumph with Tanner Laderoute's empty netter.
Jaxon Castor earned the win for the Nailers, as he turned away 21 of the 24 shots he faced. Mitchell Weeks took the loss for Indy, as he made 23 saves on 27 shots.
The Nailers will continue their final regular season homestand on Wednesday at 7:10 against Fort Wayne. This is the rescheduled game from April 5th, and fans with tickets from the April 5th contest can use them on Wednesday. Wheeling will follow that by hosting Toledo for a Frosty Friday at 7:10 on April 12th. Finally, the regular season concludes with Fan Appreciation Night on Saturday, April 13th at 7:10 against Cincinnati. Tons of prizes will be given out throughout the evening, including one grand prize winner, who will receive a trip to Put-In-Bay.
Fuel Steal One in Overtime, 6-5
Dustin Bunz Scores First Two Pro Goals for Wheeling
NDIANAPOLIS, IN- Wednesday night's game at Indiana Farmers Coliseum is one that slipped away from the Wheeling Nailers, as they earned one point, but missed out on a second one against the Indy Fuel. The Nailers got the first two goals of Dustin Manz' pro career, including a go-ahead strike at the 10:57 mark of the third period. However, Indy battled back with a power play goal during the final minute of regulation, then won the game 6-5 in overtime on Andrew Bellant's second marker of the night. Dillon Hamaliuk also had a big performance for Wheeling, as he returned to the lineup with four points.
Both offenses came ready to roll, as each team put a pair of tallies onto the scoreboard for a 2-2 draw in the first period. Indy struck first at the 6:57 with a bit of puck luck. Victor Hadfield let a wrist shot go from the left point, which got tipped by both Ryan Gagnier and Kyle Maksimovich, with Maksimovich being the last to touch the puck from the left side of the crease. Davis Bunz netted the first equalizer for the Nailers, as he wound his way around the back of the net and into the left circle, where he thrust a wrist shot through Mitchell Weeks. The Fuel temporarily regained the lead with 2:33 remaining, when Andrew Bellant went end-to-end and lifted a backhander into the top-left corner of the twine. Wheeling answered just 46 seconds later, when Dillon Hamaliuk accepted a pass into the trapezoid, then turned with a wraparound, which he placed between Weeks' legs.
The two sides continued to mirror each other in the middle frame, as a couple of power play strikes were exchanged. The Nailers took their first lead of the night at the 1:49 mark. Dustin Manz found some open space to skate across the ice and into the right circle, where he swept a wrist shot across his body and into the left side of the net for his first professional goal. Indy's man advantage marker came with 9:57 left, when Ross MacDougall flew a center point wrist shot into the top-left corner of the cage.
The back-and-forth battle kept on going in the third period, and more offense came with it. Tanner Laderoute cut in behind the defense and lifted a backhander into the top-left corner to put Wheeling ahead at the 2:26 mark. 1:50 later, Maksimovich answered with a tying goal for the Fuel, as he found an opening on the left side for his second of the evening. The Nailers regained the lead with 9:03 remaining, shortly after a power play had expired. Hamaliuk collected his fourth point of the match by delivering a backhand pass through the slot to Manz, who slammed in his second career marker with a one-timer from the left circle. Wheeling nearly got the game to the finish line, but a last-minute penalty led to extra hockey, as Andrew Bellant got the puck to bounce in off of a Nailers player with 21 seconds on the clock for a 5-5 tie.
The contest got decided at the 3:58 mark of overtime, when Bellant took a pass from Brett Bulmer and picked the top-left corner for the 6-5 Indy win.
Mitchell Weeks picked up the victory in goal for the Fuel, as he made 19 saves on 24 shots. Garret Sparks received the overtime loss for Wheeling, as he allowed six goals on 32 shots.
The Nailers will play their final four regular season games on home ice, starting on Friday night at 7:10 against Fort Wayne. That is a Frosty Friday with $2 beers, plus IWC returns for a second Wrestling Night. Also coming up this week is a Screen Time Sunday at 4:10 against Indy, in which one lucky fan will win a free TV courtesy of Walmart. That day will also feature a post game skate with the entire team. Fan Appreciation Night on April 13th is the final Big Six Promotional Game of the season, which will feature all sorts of prizes, including one grand prize winner, who will receive a trip to Put-In-Bay.
Nailers Fight Back for Point in Cincinnati
Ryan Miotto's First Pro Goal Starts Comeback to Force Overtime
CINCINNATI, OH- The Wheeling Nailers battled back from a two-goal deficit to earn a point on Saturday night, but unfortunately, a second point eluded their grasp. Ole Julian Bjørgvik-Holm finished off a 2-on-1 break at the 2:12 mark of overtime to lift the Cincinnati Cyclones to the 3-2 win at Heritage Bank Center. Ryan Miotto became the second Wheeling player in as many nights to score his first goal as a pro, while Justin McRae's second career tally forced overtime.
Neither team was able to find the back of the net in the first period, but that changed quickly in the middle frame. The Cyclones received their first power play of the evening, and needed just 12 seconds to cash in. Patrick Polino one-timed a pass across the offensive zone to Sahil Panwar, who drilled a one-timer in along the ice. Panwar struck again 1:21 later, as he redirected Cole Fraser's center point wrist shot up and into the top-right corner of the cage. Wheeling got on the scoreboard with 10:14 remaining to cut its deficit to one. Peter Laviolette wound a pass out to Thimo Nickl, who stepped in from the right point, and hammered a slap shot that tipped off of Ryan Miotto and in for Miotto's first professional goal.
Needing a goal in a big way during the third period, the Nailers tied the score with 9:42 to go. Phip Waugh kept the play alive at the blueline, and tossed a pass to Peter Laviolette in the slot. Laviolette's initial attempt got robbed, but Justin McRae followed up and stashed the rebound through Pavel Cajan's legs. That marker helped Wheeling earn a point and take sole possession of third place in the division.
Both sides recorded a shot in overtime, and one of those went in to settle the match. Polino led the charge on a 2-on-1 rush, then delivered a pass through the slot to Ole Julian Bjørgvik-Holm, who chipped his shot up and into the top part of the net for the 3-2 Cincinnati win.
Pavel Cajan backstopped the victory for the Cyclones, as he thwarted 30 of the 32 shots he faced. Jaxon Castor received the overtime defeat for the Nailers, as he made 16 saves on 19 shots.
The Nailers will play their final regular season road game on Wednesday night, when they visit the Indy Fuel at 7:00. Wheeling will then play the final four games of the regular season at home, with the next one being a Frosty Friday and a second Wrestling Night against Fort Wayne on April 5th. The final Big Six Promotional Game is Fan Appreciation Night on April 13th against Cincinnati.
Walleye Come Back for 3-2 Win
Jared Westcott Scores in Pro Debut for Wheeling
TOLEDO, OH- Special teams gave the Wheeling Nailers life, but also took the game away on Friday night, as they battled the Toledo Walleye at Huntington Center. Wheeling scored twice on the power play, but an unsuccessful two-man advantage in the third period led to a tying goal by Toledo in what was ultimately a 3-2 Walleye win on their home ice. Jared Westcott scored his first professional goal for the Nailers, who also got a marker from Jordan Martel.
One goal was scored in the first period, as the Nailers capitalized on their lone power play of the stanza. Wheeling worked the puck around the top of the offensive zone, and David Jankowski ultimately set up Jordan Martel, who wired in a one-timer from the left circle. The Nailers killed off Toledo's lone man advantage, and limited the Walleye to seven shots in order maintain the 1-0 lead.
The two defenses continued to shine in the middle frame, but Toledo broke through for an equalizer while playing shorthanded. Conlan Keenan poked the puck ahead to Dalton Messina, who led his teammate on a 2-on-1 shorthanded rush. Messina kept the puck to himself, and zipped a wrist shot through Garret Sparks' legs from the right circle.
Wheeling's power play struck again in the early stages of the third period to regain the lead. Justin Lee let a shot go from the middle of the blueline, and got a deflection from Jared Westcott on the left side of the crease, as he recorded the first goal of his pro career. The Nailers received a huge opportunity moments later, as back-to-back Walleye penalties created over a minute of 5-on-3 action. Unfortunately, Wheeling came up empty, and 13 seconds after the last penalty expired, Toledo pulled even. Brandon Kruse deposited the rebound of his initial shot from the left side of the crease. With 5:13 left to go, the Walleye took their first lead of the tilt. Matt Anderson drove to the goal and put a shot on net, which created a rebound chance that Kruse whipped into the top-right corner. Lee nearly got some puck left with a shot off the glass and the goaltender's back, but the Nailers were unable to force overtime, as Toledo prevailed, 3-2.
Jan Bednar picked up the win for the Walleye, as he made 22 saves on 24 shots. Garret Sparks suffered the loss, as he stopped 22 of the 25 shots he faced.
The Nailers will continue their three-game road stretch by heading south to Cincinnati on Saturday to face the Cyclones at 7:35. Wheeling will then play the final four games of the regular season at home, with the next one being a Frosty Friday and a second Wrestling Night against Fort Wayne on April 5th. The final Big Six Promotional Game is Fan Appreciation Night on April 13th against Cincinnati.
Cyclones Hold On for 3-2 Win
Jordan Martel Scores 30th Goal of the Season for Wheeling
WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers emptied the tank on Sunday afternoon, as they concluded their four-game week at WesBanco Arena against the Cincinnati Cyclones. However, two players made major impacts for Cincinnati, as Jalen Smereck registered two goals and an assist, while Talyn Boyko made 31 saves, to help the visitors prevail, 3-2. Matt Koopman and Jordan Martel were the goal scorers for the Nailers.
Both teams scored in the first period, and the goals came 1:25 apart from each other. Wheeling struck first on the power play. Davis Bunz swept a pass to the right side of the slot for Matt Koopman, who turned, and not only snapped a shot into the right side of the cage, but also snapped his stick in the process. The Cyclones answered quickly, when Sahir Panwar delivered a cross-slot pass to Jalen Smereck, who squeezed his right side shot through Garret Sparks.
Cincinnati's power play had a big impact on the middle frame, as it converted on back-to-back opportunities. Jimmy Soper recorded the first go-ahead goal, as he deflected in a perfect pass on the left side of the crease from Noah Kane. Jalen Smereck was responsible for the second man advantage marker, as he wired a wrist shot off the crossbar and in from the left point. Those two strikes were sandwiched around Jordan Martel's 30th goal of the year, as he rushed down the left side of the ice and shoveled a backhander over Talyn Boyko's right shoulder.
The Nailers threw everything they had left in the tank at the net in the third period, as they outshot the Cyclones, 18-4. Unfortunately, they were unable to force overtime, as Cincinnati held on for dear life in its 3-2 win.
Talyn Boyko earned the victory for the Cyclones, as he blocked away 31 of the 33 shots he faced, including all 18 in the third. Garret Sparks made 17 saves on 20 shots for Wheeling.
The Nailers will play their next three games on the road, starting on Friday night in Toledo at 7:15. Wheeling will then play the final four games of the regular season at home, with the next one being a Frosty Friday and a second Wrestling Night against Fort Wayne on April 5th. The final Big Six Promotional Game is Fan Appreciation Night on April 13th against Cincinnati.
Nailers Cast Spell on Komets, 3-1
Martel & Provost Score Against Former Club in Front of Huge Crowd
WHEELING, WV- 4,457 aspiring wizards had lots to cheer about at WesBanco Arena on Saturday night, as the Wheeling Nailers delivered a key victory on home ice against the Fort Wayne Komets. Jordan Martel and William Provost performed some magic against their former team, as both players turned on the red light, while Jaxon Castor defended the castle with 28 saves.
The Nailers netted the lone goal in the first period, and it came during the final minute. Thimo Nickl's punishing hit on fellow defender Connor Corcoran in the Wheeling defensive zone set up the chance for his team to rush in the other direction. Jordan Martel led the charge, as he swerved through the slot on his way toward the goal, where he put the puck on his backhand and lifted in the tally for his 100th professional point.
Wheeling added to its advantage with a great start to the middle frame. Phip Waugh worked his way toward the slot, where a scramble took place for possession of the puck. A friendly bounce ultimately went to William Provost, who swatted a shot into the right side of the cage. Less than five minutes later, a wild play took place. The Nailers swatted at a loose puck, drawing the ire of Fort Wayne goaltender Brett Brochu, who immediately threw down his glove and blocker and began to swing. Jaxon Castor flew down the length of the ice to challenge his opposition, but the officials separated the two potential combatants. Wheeling upped its lead to three at the 14:35 mark. Isaac Belliveau plated a pass to Martel, who whipped in a wrist shot from the left side of the slot for his second of the night. Zack Andrusiak put the Komets on the scoreboard with less than 13 seconds to play, when he zipped a shot inside the right post from the left side of the slot.
Castor stepped up big in the third period to preserve the two-goal lead, as the Nailers were victorious, 3-1.
Jaxon Castor earned the first star of the game, as he gave the home crowd a terrific show with 28 saves on 29 shots. Brett Brochu stopped 30 of the 33 shots he faced in the loss for Fort Wayne.
The Nailers will wrap up their homestand on Sunday afternoon with a 4:10 clash against the Cincinnati Cyclones. It will be a Screen Time Sunday, so one lucky fan will win a free TV, courtesy of Walmart. There will also be a post game skate for fans with even-numbered players, and $2 sundaes will be available for kids at Flurry's. T
Wings Tighten Race With 4-3 Road Win
Thimo Nickl Assists on Two of Three Wheeling Goals
WHEELING, WV- Nine games remain in the 2023-24 regular season, and the race for the playoffs has gotten even tighter. On Friday night, the Kalamazoo Wings pulled to within two points of the Wheeling Nailers for third place in the Central Division. Erik Bradford broke a 3-3 tie with 3:42 remaining to lift Kalamazoo to the 4-3 road win. Matt Koopman, Evan Vierling, and Jordan Martel were the goal scorers for the Nailers.
Leads exchanged hands a couple of times in the first period, as four goals were scored and a 2-2 deadlock was the end result. The Nailers were first on the board just 2:31 into the match. Thimo Nickl directed a shot toward the goal, which produced a rebound. Matt Koopman pounced on the loose puck and lifted his attempt up and in from the left side of the crease. Kalamazoo drew even 2:40 later. Collin Adams got a step on the defense, as he busted his way down the slot, before he shoveled a shot into the top-left corner. The Wings then took the lead with a power play strike, as Erik Bradford teed up Josh Passolt for a one-time rip from the right circle. Wheeling picked up an equalizer with 2:45 to go. Evan Vierling flew past his defender on the left side, which allowed him to cut to the middle, and trickle a backhander through Hunter Vorva's legs.
Defense played more of a role in the middle frame, but both teams were still able to tally once. Kalamazoo took the lead with 3:18 remaining, when Collin Saccoman picked off a clearing attempt, and promptly drove a slap shot into the top-left corner of the cage. The Nailers answered 1:04 later to send the contest into the intermission tied. Tanner Laderoute curled into the right circle, then spun a pass into the left circle, where Jordan Martel slammed a one-timer into the wide-open left side of the net.
The score stayed tied until the closing minutes of the tilt, when one shot made the difference. That shot came from the Wings with 3:42 remaining. Passolt dished a feed over to Bradford, who got just enough power behind his one-timer from the right circle to squeeze the puck through Garret Sparks' legs. Wheeling was unable to cash in on a power play in the final 1:28 of play, as Kalamazoo prevailed, 4-3.
Hunter Vorva earned the win for the Wings, as he thwarted 31 of the 34 shots he faced. Garret Sparks suffered the loss in his debut for the Nailers, as he made 20 saves on 24 shots.
The Nailers will continue their homestand on Saturday night at 7:10 with the next Big Six Promotional Game - Wizards & Wands. The first 2,500 fans will receive a brand new free wizard wand with a commemorative case. There will be Wizarding School acceptance letters, a Sorting Hat, Butter Beer, Quidditch, specialty jerseys, seating by house, and so much more. That will also be another key divisional match, as Wheeling faces Fort Wayne.
Sellout on School Day in Wheeling
Fuel Take Over Second Place With 7-2 Win
WHEELING, WV- The best lesson for the Wheeling Nailers to take away from Education Day on Tuesday morning is to shake it off. WesBanco Arena was packed with 4,826 kids, who enjoyed a fun and educational day at the game. As for the result on the scoreboard, that went to the Indy Fuel, who took over sole possession of second place in the Central Division with a 7-2 triumph. Seven different players scored for Indy, including former Nailer Cam Hausinger in his return to Wheeling. William Provost netted his first goal as a Nailer.
It took the Fuel just over eight minutes to record their first shot on goal, but that attempt resulted in the lone goal of the opening stanza. Andrew Bellant wound the puck around to the right circle for former Nailer Cam Hausinger, who roofed a wrist shot into the top-right corner of the cage.
Indy's offense opened up the game more in the middle frame, as the visitors struck four times. The first of those four came during a two-man advantage, as Bryan Lemos stepped up into the left circle and lifted a wrist shot up and under the crossbar. Matus Spodniak followed that with a strong individual effort, as he battled the puck away in the slot, then whipped in the goal as he traveled to his left. The Nailers got on the board 1:38 later, when William Provost scored his first with the team by scooping a backhander up and in from the right circle. Unfortunately, Wheeling wasn't able to gain momentum from that, as Anthony Petruzzelli's tip-in of Matthew Cairns' attempt 3:38 after the Provost marker. Kyle Maksimovich made the score 5-1 in the closing minute of the period, when he faked to his forehand and shoveled the puck up top.
Davis Bunz lunged to chip in his ninth of the season from the right circle at the 3:37 mark of the third, but that was sandwiched between two more strikes by the Fuel, courtesy of Andrew Bellant and Seamus Malone for a 7-2 final.
Zach Driscoll collected his 20th win of the season for Indy, as he blocked 20 of the 22 shots he faced. Jaxon Castor played in his first game since February 23rd for the Nailers, and suffered the defeat with 17 saves on 24 shots.
The Nailers will play three more home games this weekend. Friday at 7:10 is Ladies Night, as Wheeling clashes with Kalamazoo. That will also be a Frosty Friday with $2 beers. Saturday at 7:10 is Wizards and Wands, when the Nailers look to cast a spell on Fort Wayne. The first 2,500 fans that night will receive a free wizard wand. There will also be a Sorting Hat station, acceptance letters to Wizarding School, specialty jerseys, Butter Beer, Quidditch, and fans can sit with their house. Finally, Sunday at 4:10 is a Screen Time Sunday against Cincinnati, in which one lucky fan will win a free TV courtesy of Walmart.
Nailers Finish Off Iowa, 2-1
Jordan Martel Scores Winner in Third; Taylor Gauthier Stops 27
CORALVILLE, IA- The Wheeling Nailers finished off another impressive stretch of road games on Saturday night, as they went 3-1-1 in five straight tilts away from WesBanco Arena. Jordan Martel snapped a 1-1 tie at the 3:49 mark of the third period, and Taylor Gauthier made 27 saves, as Wheeling was victorious, 2-1 over the Iowa Heartlanders at Xtream Arena.
Chances were few and far between in the first period, as the two clubs combined for just 12 shots on goal. One of those rippled the mesh, as the Heartlanders tallied at the 5:18 mark. Adam Goodsir plated a pass into the slot for Jack Perbix, who stepped in and twirled a wrist shot into the right side of the cage.
The Nailers responded with a strong middle frame, as they outshot Iowa, 14-12, while scoring the tying goal. Maxim Cajkovic chipped the puck off the right wing wall to send Matt Koopman in on a 2-on-1 break. Koopman kept the puck to himself in the right circle, where he roofed a wrist shot into the top-right corner of the goal. William Provost also notched an assist for his first point in a Wheeling uniform.
As was the case in the first two games of the series, one shot decided the match, and for the second night in a row, that shot was taken by Wheeling. Tanner Laderoute carried the puck over the right side of the offensive blueline, then delivered a cross-ice feed to Jordan Martel, who smashed a one-timer into the top shelf from the left circle. The Nailers took the 2-1 score to the finish line with superb defense and goaltending.
Taylor Gauthier improved to 6-0-1 in his career against Iowa by earning his 24th victory of the season with 27 saves on 28 shots for Wheeling. Drew DeRidder stopped 22 of the 24 shots he faced in the loss for the Heartlanders.
The Nailers will begin a four-game homestand on Tuesday morning at 10:45 against the Indy Fuel in their annual Education Day Game. Wheeling will also be home on Friday at 7:10 for Ladies Night against the Kalamazoo Wings, before the highlight game of the week - Wizards & Wands on Saturday at 7:10 against the Fort Wayne Komets. The first 2,500 fans at Wizards & Wands will receive a free wizard wand. There will also be a Sorting Hat station, acceptance letters to Wizarding School, specialty jerseys, Butter Beer, Quidditch, and fans can sit with their house.
Gauthier, Nailers Work Extra Time for 1-0 Shutout Win
Justin Lee Scores Lone Goal at 2:59 of OT in Wheeling's 1,100th Victory All-Time
CORALVILLE, IA- Some nights, all it takes is one. That was the case on Saturday night at Xtream Arena, as the Wheeling Nailers and Iowa Heartlanders watched their goaltenders put on a show. Wheeling's Taylor Gauthier and Iowa's Drew DeRidder kept the contest scoreless for the duration of regulation. At the 2:59 mark of overtime, Justin Lee delivered the only tally of the night, as the Nailers earned their 1,100th win in team history with a 1-0 final score.
Wheeling's penalty kill was a big part of the story in the first period or so, as they were a man down for six of the opening 23 minutes of play, which included a four-minute kill assessed late in the opening stanza. The Nailers slowly built themselves back up after they got the job done, as they initially fell behind in shots, 20-13. The shots were 24-24 after the second, then Wheeling took control to a tune of 10-3 in the third. However, neither team was able to find the twine at that point.
With one point secured, the Nailers made sure that a second one went their way. Jordan Martel cruised from his own end all the way down the middle of the offensive blueline and into the zone. There, he dropped a pass back to Justin Lee, who curved into the high slot, and wired a wrist shot into the top-left corner of the cage to give Wheeling the 1-0 triumph. The win was the sixth for the team in overtime this season, and the club's first 1-0 victory after regulation since March 21, 2018.
Taylor Gauthier earned his fourth shutout and 23rd win of the campaign for the Nailers, as he was perfect on 27 shots. Drew DeRidder made 35 saves on 36 shots in the overtime loss for the Heartlanders.
The Nailers and Heartlanders will conclude their season series in Iowa on Saturday at 7:05. Wheeling's next home game is Education Day against the Indy Fuel on March 19th at 10:45 a.m. That will be the first of four straight home contests for the Nailers, which will also feature the next Big Six Promotional Game - Wizards & Wands on March 23rd. The first 2,500 fans at Wizards & Wands will receive a free wizard wand. There will also be acceptance letters to Wizarding School, specialty jerseys, Butter Beer, Quidditch, and more. 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.
Iowa Edges Wheeling, 3-2 in Overtime
Justin Lee & Tanner Laderoute Score Power Play Goals for Nailers
CORALVILLE, IA- The Wheeling Nailers picked up one point, but fell short on their quest for a second on Wednesday night, as they played the opening game of three straight against the Iowa Heartlanders at Xtream Arena. Ben Brinkman snapped a 2-2 tie on an odd-man rush at the 3:50 mark of overtime to lift Iowa to the 3-2 triumph. Both of the Nailers goals were scored on the power play, as Justin Lee and Tanner Laderoute turned on the red light.
The Nailers got off to an excellent start, as they controlled the play in the opening minutes, and scored the opening goal on the power play. All five players on the ice touched the puck, beginning with David Jankowski's face-off win at the start of the man advantage. The final touch of the puck came just eight seconds later, as Evan Vierling fed Justin Lee, who crushed in a one-time rocket from the left face-off dot. Iowa tied the score later in the first period with some puck luck. Pavel Novak sent a bouncing pass toward the goal, which bounced off of Evan Boucher and in for the marker.
The teams exchanged goals again in the middle frame, and did so in reverse order. The Heartlanders took the lead at the 8:26 mark, as they converted on an odd-man rush. Jonny Sorenson poked the puck out of a scrum along the wall, and sprung his team on a 2-on-1 break. Kyle Masters led the charge on the left side, and kept the puck to himself, as he wired a left circle shot off of the right post and in. With 3:44 left in the period, Wheeling drew even with a second power play strike. Matt Koopman battled his way through some traffic in the left circle, and pushed the puck toward the goal, where it was tipped home by Tanner Laderoute.
The third period saw the most shots, as the two squads combined for 23. However, neither side could snap the deadlock, which led to extra hockey. At the 3:50 mark of overtime, Iowa got an odd-man rush and collected the bonus point. Ben Brinkman carried the puck into the left circle and sniped a shot into the right side of the cage for the 3-2 home win.
Payton Jones got the victory in goal for the Heartlanders, as he thwarted 34 of the 36 shots he faced. Taylor Gauthier made 29 saves on 32 shots in the overtime defeat for the Nailers.
The Nailers and Heartlanders will play twice more in Iowa this weekend on Friday at 7:35 and Sunday at 7:05. Wheeling's next home game is Education Day against the Indy Fuel on March 19th at 10:45 a.m. That will be the first of four straight home contests for the Nailers, which will also feature the next Big Six Promotional Game - Wizards & Wands on March 23rd. The first 2,500 fans at Wizards & Wands will receive a free wizard wand. There will also be acceptance letters to Wizarding School, specialty jerseys, Butter Beer, Quidditch, and more.
Nailers Solve Komets on the Road, 4-3
Justin McRae Scores Game Winner for First Professional Goal
FORT WAYNE, IN- The Wheeling Nailers saved their best performance at Allen County War Memorial Coliseum for their final visit of the 2023-24 regular season. Wheeling earned two huge points on Saturday night, as it overcame three separate one-goal deficits to silence a crowd of 9,499 fans. The key part of the game was the beginning of the second period, when Evan Vierling tied the score, then Justin McRae delivered the game winner with his first professional goal 64 seconds later. Taylor Gauthier's 30 saves made the 4-3 score hold up for the win.
After Friday's defensive battle, the script got flipped early on Saturday, as the two teams combined for five goals in the first period. Fort Wayne struck first during a two-man advantage. Connor Corcoran clobbered a shot wide from the blueline, but the rebound exploded out to Xavier Cormier, who dunked it into the right side of the cage. The Nailers tied the score 2:17 later. Matt Koopman forced a turnover at his own blueline, and created a 2-on-1 rush in the other direction. Koopman kept the puck to himself in the right circle, and whipped a shot through Ryan Fanti's legs. The Komets regained the lead at the 9:33 mark. David Jankowski got tripped up at the offensive blueline, but play was allowed to continue. The result was Jake Chiasson swiping in a loose puck in the low slot. Wheeling did receive a power play a few minutes later, and cashed in, thanks to Isaac Belliveau. The rookie blueliner backpedaled from his left to his right, then faked a shot, before delivering a wrist shot off the bottom of the left post and in. With 2:38 to go, Xavier Bernard gave Fort Wayne its third lead of the stanza with a seeing-eye wrist shot from the left point.
The start of the middle frame belonged to the Nailers, who flipped their 3-2 deficit into a 4-3 lead in a matter of less than three minutes. At the 1:30 mark, Evan Vierling stole the puck from Corcoran, and created a breakaway for himself. Vierling made a quick stickhandle, then zipped a shot into the left side of the twine. 1:04 later, Wheeling took its first lead of the night. Justin Lee let a shot go from the middle of the blueline, and got a deflection from Justin McRae just outside of the crease for the first goal of his professional career. That marker also chased Ryan Fanti from the Komets crease.
Although there wasn't any scoring in the final 37 minutes of the contest, there were plenty of chances. However, the Nailers were bound and determined to make sure that they took a regulation win home with them, and that's exactly what they did, as they were victorious, 4-3.
Taylor Gauthier earned his league-leading 22nd win of the season for Wheeling, as he stopped 30 of the 33 shots he faced, including all 21 in the second and third periods. Ryan Fanti gave up four goals on 14 shots and received the loss for Fort Wayne, before giving way to Tyler Parks, who was 15-for-15 in relief.
The next stop on the road journey for the Nailers is Coralville, Iowa, where they will play three straight games against the Heartlanders on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, with Wednesday's opener starting at 7:35. Wheeling's next home game is Education Day against the Indy Fuel on March 19th at 10:45 a.m. That will be the first of four straight home contests for the Nailers, which will also feature the next Big Six Promotional Game - Wizards & Wands on March 23rd. The first 2,500 fans at Wizards & Wands will receive a free wizard wand. There will also be acceptance letters to Wizarding School, specialty jerseys, Butter Beer, Quidditch, and more.
Komets Win 1-0 Goalie Duel
Jack Dugan Snaps Scoreless Draw With 14:14 Left
FORT WAYNE, IN- The Wheeling Nailers did a lot of things right on Friday night at Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, as they peppered the opposition net with 40 shots, and allowed only one goal. Unfortunately, that one goal was the only one in the contest, as Jack Dugan of the Fort Wayne Komets battled the puck in at the 5:46 mark of the third period. Ryan Fanti and Taylor Gauthier were sensational in their respective creases, as Fanti recorded a 40-save shutout for Fort Wayne, while Gauthier denied 29 of 30 for Wheeling.
The Nailers did a great job of controlling the play with a 15-6 shots advantage in the first period, but neither team was able to find the back of the net. Fort Wayne began to generate more chances in the middle frame to a tune of 13-11, but the scoring drought continued.
The deadlock was finally broken at the 5:46 mark of the third period. Jack Dugan of the Komets drove down the left side of the ice, then cut toward the goal. As he charged in, the puck bounced around, and ending up rolling in over the right side of the goal line. The play was reviewed, but the marker stood, putting the home side ahead, 1-0. Wheeling put 14 shots on net in the final stanza, but was unable to net an equalizer, as Fort Wayne held on for the triumph.
Ryan Fanti earned his second shutout of the season for the Komets, as he thwarted all 40 shots he faced for the win. Taylor Gauthier turned in another great performance for the Nailers with 29 saves on 30 shots, but came up short in the decision.
The Nailers and Komets will face-off in Fort Wayne again on Saturday at 7:30, before Wheeling continues its five-game road stretch next week in Iowa. The team's next home game is Education Day against the Indy Fuel on March 19th at 10:45 a.m. That will be the first of four straight home contests for the Nailers, which will also feature the next Big Six Promotional Game - Wizards & Wands on March 23rd. The first 2,500 fans at Wizards & Wands will receive a free wizard wand. There will also be acceptance letters to Wizarding School, specialty jerseys, Butter Beer, Quidditch, and more.
Sunday Smiles, as Nailers Win, 5-1
Evan Vierling Scores Twice, as Wheeling Exacts Revenge on Cincinnati
WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers needed a big performance in front of the home crowd on Sunday afternoon, and that's exactly what they got, as they defeated the Cincinnati Cyclones, 5-1 at WesBanco Arena. Wheeling stormed out to a 3-0 lead with three goals in a span of 1:57, including the first of two in the match for Evan Vierling. David Jankowski and Maxim Cajkovic had big offensive days with three points each, while Taylor Gauthier made 30 saves.
The Nailers had an offensive surge in the middle of the first period, as they turned on the red light three times in a row. The first marker came at the 8:32 mark. Isaac Belliveau wired a shot off of the end glass, but the rebound came rocketing back to Matthew Quercia, who batted the loose puck in from the slot. Exactly one minute later, Maxim Cajkovic forced a steal, and promptly set up Evan Vierling, who drove a shot into the left side of the cage. 57 seconds later, Wheeling struck again. David Drake let a wrist shot go from the left point, and got some help from Peter Laviolette, who tipped the attempt through goaltender Talyn Boyko and in over the goal line. Cincinnati got one goal back with 4:11 to go, as Patrick Polino tipped Zach Andrusiak's initial shot inside of the left post.
After battling through a challenging week in the special teams department, the power play struck in the second period to give some padding to the advantage for the Nailers. Wheeling moved the puck around the offensive zone well, with David Jankowski ultimately setting up Vierling, who drove in a one-timer from the left circle for his second goal of the game.
The home side tacked on one more in the third period for the 5-1 final, as Tanner Laderoute set up Jankowski for a one-time bullet from the left circle on the power play.
Taylor Gauthier earned his league-leading 21st victory of the season for the Nailers, as he denied 30 of the 31 shots he faced, including all 22 in the final two periods. Talyn Boyko took the loss for the Cyclones, as he allowed five goals on 26 shots.
The Nailers will play their next five games on the road, starting in Fort Wayne on Friday and Saturday at 8:00 and 7:30 respectively. Wheeling's next home game is Education Day against the Indy Fuel on March 19th at 10:45 a.m. That will be the first of four straight home contests for the Nailers, which will also feature the next Big Six Promotional Game - Wizards & Wands on March 23rd.
Shorthanded Nailers Fall in Fort Wayne
Tanner Laderoute Reaches 20-Goal Plateau in 12th Multi-Point Game
FORT WAYNE, IN- The Wheeling Nailers showed plenty of heart on Saturday night, as they skated into Allen County War Memorial Coliseum two players short for a tussle against the Fort Wayne Komets. Wheeling found the back of the net four times. Unfortunately, the Komets got huge offensive performances from two players, as Ethan De Jong netted a hat trick to go along with three assists, while Jack Dugan registered two goals and three assists. Fort Wayne was victorious, 7-4 on home ice, as four teams are now within five points of each other in the Central Division playoff race.
The first period was wide open, as the two teams combined for three goals on 33 total shots. Wheeling was first to get on the board at the 11:34 mark. Matthew Quercia grabbed a loose puck in the right corner of the offensive zone, then cruised all the way back to the blueline, where he slid a wrist shot on goal. Tyler Parks made a right pad save, but the rebound was immediately punched home by David Jankowski on the left side of the crease. Two minutes later, the Komets pulled even on the power play. Jack Dugan tossed a shot on goal from the right circle, which set off a scramble around the crease. Ture Linden took a swat at the loose puck and connected for the equalizer. 51 seconds after that, Fort Wayne took the lead. Xavier Cormier centered a pass to Ethan De Jong, who cruised through the low slot and powered his opportunity through goaltender Christian Propp.
The scoring opened up even more in the middle frame, as both squads turned on the red light twice. The Komets converted on a two-man advantage to push their lead to 3-1 at the 3:24 mark. De Jong and Alexis D'Aoust exchanged passes, with De Jong ultimately getting the final feed beneath the left circle, where he turned and whipped in a wrist shot. The Nailers battled back with consecutive strikes to temporarily pull even. Peter Laviolette stole the puck from Fort Wayne netminder Tyler Parks, then set up Tanner Laderoute, who swept in a shot from the inner edge of the right circle for a 3-2 score. Then, Jarrett Lee tallied for the second straight night, when he deposited the rebound of Justin Lee's shot inside of the right post. Unfortunately, the deadlock only lasted for 13 seconds before the Komets went back on top. Cormier's initial pass bounced its way to De Jong, who stepped up and completed his hat trick by blazing in a shot from the left side of the slot.
Fort Wayne extended its edge in the early stages of the third period. Dugan notched his first of the evening with a wrist shot from the right circle, and Ethan Keppen followed that with a shorthanded breakaway, as he roofed a backhander into the top-right corner. Isaac Belliveau tallied one more for Wheeling with a one-timer from the right point, before Dugan put the finishing touches on the 7-4 score with an empty netter for the Komets.
Tyler Parks started the game for Fort Wayne, and made 21 saves on 24 shots, before leaving the game in favor of Ryan Fanti, who got the win by turning away 11 of 12 shots. Christian Propp turned aside 24 of the 30 attempts he faced in his professional debut.
The Nailers will return home Sunday afternoon for a 4:10 game against the Cincinnati Cyclones. That game will be Faith & Family Day, which will feature a pregame faith presentation with players. One lucky fan will also win a free TV courtesy of Walmart, fans can skate with even-numbered players after the game, and $2 sundaes will be available for kids at Flurry's. The next Big Six Promotional Game is Wizards & Wands on Saturday, March 23rd.
Cyclones Squeeze Out Win With Third Period Goal
Jarrett Lee Tallies Lone Wheeling Marker
CINCINNATI, OH- Friday night's game between the Wheeling Nailers and Cincinnati Cyclones at Heritage Bank Center came down to one shot. Unfortunately, that shot went Cincinnati's way on a third period power play. Zach Berzolla delivered the 2-1 win for the Cyclones with 11:09 to go in the contest. Jarrett Lee netted the lone goal for Wheeling, while Taylor Gauthier and Talyn Boyko were both stellar between the pipes.
Neither team was able to find the back of the net in the first 27 minutes of play, as defense and goaltending put forth strong efforts. The deadlock was broken at the 7:32 mark of the middle frame. Cincinnati blocked a clearing attempt by the Nailers, and eventually had Patrick Polino tee up Zack Andrusiak, who blasted in a one-timer from the outer edge of the right circle. Wheeling responded with 3:41 remaining. Although the Nailers came up empty on a power play, they kept the offensive zone pressure going. Justin Lee drilled a one-timer on goal from the center point, which created a rebound for Jarrett Lee to flip into the top of the twine.
With 11:09 to go in the third, the Cyclones capitalized on just their second power play of the night to take the lead. Nick Isaacson scraped the puck off of the left corner wall and delivered a pass into the circle, where Zach Berzolla threaded in a wrist shot. Wheeling recorded five of its six shots in the third period after falling behind, but was unable to comeback, as Cincinnati held on for the 2-1 win.
Talyn Boyko returned to the crease to collect the victory for the Cyclones, as he made 26 saves on 27 shots. Taylor Gauthier stopped 22 of the 24 shots he faced in the defeat for the Nailers.
The Nailers will travel to Fort Wayne, where they will face the Komets on Saturday at 7:35. Wheeling will return home on Sunday afternoon for a 4:10 tilt against Cincinnati. That will be Faith & Family Night, which will feature a pregame faith presentation with players. One lucky fan will also win a free TV courtesy of Walmart, fans can skate with even-numbered players after the game, and $2 sundaes will be available for kids at Flurry's. The next Big Six Promotional Game is Wizards & Wands on Saturday, March 23rd.
Maier's Shutout Spoils Wheeling's Bid at Season Sweep
Nailers Pour 42 Shots on Goal in Final Trip to Reading
READING, PA- The Wheeling Nailers threw the kitchen sink at the net on Wednesday night at Santander Arena, but the game belonged to Reading Royals goaltender Nolan Maier. The second year netminder stopped all 42 Wheeling shots, while his teammates scored two power play goals and two even strength markers for a 4-0 victory. That was the lone win for Reading against the Nailers in nine head-to-head meetings this season.
The lone goal of the first period was scored by Reading with one second remaining on a power play. Mason Millman directed a shot toward the goal from the point, which set off a scramble for the rebound. Ryan Cox pushed the puck to Shane Sellar, who swatted in the marker from the top of the crease.
The Royals added to their lead with two goals in a span of 15 seconds during the middle frame. The 2-0 goal came during a power play, after Justin Lee and Devon Paliani threw down the gloves. Taylor Gauthier made a plethora of ten-bell saves during the penalty kill, but eventually, Ryan Cox touched in a loose puck amid the chaos. Justin Michaelian followed that by roofing a wrist shot from the slot and into the top-left corner.
Mason Millman tacked on one more for the home side, as his wrist shot from the blueline flew into the top-left corner of the cage. Wheeling pushed hard to get the zero off of the scoreboard, but was unsuccessful on 15 attempts in the third, as Reading collected the 4-0 win.
Nolan Maier earned his second shutout of the season for the Royals, as he thwarted all 42 shots he faced. Taylor Gauthier suffered the defeat for the Nailers, as he made 19 saves on 23 shots.
The Nailers will travel in the other direction when they head back out on the road on Friday for a 7:35 game against Cincinnati. Wheeling will also be in enemy territory on Saturday for a 7:30 tilt against Fort Wayne. The weekend will conclude at WesBanco Arena on Sunday afternoon at 4:10 against Cincinnati. That will be Faith & Family Night, which will feature a pregame faith presentation with players. One lucky fan will also win a free TV courtesy of Walmart, fans can skate with even-numbered players after the game, and $2 sundaes will be available for kids at Flurry's. The next Big Six Promotional Game is Wizards & Wands on Saturday, March 23rd.
Wings Gain Split in Weekend Pair at Wheeling
Isaac Belliveau Scores Twice for Nailers
WHEELING, WV- Strong starts tend to carry extra significance in Sunday games, and in this particular contest, it was the Kalamazoo Wings who started well with three goals in the first period. The Wheeling Nailers tried to battle back with Isaac Belliveau's two tallies in the third, but visiting Kalamazoo prevailed, 5-3 at WesBanco Arena.
Kalamazoo came out strong in the first period, as the visitors took ten of the game's first 12 shots, and converted on two of them. The opening tally came at the 3:05 mark. Collin Adams took a shot from the slot, which got tipped by Luke Morgan to send the attempt tumbling into the right side of the cage. 3:08 later, the Wings struck with the man advantage. Derek Daschke slid a pass over to Jacob Nordqvist in the left circle, where he drilled a one-timer into the right side of the goal. Wheeling had a quick answer, as it temporarily pulled within one. Evan Vierling led the way during a 4-on-4 sequence, as he sped down the left side of the ice, then delivered a pass into the slot for Jordan Martel, who buried his shot into the right side of the twine. Kalamazoo reestablished its two-goal edge with 6:57 left, when Erik Bradford zipped in a wrist shot from the right circle.
The Wings added to their lead with a power play goal in the middle frame. Michael Joyeaux swept a pass over to Josh Passolt, who slammed in a one-timer from the right face-off dot.
The Nailers attempted to claw back in the third period, as they netted a pair of markers to trim the margin to one. Both came off of Isaac Belliveau's stick, as he wired in a wrist shot from the top of the left circle at the 12:05 mark, then slid a shot in along the ice with 3:48 to go. Unfortunately, a tying goal didn't materialize, and Passolt added his second of the tilt for a 5-3 final in Kalamazoo's favor.
Hunter Vorva earned his seventh straight win for the Wings, as he made 28 saves on 31 shots. Taylor Gauthier suffered the defeat for Wheeling, as he turned away 22 of the 26 shots he faced.
The Nailers will begin the coming week with three straight road games, with the first one being played in Reading on Wednesday at 7:00. Wheeling will then wrap up the week with a Sunday home contest at 4:10 against Cincinnati. In addition to the traditional Screen Time Sunday, post game skate (odd-numbered players), and Sundae Sunday, there will be a pregame presentation for Faith & Family Night. The next Big Six Promotional Game is Wizards & Wands on Saturday, March 23rd.
Yee-Haw! Nailers Gallop Past Wings on Country Night
Gauthier Earns 20th Win, While Power Play Scores Twice
WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers played a smart and disciplined game on Saturday night, while also cashing in on their biggest opportunity of the contest, as they gave 3,151 fans a 2-1 victory to celebrate against the Kalamazoo Wings at WesBanco Arena. Taylor Gauthier backstopped his 20th win of the campaign with 23 saves, while Justin Lee and Jordan Frasca both tallied on the power play. Wheeling didn't spend a single second on the penalty kill.
Defense and goaltending were the names of the game for the first 37 minutes of action, as neither side was able to turn on the red light. That changed in the closing minutes of the second period, when Kalamazoo took three straight penalties, and the Nailers cashed in twice during a pair of 5-on-3's. Justin Lee put the home squad on the board with 2:21 remaining, when he stepped into the left circle and whipped a wrist shot into the right side of the cage. 1:11 later, Jordan Frasca battled his way into the low slot, where he shuffled David Jankowski's one-time feed through goaltender Jonathan Lemieux's legs. Evan Vierling assisted on both markers in his return to the lineup.
Kalamazoo spoiled the shutout bid in the final minute of the contest, as Collin Adams swatted in a loose puck on the left side of the slot, while Brad Morrison went sliding into the crease. The Nailers buttoned things up in the closing seconds to preserve the 2-1 win.
Taylor Gauthier earned the 14th season of at least 20 wins for a Wheeling netminder, and the first since 2015-16, as he denied 23 of the 24 shots he faced. Jonathan Lemieux took the loss for the Wings, despite a busy evening of 37 saves on 39 shots.
The Nailers and Wings will finish off the weekend on Sunday afternoon at 4:10. That game is a Screen Time 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 ice cream sundaes will be available for kids at Flurry's. The next Big Six Promotional Game is Wizards & Wands on Saturday, March 23rd.
Nailers Win the Fight, but Komets Win the Game
Boomhower Defeats Amesbury in Heavyweight Tussle
WHEELING, WV- Friday night featured a lot of different emotions at WesBanco Arena, as the Wheeling Nailers tangled with the Fort Wayne Komets. The home crowd was ecstatic early on, as Shaw Boomhower beat Daniel Amesbury in a fight and the Nailers built a 2-0 lead. However, those feelings turned the other way in the third period, as the Komets scored a power play goal with 8:33 to go, and ultimately went on to the 5-3 road victory. Tanner Laderoute, Matthew Quercia, and Sebastian Dirven were the Wheeling goal scorers.
There was tons of action in the first period, which started with the main event - a fight between Shaw Boomhower and Daniel Amesbury. Both players fired the rights, and Boomhower ended up with the victory. That gave Wheeling loads of energy, and the home team opened the scoring 47 seconds later. Jordan Frasca sent the puck toward the crease, where Tanner Laderoute got a redirection to touch it into the right side of the cage. The Nailers struck again at the 8:43 mark, when Matthew Quercia cut across the high slot, and roofed a wrist shot against the grain, into the top-right corner of the goal. Fort Wayne answered back with two strikes in a span of 22 seconds. Marc-Antoine Pepin tipped in a netmouth feed from Jake Chiasson, then Jack Dugan wound a forehand shot around Jaxon Castor's right pad, after flying down the left side of the ice.
Both teams found the twine in the middle frame, and they did so in reverse order from the first. Alexis D'Aoust put the Komets in the lead at the 8:28 mark, when he crashed down the middle of the offensive zone and willed the puck in on the right side. Wheeling answered with 4:25 to go. After playing 15 straight games at forward, Sebastian Dirven returned to the blueline, and brought that offensive touch with him, as he saucered in a wrist shot from the top of the left circle.
During a stoppage with 10:15 remaining, Shaw Boomhower received a minor penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct, which gave Fort Wayne a surprising power play, given the fact that the score was tied with little time left on the clock. The Komets converted on their chance, as Jordan De Jong popped in a wrist shot from the right circle put his squad in front. The Nailers got a power play of their own with 1:35 left, but Nolan Volcan's shorthanded empty netter put the finishing touches on a 5-3 decision for Fort Wayne.
Tyler Parks got the win for the Komets, as he made 25 saves on 28 shots. Jaxon Castor suffered the defeat for Wheeling, as he stopped 21 of the 25 shots he faced.
The Nailers will continue their three-game homestand on Saturday night, when they welcome the Kalamazoo Wings to town for a 7:10 contest. The promotion is Country Night, highlighted by Jason Michael Carroll's post game concert. Wheeling and Kalamazoo will also do battle on Sunday at 4:10. That game will feature a Screen Time Sunday in which one lucky fan will win a free TV courtesy of Walmart, a post game skate with even-numbered players, and $2 sundaes will be available for kids at Flurry's. 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 Grab Finale Against Grizzlies, 4-2
Peter Laviolette Scores Twice, Including Eventual Winner
WEST VALLEY CITY, UT- Despite playing one man short in back-to-back contests, the Wheeling Nailers were able to take a win home with them from Utah. Peter Laviolette notched his third career two-goal game on Monday afternoon, and was joined in the goal column by Justin Lee and Tanner Laderoute, as the Nailers grabbed a 4-2 victory over the Utah Grizzlies. Wheeling has now earned a win in 27 different states all-time.
The Nailers had their best start to a game in the series, as they rushed out to a 2-0 first period lead. The first goal came just 97 seconds into the match. Michael McChesney directed a shot on goal from the left circle, which was padded away. However, the rebound kicked out to Peter Laviolette, who bumped the puck from his skate to his stick, and swiped the puck into the left side of the cage. With 6:54 remaining, David Jankowski won an offensive zone face-off to Justin Lee, who skated down the left wall and roofed a wrist shot into the top-right corner.
Both teams tickled the twine in the middle frame, as Wheeling maintained its two-goal advantage. The lead temporarily became three at the 7:47 mark. McChesney swiveled a pass into the low slot, which tipped off of Sebastian Dirven and landed on Laviolette's tape, as he swatted home his second of the contest. Utah got on the board with just over 12 seconds to go, when Mick Messner tossed in a wrist shot from the right circle.
No momentum was gained off of the late period strike, and the Nailers turned on the red light for a fourth time with their lone man advantage of the day. Justin Lee drove a laser of a one-timer on goal, which was stopped, but Tanner Laderoute instantly pounded in the rebound. Alex Beaucage tallied in the final minute for the Grizzlies with a wrist shot in the right circle, but Wheeling had already done its damage in the 4-2 road triumph.
Taylor Gauthier secured the win for the Nailers, as he thwarted 22 of the 24 shots he faced. Arvid Holm took the loss for Utah, as he made 30 saves on 34 shots.
The Nailers will begin a three-game homestand this weekend with a Frosty Friday against the Fort Wayne Komets at 7:10. Then, Saturday is Country Night, featuring a post game concert by Jason Michael Carroll presented by Generations, after Wheeling battles Kalamazoo at 7:10. The Nailers and Wings will clash once more on Sunday at 4:10. That game will be a Screen Time Sunday, there will be a post game skate with even-numbered players, and $2 kids sundaes at Flurry's. 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 Drop 2-1 Heartbreaker in Utah
Grizzlies Score Deciding Goal iin Closing Seconds of Second Period
WEST VALLEY CITY, UT- The Wheeling Nailers played their hearts out on Saturday night at Maverik Center, but unfortunately, their hearts were yanked out of their chests on a late second period goal by the Utah Grizzlies. Brett Stapley scored with 2.3 seconds remaining in the middle stanza to give Utah a 2-1 win, despite a 33-21 shots advantage in Wheeling's favor. Tanner Laderoute netted the lone goal for the Nailers.
Both teams put a tally on the board in the first period, which also saw an early fight win by Shaw Boomhower against Jordon Stone. Utah was first to strike at the 8:59 mark. Aaron Aragon worked the puck up to Kyle Mayhew, who let a wrist shot go from the middle of the blueline. Tyler Penner tipped the attempt down and to the right to collect the goal. Wheeling argued that the goal should not have counted due to Utah goaltender Arvid Holm dislodging his net earlier in the shift without a stoppage. The Nailers bounced back with an equalizer 2:16 later. Louie Roehl stepped into the slot with a wrist shot that whizzed wide to the left. The shot was so powerful that the end board rebound kicked out to Tanner Laderoute, who slid the puck over the right side of the goal line.
The score stayed even until the closing seconds of the middle frame, when the Grizzlies pulled off some late magic to retake the lead. Utah won a defensive zone face-off and rimmed the puck around the left boards, where Brandon Cutler chased the play down. Cutler dropped a pass into the slot, which hopped off of Mick Messner and went to Brett Stapley, who wired a wrist shot into the left side of the cage with 2.3 seconds on the clock.
The Nailers poured everything they had on the Grizzlies in the third period, as they outshot the host squad, 13-1. Unfortunately, a tying goal wasn't in the cards, as Utah held on for the 2-1 decision.
Arvid Holm played the first 68 games of his pro career in the AHL, before winning his ECHL debut by stopping 32 of the 33 shots he faced for the Grizzlies. Jaxon Castor made 19 saves on 21 shots in the defeat for Wheeling.
The Nailers and Grizzlies will have Sunday off, before returning to the ice to conclude their series in Utah on Monday at 5:10. Wheeling's next homestand will take place on February 23rd, 24th, and 25th. The highlight game of the weekend will be Country Night on Saturday the 24th, which features a post game concert by Jason Michael Carroll presented by Generations. 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.
Utah Snaps Wheeling's Winning Streak in Series Opener
Nailers Get Both Goals From Defensemen
WEST VALLEY CITY, UT- The Wheeling Nailers would have loved to have seen their record-tying winning streak last forever, but unfortunately, it came to an end on Friday night in the opening match of a three-game series against the Utah Grizzlies at Maverick Center. Utah's Cole Gallant snapped a 2-2 tie with a goal right after a power play expired, and the Grizzlies added an empty netter for the 4-2 home ice win. Wheeling got both of its markers from defensemen, as Isaac Belliveau and Louie Roehl found the back of the net, while Taylor Gauthier made a season-high 39 saves.
The Grizzlies opened the scoring with a pair of goals in the back half of the first period. The first strike came during a four-minute power play. Mick Messner dug the puck out of a scrum along the right corner boards and centered a pass to Nathan Burke, who stepped into the slot and buried a one-timer into the left side of the cage. With 2:26 remaining, Utah capitalized on a Wheeling turnover, and Brett Stapley was the beneficiary, as he found himself open between the hashmarks, where he flipped a shot into the left side of the net.
The Nailers rebounded with a strong middle frame, as they held a 12-10 advantage in shots, and two of those turned on the red light. Isaac Belliveau put Wheeling on the board at the 3:24 mark, when he launched a wrist shot from the blueline, which flew into the top-left corner of the twine. The Nailers then pulled even just before the midway mark, following a terrific effort on the rush by Shaw Boomhower. The puck got kicked around in the low slot, and eventually found Louie Roehl, who instantly spun a backhander along the ice and through Dante Giannuzzi's legs.
Utah applied all sorts of pressure in the third period with 20 shots on goal, and at the 6:50 mark, the home side regained the lead less than one second after a Nailers penalty had expired. Cole Gallant took a wrist shot from the top of the right circle, and picked his spot in the top-left corner of the cage. Wheeling had to kill one more penalty in the final five minutes, which limited its time to mount a comeback, and with 28 seconds to go, Brandon Cutler iced the 4-2 Grizzlies win with an empty netter.
Dante Giannuzzi collected the victory for Utah, as he turned away 29 of the 31 shots he faced. Taylor Gauthier made a season-high 39 saves on 42 shots in the defeat for the Nailers.
The Nailers and Grizzlies will continue their three-game series in Utah on Saturday at 9:10. Wheeling's next homestand will take place on February 23rd, 24th, and 25th. The highlight game of the weekend will be Country Night on Saturday the 24th, which features a post game concert by Jason Michael Carroll presented by Generations. 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 Tie Team Record With 12th Straight Triumph
Jordan Martel Nets Second Hat Trick & Taylor Gauthier Perfect on 25 Shots
WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers continue to play some of their best hockey, and on Saturday night, they put themselves into the history books. The Nailers blanked the Reading Royals, 3-0 at WesBanco Arena to earn their 12th consecutive victory, which matches the all-time record set by the 2003-04 team. Jordan Martel netted all three goals for Wheeling and Taylor Gauthier earned the shutout with a 25-save performance. The win was also Derek Army's 100th as head coach of the Nailers.
The two squads played to a scoreless first period for the second straight night, with a 12-8 shots advantage in Wheeling's favor. The deadlock didn't last long into the middle frame, as the Nailers needed just 29 seconds to strike on the power play. Justin Addamo swept a loose puck back to Jordan Martel at the top of the left circle. Martel dangled his way in deep, then flipped a backhander into the cage. The second period also featured a fight, as Matthew Quercia dropped the gloves with Koletrane Wilson.
The Nailers tacked on two more goals in the third, and both came from the same player. At the 4:51 mark, Tanner Laderoute dished a pass into the slot for Martel, who whipped a wrist shot into the left side of the twine. 1:14 later, Martel completed the scoring by finishing off his natural hat trick, as he sniped a wrist shot from the right circle into the top-left corner for the 3-0 final score.
Taylor Gauthier became the second Wheeling goaltender ever to win nine straight starts, and he earned his third shutout of the campaign, as he denied all 25 shots he faced. Anson Thornton took the loss in his debut with Reading, as he made 31 saves on 34 shots.
The Nailers will take their first ever trip to Utah for a three-game series against the Grizzlies, with the first game taking place on Friday at 9:10. Wheeling's next homestand will take place on February 23rd, 24th, and 25th. The highlight game of the weekend will be Country Night on Saturday the 24th, which features a post game concert by Jason Michael Carroll presented by Generations. he Wheeling Nailers, considered one of the top things to do in Wheeling, West Virginia, provide affordable family entertainment for fans throughout the Ohio Valley.
Addamo's OT Magic Brings Win Streak to 11
Peter Laviolette III Scores & Fights, as His Team Ties His Dad's in History Books
WHEELING, WV- Friday night was another dramatic, yet thrilling game at WesBanco Arena, and for the 11th time in a row, the Wheeling Nailers made their way into the win column. A defensive battle resulted in a 1-1 tie in regulation, before Justin Addamo potted his second overtime winner of the season to give the Nailers the 2-1 triumph. The 11-game winning streak matches the 1997-98 team for the second longest in club history, and is one behind the 2003-04 team, who set the all-time record with 12.
The two sides played to a scoreless draw in the first period with 12 total shots on goal. Wheeling got on the board first at the 7:32 mark of the middle frame. David Jankowski sent the puck toward the goal and ended up creating a rebound, which was stashed in by Peter Laviolette from the right side of the crease. Laviolette had a busy stanza for the Nailers, as he also threw down the gloves with Steven Leonard, after Laviolette laid out Nick Fea with a huge hit. The Royals pulled even with 2:44 to go, when Tyson Fawcett was awarded a penalty shot for being pulled down on a scoring chance. Fawcett converted on the penalty shot, as he curved from left to right and lifted a forehand shot into the upper portion of the cage.
The only period that Wheeling was outshot was the third, but strong defense and goaltending limited the quality of the chances to force overtime with a 1-1 deadlock.
The Nailers faced their largest challenge at the end of regulation and at the start of OT, as Reading received a power play, and 1:21 of it was played as a 4-on-3. However, Wheeling got the job done, which set the stage for another dramatic victory. At the 3:21 mark, Justin Addamo forced his way into the right side of the slot, and lifted a backhander into the top-right corner of the net to deliver the 2-1 win.
Taylor Gauthier earned his eighth straight win in goal for the Nailers, as he blocked away 23 of the 24 shots he faced, including all 13 in the third period and overtime. Nolan Maier received the overtime loss for the Royals, as he made 33 saves on 35 shots.
The Nailers and Royals will do battle again on Pittsburgh Penguins Night Saturday at 7:10. Fans will have the opportunity to meet two-time Stanley Cup Champion Trevor Daley, there will be a commemorative puck giveaway, a full team post game autograph session, specialty jerseys, plus mascots Iceburgh and Tux will be visiting. 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.
Win Streak Reaches Double Digits in Morning Triumph
Jordan Martel Scores Twice in Third for 3-1 Victory at Reading
WHEELING, WV- The time of day may have been different, but the end result was the same for the Wheeling Nailers, as they earned their tenth consecutive victory with a 3-1 result on Tuesday morning against the Reading Royals at Santander Arena. Jordan Martel broke a 1-1 deadlock with two goals in the third period, which gives him seven tallies in four head-to-head match-ups. Jaxon Castor made 25 saves for his sixth win in a row. Wheeling's ten-game winning streak is one shy of the second longest in team history, and the seven straight road wins are one shy of the team record, which has been achieved twice.
The first period nearly went by without a goal, but that changed with just over five seconds left on the clock, as the Royals capitalized on a neutral zone turnover by Wheeling. Jake Bricknell led the charge on a 2-on-1 break into the offensive zone, then dished a pass over to Tyson Fawcett, who wired in a one-timer from the left circle.
The Nailers battled back to even the score with 3:35 to go in the middle frame. David Drake gathered in a Reading dump-in, then launched a stretch pass to the opposite blueline, where Dillon Hamaliuk picked up the feed in stride. Hamaliuk skated into the left circle, where he drove a shot into the top-left corner of the cage.
Wheeling carried the momentum of the tying marker into the third period, and proceeded to outshoot the Royals, 14-6. With that came two goals. The go-ahead strike came at the 6:13 mark. Drake delivered a perfect pass from the left point to the top-right corner of the crease, where Jordan Martel put his stick down, and tipped the puck into the goal. Martel turned on the red light again with 8:50 remaining, when he outwaited goaltender Nolan Maier and dribbled a shot in over the line with Dillon Hamaliuk crashing the net. The Nailers killed a late penalty to preserve the 3-1 final score.
Jaxon Castor earned his sixth straight win for Wheeling, as he denied 25 of the 26 shots he faced. Nolan Maier took the loss for Reading, as he made 27 saves on 30 shots.
The Nailers and Royals will travel to Wheeling for two games this weekend on Friday and Saturday, with both contests starting at 7:10. Friday's game is a Frosty Friday featuring $2 beers. Saturday is the next Big Six Promotional Game - Pittsburgh Penguins Night. Fans will have the opportunity to meet two-time Stanley Cup Champion Trevor Daley, there will be a full team post game autograph session, mascots Iceburgh and Tux will be on hand, there will be a commemorative puck giveaway, and the team will be wearing specialty jerseys. 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 on Cloud Nine After Comeback Win
Wheeling Erases Three-Goal Deficit for Ninth Consecutive Victory
WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers continue to win games in amazing fashion, and Sunday afternoon's ninth straight triumph may have been one of the most improbable. Wheeling trailed the Orlando Solar Bears 3-0 with 18:59 remaining in the third period, before rallying back with three goals to force overtime. Tanner Laderoute tied the match with 1:39 left, then scored the game winner at the 1:46 mark of the extra session. The nine-game winning streak remains the third longest in team history.
The Solar Bears recorded the lone tally in the opening stanza, as they converted on their first power play in a matter of eight seconds. Jesse Jacques received a pass from Darik Angeli along the goal line, then immediately delivered a feed of his own to Mitchell Hoelscher, who zipped in a one-timer from the left face-off dot.
Wheeling spent a good portion of the second period on the penalty kill, and was able to keep the deficit at one for the most part. However, with 1:27 remaining, Orlando added to its lead with a man advantage marker. Aaron Luchuk teed up Jérémie Biakabatuka, who drilled a laser of a one-timer into the left side of the cage.
Mitchell Hoelscher collected another power play strike for the Solar Bears, as he tapped in a Jesse Jacques feed on the right side of the crease 1:01 into the third. Nine seconds later, the Nailers started their comeback. Thimo Nickl smashed a shot on goal that produced a huge rebound in the low slot. Matthew Quercia dove in and deposited the loose puck to put his club on the board. Step two of the comeback came at the 6:54 mark. Justin Addamo lofted a shot over the cage, but Jordan Martel quickly gathered the puck and set up Lukas Svejkovsky for the snipe from the slot. After seven straight trips to the penalty kill, Wheeling received three straight power plays, and the third one was the charm, as the equalizer came with 1:39 left on the third period clock. Cédric Desruisseaux trickled a pass through the top of the crease to Tanner Laderoute, who took a couple of whacks at the puck and ultimately cashed in for a 3-3 deadlock.
The fans didn't have to wait very long to cheer again, as the Nailers took 1:46 to win the game in overtime. Laderoute stole the puck in the left circle, looked over his options, then decided shooting was the best choice. He was correct, as he roofed a wrist shot into the top-right corner and set off the celebration.
Taylor Gauthier snagged his seventh straight win in goal for Wheeling, as he blocked away 22 of the 25 shots he faced. Brandon Halverson took the overtime loss for Orlando, as he made 25 saves on 29 shots.
The Nailers will visit the Reading Royals on Tuesday morning at 10:30, before returning home for two more contests against the Royals on Friday and Saturday at 7:10. Friday's game is a Frosty Friday featuring $2 beers. Saturday is the next Big Six Promotional Game - Pittsburgh Penguins Night. Fans will have the opportunity to meet two-time Stanley Cup Champion Trevor Daley, there will be a full team post game autograph session, mascots Iceburgh and Tux will be on hand, there will be a commemorative puck giveaway, and the team will be wearing specialty jerseys. 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 it Eight Straight in OT
Justin Addamo Starts & Finishes Comeback Win
WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers have shown their resiliency during the past few weeks, and on Saturday night, they were down, but not out against the Orlando Solar Bears. Wheeling trailed 3-1 in the second period, before Justin Addamo and Matt Koopman scored to force overtime. Addamo was the hero in the extra session, as he slipped in a power play goal to deliver the 4-3 triumph for the Nailers. The win was Wheeling's eighth in a row, which is good for the third longest winning streak in team history.
Both teams got on the scoreboard in the first period, while the Nailers held an 11-7 advantage in shots. Orlando picked up the opening tally at the 8:20 mark. Avery Winslow took a hit to move the puck ahead to Tanner Schachle for a rush into the offensive zone. Schachle slipped a pass through to Brayden Low, who faked to his backhand to shovel in the goal. Wheeling answered 3:24 later. Matthew Quercia hustled in off of the rush, then dropped a pass off to Jordan Martel in the left circle. Martel stepped in and wired a bullet of a wrist shot into the top-right corner of the cage.
The early part of the second period was controlled by the Solar Bears, who potted a pair of markers to go ahead by two. At the 5:47 mark, Zachary Massicotte tossed a shot into the pile, which bounced off of Darik Angeli and to over to Aaron Luchuk, who deposited the puck into the open right side of the twine. Two seconds after a power play had expired, Low collected his second of the night from just outside of the crease, as he redirected an initial attempt by Ryan Cox. The Nailers got some good energy to end the frame, as they pulled within one. Justin Addamo forced a turnover in the center circle, then finished the play with a wrist shot in the slot, following passes by Tanner Laderoute and Cédric Desruisseaux.
The energy carried into the third period, and with 8:56 to go, Wheeling tied the game. Laderoute swept the puck around to Matt Koopman, who curled into the left circle, then banged a wrist shot off of the right post and in. The Nailers had to do some extra work to ensure themselves of at least one point, but they succeeded in killing a penalty with 5:57 left on the clock, and ultimately forced overtime.
The extra session got decided in Wheeling's favor, starting with Lukas Svejkovsky drawing a penalty with a dazzling move to the goal. The Nailers called a timeout, and needed just ten seconds of power play time to end the match. Svejkovsky laid a pass to Justin Addamo, who dragged the puck to his forehand and stuffed home the winner, as Wheeling was victorious, 4-3.
Jaxon Castor earned his fifth straight win for the Nailers, as he thwarted 22 of the 25 shots he faced. Evan Fitzpatrick took the overtime loss for Orlando, as he made 29 saves on 33 shots.
The Nailers and Solar Bears will wrap up their weekend series in Wheeling on Sunday at 4:10. That game will be a Screen Time Sunday, in which one lucky fan will win a free TV courtesy of Walmart. Additionally, odd-numbered players will be skating with fans after the game, and $2 ice cream sundaes will be available at Flurry's. The next Big Six Promotional Game is Pittsburgh Penguins Night on February 10th, starring two-time Stanley Cup Champion Trevor Daley. There will also be specialty jerseys, a commemorative puck giveaway, a full team post game autograph session, and more.
Nailers Return Home With Seventh Straight Victory
Wheeling Starts Strong With Three-Goal First and Wins By One
WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers were excited to return home on Friday night, and they gave the local crowd a great taste of their recent success, as they collected their seventh straight win. Wheeling stormed out to a 4-0 lead on goals by four different players, then held on for the 4-3 end result. David Drake's goal at the 3:30 mark of the second period ended up being the difference, while Tanner Laderoute, Cédric Desruisseaux, and Matt Koopman also turned on the red light. This is the sixth time all-time that the Nailers have earned seven wins in a row.
The Nailers started their homestand in dynamic fashion, as they exploded for three goals in the first period. The first one came just 53 seconds into the action. Matthew Quercia entered the offensive zone, then slid a pass over to Davis Bunz, who let a wrist shot go from the right point. Tanner Laderoute got a piece of the attempt to redirect it into the cage. Wheeling's next goal came at the 11:31 mark. Justin Addamo blocked a shot, and proceeded to send Cédric Desruisseaux speeding the other way. Desruisseaux flew down the right side of the ice, then whipped a wrist shot into the left side of the goal. 3:06 after that, Matt Koopman struck with a highlight reel shorthanded tally. Koopman broke in behind the defense, and lifted a shot into the top-right corner of the net with just one hand on his stick.
David Drake added to the advantage for the Nailers at the 3:30 mark of the middle frame. The blueliner stickhandled the puck through his own legs, then floated a shot, which found its way through Brandon Halverson and in. Orlando battled back with two goals in a span of 1:56 in the final five minutes of the period, as the margin became two. Tanner Dickinson lifted in the rebound of Aaron Luchuk's shot on the left side of the crease, then Luchuk set up Darik Angeli on a 2-on-1 break, which Angeli buried from the right side of the slot.
The two-goal lead remained until the final minute of the contest, when the Solar Bears' Jesse Jacques blasted in a one-timer from the top of the left circle to make the score 4-3. Wheeling shut the door in the closing 38 seconds to preserve its second one-goal win in regulation this season.
Taylor Gauthier earned his sixth consecutive victory in goal for the Nailers, as blocked away 22 of the 25 shots he faced. Former Nailer Brandon Halverson took the loss in his return to Wheeling with Orlando, as he made 28 saves on 32 shots.
The Nailers and Solar Bears will continue their weekend series in Wheeling on Saturday night at 7:10 with the annual Pups & Pucks Game. Fans can purchase tickets to bring their dogs to the game, and there will be a special appearance by Clifford the Big Red Dog, courtesy of West Virginia Public Broadcasting. The series finale is Sunday at 4:10, in which one fan will win a free TV thanks to Walmart, odd-numbered players will skate with fans after the games, and $2 ice cream sundaes will be available for kids at Flurry's. The next Big Six Promotional Game is Pittsburgh Penguins Night on February 10th, starring two-time Stanley Cup Champion Trevor Daley. There will also be specialty jerseys, a commemorative puck giveaway, a full team post game autograph session, and more.
Nailers Complete Perfect Road Stretch in Cincinnati
Wheeling Lights the Lamp Six Times in Sixth Straight Victory
CINCINNATI, OH- The Wheeling Nailers made history on Wednesday night, as they completed their first perfect six-game road stretch in team history, and they did so in comeback fashion against the Cincinnati Cyclones at Heritage Bank Center. Wheeling fell behind 2-0, but stormed back to score six of the game's final seven goals to grab the 6-3 victory. Isaac Belliveau led the way with two goals, while four other players posted multi-point performances. The Nailers poured in 27 goals in the final four games of the road stretch and 34 during the current six-game winning streak.
The Cyclones scored a pair of transition goals in the first period, before the Nailers got on the board, as the home side took a 2-1 lead into the intermission. The opening marker came 4:58 into the contest, when Cole Fraser sent Sahil Panwar breaking down the left side of the ice. Panwar quickly zipped a shot into the top-left corner of the net. Cincinnati's second goal started when Jalen Smereck gloved down a penalty kill clear at his own blueline. Smereck found Zack Andrusiak at the opposite blueline, and Andrusiak sped in with a left circle shot into the bottom right side of the cage. Wheeling responded 1:10 later. Isaac Belliveau had his original opportunity rejected, but he crashed the net to grab the rebound and stuff it in along the left side of the ice.
Second periods have been the best for the Nailers all season long, and that continued on Wednesday, as the deficit was erased and a lead was gained with three pucks finding the twine. The equalizer came just 93 seconds into the action, when Justin Lee tossed a puck from the goal line that flew over Olof Lindbom's right shoulder. Belliveau's second of the night gave Wheeling its first lead at the 5:08 mark, as he jumped up into the slot and drove in a one-time feed from Matt Koopman. Lukas Svejkovsky was the next player to score, and he extended his point streak to a season-high nine games in the process, as he took a pass from Dillon Hamaliuk, and roofed a backhander from the low slot.
Justin Vaive temporarily brought the Cyclones within one, when he jammed in a loose puck on a power play in the opening minute of the third. Less than five minutes later, the Nailers kept rolling offensively, as Koopman redirected David Drake's left point shot up and into the top-right corner of the twine. Cédric Desruisseaux added one more to the Wheeling side of the scoreboard, when he roofed a wrist shot from the right circle on the man advantage for the 6-3 triumph.
Taylor Gauthier earned his fifth straight win in goal for the Nailers, as he turned away 22 of the 25 shots he faced. Olof Lindbom took the loss for Cincinnati, as he gave up six goals on 30 shots.
The Nailers are set to return home to WesBanco Arena, where they will play five of their next six contests. Wheeling welcomes Orlando to town for three games this weekend, starting on a Frosty Friday with $2 beers at 7:10. Saturday's tilt also begins at 7:10, and fans can bring their dogs to the game as part of Pups & Pucks, plus Clifford the Big Red Dog will be at the game, courtesy of West Virginia Public Broadcasting. The series with the Solar Bears concludes on a Screen Time Sunday at 4:10, when one lucky fan will win a free TV thanks to Walmart, and odd-numbered players will skate with fans following the match. The next Big Six Promotional Game is Pittsburgh Penguins Night on February 10th, starring two-time Stanley Cup Champion Trevor Daley. There will also be specialty jerseys, a commemorative puck giveaway, a full team post game autograph session, and more.
Nailers Clobber Reading Again, 8-2
All 17 Wheeling Skaters Notch at Least One Point
READING, PA- The Wheeling completely dominated the Reading Royals for the second straight night, as a crowd of 5,290 at Santander Arena was silenced. All 17 skaters in Wheeling's lineup registered at least one point, as the Nailers scored three goals in the first period, four goals in the second, and one more in the third for an 8-2 triumph. Lukas Svejkovsky and Dillon Hamaliuk both turned on the red light twice, while Jaxon Castor earned his fourth straight win with 27 saves. The win was Wheeling's fifth straight, and all five have come on the road.
The Nailers fended off an early attack by Reading, and then quickly went to work, as they lit the lamp three times in the first period. The opening marker came at the 13:51 mark. Thimo Nickl stepped into a slap shot from the right point, which he drilled into the right side of the cage. 1:17 later, Lukas Svejkovsky added to the advantage. Peter Laviolette won a battle along the end boards, and swung the puck back to Louie Roehl at the right point. Roehl immediately spotted Svejkovsky in the left circle, where he clobbered a one-timer into the left side of the net. With less than one minute left on the clock, Wheeling tacked on another. David Drake tossed a shot on goal from high on the left side, and the rebound kicked out to Dillon Hamaliuk, who dragged the puck to his left and tucked it into the open side of the twine.
The visitors kept the pedal to the metal in the middle frame with four more goals to up their lead to 7-1. Reading got on the scoreboard at the 2:20 mark, when Tyson Fawcett touched in a centering pass from Koletrane Wilson. Justin Lee got that goal back for the Nailers, when he clobbered a slap shot from the left point two seconds after a power play had expired. At the 9:30 mark, Wheeling chased Ryan Kenny from the Royals crease, when Hamaliuk spun his second of the night into the right side of the goal from the right side of the slot. Nolan Maier entered, and was greeted by a 2-on-1 rush from Svejkovsky and Cédric Desruisseaux in a matter of 1:32. Svejkovsky delivered the first pass, then got the return feed, which he wired into the top-right corner. Matt Koopman added one more with seven seconds left in the second, when he dribbled in a loose puck from the right side of the crease.
Matthew Quercia sifted in the final Nailers tally of the night, and Adam Brubacher collected one more for Reading to give the game its 8-2 final in Wheeling's favor.
Jaxon Castor put forth a strong performance in goal for the Nailers, as he denied 27 of the 29 shots he faced, which included nine shots in the opening ten minutes of play, when the game was scoreless. Ryan Kenny got the loss for the Royals, as he gave up five goals on 15 shots, before Nolan Maier allowed three goals on 15 shots in relief.
The Nailers will play one more road game on Wednesday night at 7:35, when they visit the Cincinnati Cyclones. Wheeling's next home game is Friday, February 2nd against Orlando at 7:10, which is a Frosty Friday. Saturday, February 3rd is Pups & Pucks Night, when fans can bring their dog to the game and meet Clifford the Big Red Dog, courtesy of WVPB. The next Big Six Promotional Game is Pittsburgh Penguins Night on Saturday, February 10th, starring two-time Stanley Cup Champion Trevor Daley.
Nailers Roll Over Royals, 8-3
Jordan Martel Scores Hat Trick in Wheeling's 50-Shot Effort
READING, PA- The Wheeling Nailers brought their offensive game to Santander Arena on Friday night, as they ran over the Reading Royals to earn their fourth straight victory. Wheeling scored a season-high eight goals on a season-high 50 shots for an 8-3 final score. Jordan Martel became the second Nailer to score a hat trick this season, and he did so as part of a four-point night, while Isaac Belliveau netted the first multi-goal game of his pro career with two and one assist.
The Nailers put forth a dominant effort in the first period, as they outshot Reading 21-6, while netting the opening marker. Jordan Martel picked off a pass in the neutral zone, and proceeded to fly down the left side of the ice. After gaining the blueline, Martel got a step on his defender, which allowed him to drive to the net and sift a backhander through goaltender Nolan Maier.
Wheeling continued to control the contest in the middle frame, as the visitors put three more goals on the board. At the 56-second mark, David Drake caught Reading in the middle of a line change, as he sent Tanner Laderoute on a breakaway. Laderoute busted down the right side, and whizzed a shot into the left side of the cage. The following two strikes came on the man advantage. Davis Bunz let a wrist shot go, which got blocked away. However, the rebound hopped to David Jankowski, who swiped a pass over to Martel for a wide-open slam dunk from the left side. Less than three minutes later, David Jankowski collected a power play goal, as he redirected Justin Lee's feed in the middle of the slot. Period two ended with fireworks, as the second and third pairs of fighting majors were assessed.
More scoring came in the third period. The Royals closed to within two with a couple of goals during a major penalty against Peter Laviolette. Yvon Mongo swung in a shot from the top of the right circle, then Ryan Chyzowski busted down the slot and chipped a shot into the top-left corner. Isaac Belliveau singlehandedly put the Nailers back ahead by four, as he capitalized on a Maier turnover with an open shot into the top-left corner, then zipped a shot over the netminder's right shoulder. Devon Paliani tallied once more for Reading, but that was answered ten seconds later, when Sebastian Dirven deposited a rebound in the crease. Martel completed his hat trick from the left side of the ice with 1:18 to put the final exclamation point on Wheeling's 8-3 triumph.
Taylor Gauthier collected the win for the Nailers, as he denied 21 of the 24 shots he faced. Nolan Maier took the loss for the Royals, as he allowed all eight goals on 50 shots.
The Nailers and Royals will conclude their three-game series in Reading on Saturday at 7:00. Wheeling's next home game is Friday, February 2nd against Orlando at 7:10, which is a Frosty Friday. Saturday, February 3rd is Pups & Pucks Night, when fans can bring their dog to the game and meet Clifford the Big Red Dog, courtesy of WVPB. The next Big Six Promotional Game is Pittsburgh Penguins Night on Saturday, February 10th, starring two-time Stanley Cup Champion Trevor Daley.
Nailers Come Back to Earn Huge Overtime Win
Svejkovsky's Second of the Night Wins it for Wheeling, Who Trailed by Two Twice
READING, PA- The Wheeling Nailers put forth a gutsy performance on Wednesday night, as they opened a three-game road series against the Reading Royals at Santander Arena. Wheeling trailed 2-0 and 3-1, before rallying back to earn its second win of the year when trailing by multiple goals. Jordan Martel scored twice in regulation, then Lukas Svejkovsky netted the final two tallies of the night for the Nailers, who were victorious, 5-4 in overtime. The win was Wheeling's third straight on enemy ice.
There weren't many scoring opportunities in the first period, as both teams recorded six shots. However, two of those found the twine, both by the Royals. The opening tally came on the power play. Adam Brubacher delivered a pass to Tag Bertuzzi, who stepped into the left circle and roofed a wrist shot into the top-right corner. With 2:16 remaining, Mason Millman took advantage of traffic in the slot, as he drove a low slapshot off of the right post and in from the left side of the blueline.
The Nailers responded with a strong middle frame, as they potted three of the four goals to even the score. Jordan Martel was the first Wheeling player to turn on the red light, as he flew from his own blueline into the offensive zone, where he made a right turn into the circle, and lifted a wrist shot into the top-right corner of the cage. 1:09 later, Bertuzzi used his speed to his advantage, as he cut through the defense and chipped in a power play goal off of the rush to temporarily put his squad ahead by two. Momentum turned in Wheeling's favor with 6:15 to go, courtesy of Matt Koopman, who stole the puck in his own end, raced down the left side, and zipped a shot over Nolan Maier's glove for a shorthanded strike to pull the Nailers within one. The successful penalty kill was followed by a successful power play. Cédric Desruisseaux forced a turnover, then setup the tying marker, which was a one-time rocket from the left hashmark by Martel.
The Nailers continued to carry the play in the third period, and that led to their first lead of the night with 7:04 remaining. David Drake tossed a wrist shot toward the net, which got tipped in by Lukas Svejkovsky. With less than one minute to go, Reading forced overtime. Bertuzzi delivered a pass to Ryan Chyzowski in the right circle for a wrist shot which flew into the top-right of the goal.
The extra session was over in the blink of an eye, as Wheeling scored at the 53-second mark on its first shot. Svejkovsky called for a pass for Davis Bunz, before dropping the puck off to Martel in the left circle. After doing that, Svejkovsky cruised into the right circle, where he received a return feed from Martel and slammed a shot home to give the Nailers the 5-4 victory.
Taylor Gauthier picked up the win for Wheeling, as he made 12 saves on 16 shots. Nolan Maier received the overtime loss for the Royals, after stopping 27 of the 32 shots he faced.
The Nailers and Royals will continue their three-game series in Reading on Friday night at 7:00. Wheeling's next home game is Friday, February 2nd against Orlando at 7:10, which is a Frosty Friday. Saturday, February 3rd is Pups & Pucks Night, when fans can bring their dog to the game and meet Clifford the Big Red Dog, courtesy of WVPB. The next Big Six Promotional Game is Pittsburgh Penguins Night on Saturday, February 10th, starring two-time Stanley Cup Champion Trevor Daley.
Nailers Sweep Weekend Set in Iowa
Derek Army Earns 90th Win as Head Coach to Jump Into Third All-Time
CORALVILLE, IA- The Wheeling Nailers put together back-to-back stellar performances, and came away with four points to show for it, as they swept a two-game series from the Iowa Heartlanders at Xtream Arena. Taylor Gauthier made 25 saves on Saturday night, and Tanner Laderoute scored twice, as Derek Army earned his 90th career head coaching win, placing him third on the team's all-time list. The final score of the finale was 3-1.
Neither team could find the back of the net in the first period, but that changed quickly, as both sides lit the lamp within the first 63 seconds of the middle frame. Wheeling got on the board first at the 21-second mark. Davis Bunz lofted a saucer pass through the slot to Justin Addamo, who placed a one-timer into the left side of the cage, before crashing into the left post. The Heartlanders knotted things up 42 seconds later. Will Calverly tossed a feed through the low slot for Pavel Novak, who lifted a one-timer into the top-left corner of the goal. The Nailers regained the lead at the 7:53 mark of the second. Justin Lee launched a pass from his own end to Tanner Laderoute at the offensive blueline. Laderoute left his defender behind on the right side, then wound around the back of the net, before he eventually stuffed a wraparound between Hunter Jones' right pad and the left post.
Taylor Gauthier saved his biggest performance of the night for the third, as Iowa peppered the net with 12 shots, and not one of them broke through. One of those saves led to the final goal of the contest, as Laderoute swept his second of the tilt into an empty net to punctuate the 3-1 Wheeling triumph.
Taylor Gauthier was tremendous in earning his second set of wins on consecutive nights this season, as he denied 25 of the 26 shots he faced. Hunter Jones took the loss for the Heartlanders, as he made 19 saves on 21 shots.
The next stop on the six-game road stretch for the Nailers is Reading, where they will face the Royals on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, all with 7:00 face-offs. Wheeling's next home game is Friday, February 2nd against Orlando at 7:10, which is a Frosty Friday. Saturday, February 3rd is Pups & Pucks Night, when fans can bring their dog to the game and meet Clifford the Big Red Dog, courtesy of WVPB. The next Big Six Promotional Game is Pittsburgh Penguins Night on Saturday, February 10th, starring two-time Stanley Cup Champion Trevor Daley.
Nailers Open Long Road Stretch With 4-1 Win in Iowa
Justin Lee Records Primary Assists on Three of Four Goals
CORALVILLE, IA- The Wheeling Nailers played the first of six straight road games on Friday night, and the stretch couldn't have gotten off to a better start at Xtream Arena. Tanner Laderoute snapped a 1-1 tie with less than 13 seconds left in the first period, and three of his teammates joined him in the goal column, as the Wheeling Nailers defeated the Iowa Heartlanders, 4-1. Taylor Gauthier made 28 saves to earn his tenth win of the season, and Justin Lee assisted on three of the four tallies.
The Nailers had a strong start and finish to the first period, as they sandwiched a pair of goals around one by Iowa. Wheeling got onto the scoreboard with a full ice rush, as the play began with Justin Addamo making an outlet pass in his own end. The play ended with Addamo taking a pass from Cédric Desruisseaux, then breaking down the slot and firing a shot into the left side of the cage. The Heartlanders drew even on the power play, when Nick Campoli got a piece of Louka Hanault's wrist shot from the middle of the blueline. The Nailers took the lead back with less than 13 seconds to go. Davis Bunz cruised around the offensive zone, then handed the puck off to Justin Lee for a shot from the left point. Tanner Laderoute crashed to the top of the blue paint, and redirected Lee's attempt into the net.
Wheeling added to its advantage midway through the middle frame. The defensive pairing of Lee and Bunz once again played a major role, as Lee fed Bunz, who let a wrist shot go from the right point, and found the twine through a pile of bodies in the slot.
Jordan Martel tacked on one more in the third period, as he received a stretch pass from Lee, then drove down the right side of the ice, and shoveled a shot into the top-right corner of the goal. The assist was Lee's third primary helper of the contest, and put the finishing touches on the 4-1 Nailers triumph.
Taylor Gauthier earned the victory in goal for Wheeling, as he thwarted 28 of the 29 shots he faced. Drew DeRidder took the loss for Iowa, as he made 21 saves on 25 shots.
The Nailers and Heartlanders will do battle in Iowa again on Saturday at 7:05, as Wheeling plays the second of six straight road contests. Wheeling's next home game is Friday, February 2nd against Orlando at 7:10, which is a Frosty Friday. Saturday, February 3rd is Pups & Pucks Night, when fans can bring their dog to the game and meet Clifford the Big Red Dog, courtesy of WVPB. The next Big Six Promotional Game is Pittsburgh Penguins Night on Saturday, February 10th, starring two-time Stanley Cup Champion Trevor Daley.
Defense Takes Stage in 2-1 Kalamazoo Win
All Three Goals Come During First Period
WHEELING, WV- The Kalamazoo Wings have earned a reputation as being one of the better defensive teams in the ECHL, especially when they have the lead. After falling behind the Wheeling Nailers 1-0 on Sunday afternoon, Kalamazoo scored a pair of goals late in the first period, and defended that 2-1 lead all the way to the finish line, as the Wings were victorious in all three of their matches on the weekend. Collin Saccoman tallied the deciding goal for Kalamazoo, while Wheeling got its goal from Lukas Svejkovsky.
The Nailers opened the scoring, as their power play converted for the fifth time on the weekend. Kalamazoo goaltender Jonathan Lemieux turned the puck over to Dillon Hamaliuk in the trapezoid. Hamaliuk and Tanner Laderoute ultimately worked to find an open Lukas Svejkovsky, who lifted a backhander into the wide open top of the goal. The Wings were also successful on the man advantage in the first period, as they got the equalizer on David Keefer's one-timer from the left side of the high slot. Kalamazoo took the lead 2:56 later, when defenseman Collin Saccoman darted down the left side of the ice, then cut to the middle, where he chipped the puck into the top-right corner of the cage.
After being outshot 15-6 in the first, Wheeling rebounded to outshoot the Wings 9-6 in the second and 14-9 in the third. However, Kalamazoo's defense didn't allow many high quality chances, and both netminders were ready in case something slipped through the cracks. Neither of the final two frames saw a goal, as the Wings prevailed, 2-1.
Jonathan Lemieux collected the win for Kalamazoo, as he stopped 28 of the 29 shots he faced. Taylor Gauthier was saddled with the defeat for the Nailers, despite making 28 saves on 30 shots.
The Nailers will play their next six games on the road, starting Friday in Iowa at 7:35. Wheeling's next home game is Friday, February 2nd against Orlando at 7:10, which is a Frosty Friday. Saturday, February 3rd is Pups & Pucks Night, when fans can bring their dog to the game and meet Clifford, courtesy of WVPB. The next Big Six Promotional Game is Pittsburgh Penguins Night on Saturday, February 10th, starring two-time Stanley Cup Champion Trevor Daley.
Super Nailers World Produces Second Sellout of Season
Indy Scores Six Unanswered to Stun Wheeling in Third
WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers welcomed their second sellout crowd of the season to WesBanco Arena, as 4,724 fans turned out for Super Nailers World. The first 44 minutes were all Nailers, who were rolling over the Indy Fuel, 7-2 in the third period. However, Indy rallied back with six goals during the final 16 minutes of play for an 8-7 win. The tying and winning goals came during a major penalty.
The Nailers surrendered an early goal on the man advantage, but bounced back with three straight strikes to take a two-goal lead into the locker room. Indy's opening goal came from Colin Bilek, who hesitated in the left circle, before roofing a wrist shot into the top-left corner. Wheeling answered with an equalizer 1:26 later. Thimo Nickl chipped the puck to the bottom of the right circle, where Cédric Desruisseaux found just enough space to squeeze in the goal. Desruisseaux struck again with six minutes left, while playing on the power play. The forward received a cross-ice pass from Justin Lee in the right circle, where he shelved a wrist shot over Cameron Gray's glove. The Nailers tacked on another one 2:58 after that. A netmouth scramble led the puck squirting out to David Drake, who banged a shot off of the crossbar and in.
Momentum followed the home team into the middle frame, as Wheeling extended its lead at the 1:13 mark. Lukas Svejkovsky scooped up the rebound of Justin Addamo's jam at the left post, then lifted a shot up and into the top of the twine. D.J. King recorded the second Fuel tally of the evening, when he deposited a drop pass off the rush from Anthony Petruzzelli. The Nailers quickly dusted that off and lit the lamp 1:39 later. Matthew Quercia charged in on a power play rush, then cut across the offensive zone, and eventually slid a backhand into the right side of the cage. 28 seconds left, Indy gave David Jankowski a tape-to-tape pass, and Jankowski took full advantage by ripping a wrist shot into the top-right corner.
Justin Addamo put Wheeling ahead 7-2 at the 2:11 mark of the third, when he connected on the power play from the left circle. In an unexpected turn of events, the final 16 minutes went the other way. Christopher Cameron sniped a shot off of the rush at 4:39 for a 7-3 score. Jon Martin shoveled a rebound into the top portion of the net at 8:40 to make the game 7-4. Josh Maniscalco then tallied twice with a pair of rockets into the left side of the cage to cut his squad's deficit to one. With 3:27 remaining, Dillon Hamaliuk crushed Martin in front of the penalty boxes, and was given a major penalty and game misconduct for boarding. Due to a previous set of matching minors, that created a 4-on-3 power play for Indy. Kyle Maksimovich tied the match on a rebound goal from the right circle with 2:36 left, then 29 seconds later, Colin Bilek gave the Fuel an 8-7 lead with a one-timer from the left circle. Still killing the major to end the game, the Nailers were unable to create any offense for a tying goal, and Indy prevailed, 8-7.
Cameron Gray got the win for the Fuel, despite allowing seven goals on 41 shots. Taylor Gauthier received the loss for Wheeling, as he made eight saves on 11 shots in relief of Jaxon Castor, who started with 20 saves on 25 shots.
The Nailers will finish off their three-game weekend homestand on Sunday afternoon at 4:10, when they face the Kalamazoo Wings. That game will be a Screen Time Sunday, in which one lucky fan will win a free TV courtesy of Walmart. Plus, there will be a post game skate with even-numbered players, and $2 sundaes will be available for kids at Flurry's. The next Big Six Promotional Game is Pittsburgh Penguins Night on Saturday, February 10th, starring two-time Stanley Cup Champion Trevor Daley. 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 Drop Homestand Opener to Fuel
Evan Vierling Records Fifth Point in Four Games With Second Goal
WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers began their lone homestand of January on Friday night at WesBanco Arena, and the good news is that they will get a re-match in 24 hours. The Indy Fuel scored twice in a span of 17 seconds during the second period, and got a hat trick from Jon Martin for a 5-2 road triumph. Justin Addamo and Evan Vierling were the two Wheeling goal scorers.
Indy controlled the play for the majority of the first period with a 19-5 advantage in shots, and the visitors also collected the lone goal during 4-on-4 action. The Nailers turned the puck over just inside of the offensive blueline, which allowed Darby Llewellyn to go on a breakaway. Llewellyn dragged the puck to the left, before flipping a shot up and into the top-right corner of the net.
Wheeling battled back to even the score in the early stages of period two. Cédric Desruisseaux spun a shot on goal from the high slot, which was denied, but the rebound was immediately slammed in by Justin Addamo. It took the Fuel just under four minutes to retake the lead. Former Nailer Josh Maniscalco took a swat at a loose puck on an odd-man rush, and ended up making a pass to Jon Martin, who spun and placed a backhander in the top-left corner of the cage. 17 seconds later, Indy added insurance. Kyle Maksimovich capitalized on a plethora of traffic in the crease, as he rolled the puck in over the goal line. The tally stood after video review.
The Nailers pulled back to within one at the 2:34 mark of the third, when Evan Vierling zipped a wrist shot through Zach Driscoll's legs from the left circle. Martin regained the two-goal advantage for the Fuel with a power play marker, as he jammed in a centering pass from Bryan Lemos at the top of the crease. The veteran forward then completed his hat trick with an empty netter for a 5-2 final score in Indy's favor.
Zach Driscoll picked up the win for the Fuel, as he made 23 saves on 25 shots. Taylor Gauthier suffered the defeat for Wheeling, as he turned away 26 of the 30 shots he faced.
The Nailers and Fuel will meet up in Wheeling again on Saturday at 7:10 for Super Nailers World. That game will feature a video game arcade in the main lobby, a hat giveaway, question mark boxes with various prizes, Nailers Kart during intermission, and specialty jerseys. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2023-24 season are available now by calling (304) 234-GOAL.
Solar Bears Eke Out 2-1 Win in Series Finale
Taylor Gauthier & Brandon Halverson Combine to Stop 70 of 73
ORLANDO, FL- Goaltending stole the show on Monday night, as the Wheeling Nailers and Orlando Solar Bears concluded their three-game series at Kia Center. Wheeling's Taylor Gauthier and Orlando's Brandon Halverson denied 70 of the 73 shots taken in the contest, and Tanner Dickinson's goal with 9:59 left turned out to be the difference in a 2-1 victory for the Solar Bears. Jordan Martel netted the lone marker for the Nailers.
One goal was scored in an evenly played first period, and that went to the Solar Bears at the 8:51 mark. Alexandre Fortin tossed a pass ahead to Jesse Jacques, who was able to get a step on the Wheeling defense on the left side of the ice. Jacques turned and drove toward the net, then chipped a forehand shot into the top-right corner.
The two teams combined for 30 shots in the middle frame, but none of those attempts crossed the line, as the score remained 1-0 after 40 minutes.
Midway through the third, Orlando registered a key goal to up its lead to two. Fortin led the way on a transition rush, then fed a pass over to Tanner Dickinson, who roofed a wrist shot into the top-left corner of the cage. The Nailers got one back with 6:11 remaining, when Jordan Martel sped down the left side of the ice and utilized his quick hands to slither a shot through Brandon Halverson. Unfortunately, Wheeling was unable to find an equalizer, as the Solar Bears held on for the 2-1 decision.
Brandon Halverson earned his second win of the series for Orlando, as he thwarted 34 of the 35 shots he faced. Taylor Gauthier gave the Nailers another strong effort in goal, but came up short, despite making 36 saves on 38 shots.
The Nailers will return home for three games this weekend on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Friday night is a Frosty Friday with $2 beers at 7:10 against Indy. The highlight game of the weekend is the next Big Six Promotional Night, which is Super Nailers World on Saturday, also at 7:10 against the Fuel. That game will feature a video game arcade in the main lobby, a hat giveaway, question mark boxes with various prizes, Nailers Kart during intermission, and specialty jerseys. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2023-24 season are available now by calling (304) 234-GOAL.
Nailers Square Weekend Series With 5-2 Win
Jordan Frasca & Tanner Laderoute Each Pick Up One Goal & One Assist
ORLANDO, FL- The Wheeling Nailers got off to a fantastic start on Saturday night, and that effort carried them through the night, as they evened the three-game series against the Orlando Solar Bears with a 5-2 victory at Kia Center. Jordan Frasca and Tanner Laderoute both tallied a goal and an assist, while Evan Vierling chipped in with three assists and Jaxon Castor made 25 saves.
The Nailers enjoyed a phenomenal first period, as they outshot Orlando, 12-2, while putting a pair of pucks past the netminder. The opening goal came at the 5:49 mark. Justin Lee let a wrist shot go from the top of the left circle into a maze of bodies. The puck bounced to Jordan Frasca at the top of the crease, where he quickly shifted to his backhand and slid in the marker. With less than ten seconds left in the stanza, Davis Bunz added to the lead. Bunz had his first shot from the right circle blockered away, but the rebound went straight back to him, and he changed his target, as he found the twine on the glove side.
Both teams lit the lamp once in the middle frame. The Solar Bears initially cut the Wheeling lead down to one on the man advantage. Marc-Andre Gaudet slithered a low wrist shot on goal from the right point, which was stopped. However, Brayden Low raked the rebound free, and sifted the puck under Jaxon Castor's right pad. The Nailers regained their two-goal edge 90 seconds later. Thimo Nickl fired the puck on goal from the right point, and was thwarted by Colten Ellis. The rebound popped up to the left side of the crease, where Tanner Laderoute whacked it home with his backhand.
Jordan Martel gave Wheeling some key insurance with 10:33 left, when he finished off a quick passing play from Evan Vierling and Frasca by slamming in a shot from the right side of the crease. The assist was Vierling's third of the night. Mitchell Hoelscher brought Orlando within two with a power play goal off of a rebound on the right side of the crease, before Matthew Quercia applied the final dagger in the 5-2 Nailers triumph with an empty netter.
Jaxon Castor earned his third consecutive win in goal for Wheeling, as he denied 25 of the 27 shots he faced. December's ECHL Goaltender of the Month Colten Ellis was handed just his second loss in his last 11 starts, as he allowed four goals on 32 shots.
The Nailers and Solar Bears will have Sunday off, before concluding their three-game series in Orlando on Monday at 7:00. Wheeling will then play three straight home games next weekend on January 12th, 13th, and 14th. The highlight game of that stretch is the next Big Six Promotional Night, which is Super Nailers World on the 13th. That game will feature a video game arcade in the main lobby, a hat giveaway, question mark boxes with various prizes, Nailers Kart during intermission, and specialty jerseys. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2023-24 season are available now by calling (304) 234-GOAL.
Three-Goal Third Gives Orlando Series Opener
Matt Koopman Scores Lone Goal for Nailers
ORLANDO, FL- The Wheeling Nailers ran into a red hot opponent on Friday night, as the Orlando Solar Bears extended their winning streak to eight games with a big third period on their home ice at Kia Center. Jesse Jacques snapped a 1-1 tie at the 2:12 mark of the final stanza for his second of three goals on the night, as Orlando defeated Wheeling, 4-1 in the opener of the three-game series. Matt Koopman scored the lone marker for the Nailers.
The first period was filled with chances, as the two teams combined to fire a whopping 35 shots on goal. Surprisingly, only one of those pucks found the back of the net, and that was put there by the home squad. Alexandre Fortin chased down a dump-in along the end wall, then centered a pass to Jesse Jacques in the slot. Jacques' first attempt on the backhand got denied, but he put back the rebound with his forehand for the marker.
Wheeling's best period of the season has been the second, and that success continued with a tying goal during the closing minutes of the frame. Evan Vierling spun a pass along the wall to Davis Bunz at the right point. Bunz let a shot fly, which got tipped into the cage by Matt Koopman.
A tied score after two was rare territory for the Nailers, as that was just the fourth of those occurrences this year. Unfortunately, the third period went to the Solar Bears, who found the net three times. At the 2:12 mark, Fortin slipped behind the defense and had his attempt stopped, but Jacques crashed in to deposit the loose change. Just over seven minutes later, an Orlando centering pass deflected off of a Wheeling skate and went right to Marc-Andre Gaudet, who stepped up and whipped a wrist shot into the right side of the net. Jacques put the finishing touches on the 4-1 final score, as he completed his hat trick with the goaltender on his way to the bench for the extra attacker.
Brandon Halverson earned the win for the Solar Bears, as he made 33 saves on 34 shots. Taylor Gauthier suffered the defeat for the Nailers, despite another solid outing with 36 denials on 40 chances.
The Nailers and Solar Bears will play the second game of their three-game set in Orlando on Saturday at 7:00. Wheeling will play three straight home games next weekend on January 12th, 13th, and 14th. The highlight game of that stretch is the next Big Six Promotional Night, which is Super Nailers World on the 13th. That game will feature a video game arcade in the main lobby, a hat giveaway, question mark boxes with various prizes, Nailers Kart during intermission, and specialty jerseys. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2023-24 season are available now by calling (304) 234-GOAL.
Nailers Put Exclamation Point on 2023 With 4-1 Win
Laderoute Notches Three Points in Army's 87th Win as Head Coach
WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers put on one final show for their fans in 2023, as Downtown Wheeling celebrated Kids New Year's Eve with a terrific night of hockey at WesBanco Arena. A crowd of 3,130 saw Tanner Laderoute post three points, Matthew Quercia score a go-ahead shorthanded goal, and Jaxon Castor make 33 saves, as the Nailers swept their two-game weekend set against the Norfolk Admirals with a 4-1 triumph. The win was Derek Army's 87th as head coach of the Nailers, moving him into sole possession of fourth place in team history.
Both teams found the twine in the first period. The Nailers got off to a fast start, as they turned on the red light just 1:17 into the match. Cédric Desruisseaux carried the puck into the left side of the offensive zone, then dropped a pass back to Justin Addamo, who stepped up and zipped a wrist shot into the left side of the cage. Norfolk tied the score with 3:04 remaining. Danny Katic picked off the puck, then centered a feed to Brandon Osmundson, who placed his first ECHL goal into the left side of the net.
Two more goals went into the cage during the middle frame, but this time, both belonged to Wheeling. The go-ahead strike came on the penalty kill, as Tanner Laderoute slipped the puck into the slot, where Matthew Quercia stepped up and fired a cannon of a one-timer into the right side of the goal. With 1:32 remaining, Jordan Martel added to the lead, when he sifted a wrist shot along the ice and in from between the circles. Laderoute collected the primary helper on that tally as well.
Laderoute applied the finishes touches on 2023 with 5:41 left, when he stole the puck along the left wall, then wired a shot into the left side of the net for the 4-1 final score, as Wheeling improved to 20-7-4 all-time on New Year's Eve.
Jaxon Castor was magnificent for the Nailers for the second straight night, as he earned the victory by denying 33 of the 34 shots he faced. Yaniv Perets took the loss for the Admirals, as he allowed four goals on 38 shots.
The Nailers will begin the 2024 calendar year with a three-game road trip to Orlando, where they will face the Solar Bears on Friday, Saturday, and Monday, all at 7:00. Wheeling will then play three straight home games the following weekend on January 12th, 13th, and 14th. The highlight game of that stretch is the next Big Six Promotional Night, which is Super Nailers World on the 13th. That game will feature a video game arcade in the main lobby, a hat giveaway, question mark boxes with various prizes, Nailers Kart during intermission, and specialty jerseys. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2023-24 season are available now by calling (304) 234-GOAL.
Wheeling Wins With a Wild Ending
Nailers Score Twice in 40 Seconds, Following Two-Goal Norfolk Comeback
WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers and Norfolk Admirals gave the WesBanco Arena crowd a roller coaster of emotions in the final five minutes of Saturday night's weekend opener. Norfolk erased a two-goal deficit in a span of two minutes, before the Nailers rebounded with two goals in 40 seconds to earn a 5-3 victory on home ice. Lukas Svejkovsky and Cédric Desruisseaux were involved on both late game strikes for Wheeling, as Svejkovsky netted the winner, then Desruisseaux added the insurance. Jaxon Castor made 26 saves for his first career win.
The first ten minutes of the contest saw lots of great action, and the Nailers were able to build a 2-1 lead. Wheeling's first goal came at the 3:33 mark, when the puck was swung back to Isaac Belliveau at the left point. Belliveau swiped his wrist shot along the ice and into the left side of the cage. The Admirals temporarily tied the score 4:14 later, when Justin Robidas wired his snap shot off of the right post and in from the left face-off dot. The Nailers bounced right back to take the lead 1:14 after that. Matt Koopman won a battle for the puck on the left side of his own blueline, then forced his way down the left wall and into the offensive end, where he fed Jordan Martel for a wrist shot which rang off the crossbar and in.
Wheeling upped its advantage with a goal in the middle frame. Matthew Quercia worked the puck off the wall and into the left circle for Martel. Instead of shooting immediately, Martel patiently waited and delivered a pass to Davis Bunz, who crashed into the slot, and roofed a shot into the top-right corner of the twine.
The final five minutes featured some wild twists and turns, starting with back-to-back markers by Norfolk to pull even. Simon Kubicek's feed from the center point banked off of a body and went to Denis Smirnov, who potted a shot into the open left side of the goal. Two minutes later, Andrew McLean knotted the score, when he slipped in from the right point, and slid a shot inside of the left post. However, the tie only lasted for 31 seconds, as the Nailers regained the lead. Cédric Desruisseaux and Lukas Svejkovsky broke in on a 2-on-1 rush, with Desruisseaux delivering a pass through the slot to Svejkovsky, who chipped in the shot from the right side. 40 seconds after that, Svejkovsky returned the favor, as he sent Desruisseaux on a breakaway, which he converted with a backhander through the netminder's legs. That craziness gave the game its 5-3 final score.
Jaxon Castor earned his first professional win for Wheeling, as he stopped 26 of the 29 shots he faced. Jimmy Poreda took the loss for the Admirals, as he allowed five goals on 31 shots.
The Nailers and Admirals will finish off the calendar year against each other on Sunday at 6:10 for a Kids New Year's Eve celebration. The night will feature an interactive light show, free sparkling grape juice, as well as New Year's hats and noisemakers. It will also be a Screen Time Sunday in which one lucky fan will win a new TV courtesy of Walmart, and $2 ice cream sundaes will be available at Flurry's. The next Big Six Promotional Game is Super Nailers World on Saturday, January 13th. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2023-24 season are available now by calling (304) 234-GOAL
Fuel Eke Out Win in Goaltending Clinic
Weeks & Gauthier Combine to Stop 49 of 50 in Indy
INDIANAPOLIS, IN- Goaltending took center stage on Wednesday night at Indiana Farmers Coliseum, as Taylor Gauthier of the Wheeling Nailers and Mitchell Weeks of the Indy Fuel stopped 49 of the 50 shots taken by the respective teams. The only puck that went into a net came from Sam Ruffin, who scored on an odd-man rush during the first period for the Fuel, who came away with a 1-0 win.
Indy controlled the majority of the play in the first period with an 11-3 advantage in shots, and the host squad had a lead to show for it, thanks to a power play goal in the closing minutes. The Fuel skated into the offensive zone on an odd-man rush, following a Wheeling shorthanded try which missed high and wide. Kyle Maksimovich dropped a pass back to Santino Centorame, who placed the puck on the right side of the crease for Sam Ruffin, who touched in his first pro marker.
The Nailers received a terrific opportunity to even the score in the early stages of the middle frame, as Indy took three straight penalties, which included some 5-on-3 time for Wheeling. Although the second period was the best for the Nailers, they were unable to find an equalizer. That story repeated itself in the third period, and a pair of Wheeling penalties in the final four minutes made the climb even steeper. The Fuel ended up holding on for the 1-0 decision.
Mitchell Weeks backstopped his second straight shutout for Indy, as he blocked all 22 shots he faced, and improved to 4-0-1 against his former club. Taylor Gauthier was phenomenal again for the Nailers, as he thwarted away 27 of the 28 shots he faced in the defeat.
The Nailers will return home for two games this weekend against the Norfolk Admirals, on Saturday at 7:10 and Sunday at 6:10. Fans at Saturday's contest will receive a free foam hockey puck courtesy of Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack. Sunday is Kids New Year's Eve, featuring an interactive light show, free sparkling grape juice, as well as New Year's hats and noisemakers. That will also be a Screen Time Sunday in which one lucky fan will win a new TV courtesy of Walmart, and $2 ice cream sundaes will be available at Flurry's. The next Big Six Promotional Game is Super Nailers World on Saturday, January 13th. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2023-24 season are available now by calling (304) 234-GOAL.
Nailers Special Teams Bring Holiday Cheer in 4-2 Win
Wheeling Scores Twice on Power Play, Once Shorthanded, Kills Eight Penalties
CINCINNATI, OH- The Wheeling Nailers will enter the holiday break with a joyous feeling, as they collected their third straight victory, and swept a home-and-home series against the Cincinnati Cyclones at Heritage Bank Center. Dillon Hamaliuk put Wheeling ahead for good at the 8:05 mark of the third period in a game which was dominated by the special teams for the Nailers. Wheeling scored twice on the power play, once shorthanded, and killed all eight Cincinnati man advantages. The best penalty killer was Taylor Gauthier, who improved to 5-0-1 in his last six starts with 35 saves.
Wheeling's special teams shined in the first period, as the visitors got on the board with a power play goal and a shorthanded marker. The power play strike came first, when Lukas Svejkovsky sped down the right side of the ice. It appeared that Svejkovsky may turn behind the goal, but instead banked the puck off the back of Cincinnati goaltender Olof Lindbom and in over the goal line. The shorthanded goal came 3:06 later. Jordan Frasca and Matt Koopman exchanged passes on a 2-on-1 break, and Frasca eventually took his time in the right circle, then whipped a shot through Lindbom's legs.
The score remained 2-0 for the majority of a penalty-filled middle frame, but with 1:34 remaining, the Cyclones pulled within one. Nick Isaacson spun the puck off the wall and into the low slot for a wide-open Sahil Panwar, who roofed a wrist shot into the top-left corner of the cage. The goal ended Taylor Gauthier's shutout streak at 144:16.
Justin Vaive tied the score for Cincinnati with a breakaway wrist shot up and under the crossbar 1:14 into the third, but the Nailers quickly dusted themselves off and went back to work to regain the lead. 11 seconds after killing a penalty, Wheeling netted the go-ahead tally. Cédric Desruisseaux came out of the box and touched the puck ahead to Dillon Hamaliuk, who cruised into the right circle, and drilled a shot through Lindbom's legs. 2:58 later, the power play converted once more for a key insurance marker. Isaac Belliveau slid a pass into the left circle, where Jordan Martel clobbered home his second man advantage goal in three contests since joining the Nailers. Gauthier and the 8-for-8 penalty kill took care of the final 8:57 to preserve the 4-2 triumph.
Taylor Gauthier was phenomenal between the pipes again for Wheeling, as he denied 35 of the 37 shots he faced. Olof Lindbom suffered the loss for the Cyclones, as he made 29 saves on 33 shots.
The Nailers will have four days off for the holidays, before returning to action in Indy on Wednesday at 7:00. Wheeling's next two home contests will take place on New Year's Weekend, when the Norfolk Admirals come to town for a series on Saturday, December 30th at 7:10 and Sunday, December 31st at 6:10. The highlight game of that weekend is Sunday, which is Kids New Year's Eve, featuring an interactive light show, free sparkling grape juice, as well as New Year's hats and noisemakers. That will also be a Screen Time Sunday in which one lucky fan will win a new TV courtesy of Walmart, and $2 ice cream sundaes will be available at Flurry's. The next Big Six Promotional Game is Super Nailers World on Saturday, January 13th. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2023-24 season are available now by calling (304) 234-GOAL.
Gauthier Shines in 3-0 Shutout of Cincinnati
Dillon Hamaliuk Contributes on All Three Wheeling Goals
WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers took care of business against two divisional opponents this weekend at WesBanco Arena, as they earned back-to-back victories. On Saturday night, they faced the second best offense in the ECHL, and Taylor Gauthier was more than up to the task, as he stopped all 32 shots from the Cincinnati Cyclones. Offensively, Dillon Hamaliuk was the star, as he notched a goal and two assists in Wheeling's 3-0 triumph to grab sole possession of second place in the Central Division.
Both teams fired 12 shots on goal in the opening stanza, but the two netminders stood tall to keep the match scoreless. The Nailers changed that 1:46 into the second period. Dillon Hamaliuk won a puck battle behind the net, which allowed Jordan Frasca to set up Davis Bunz in the right circle. Bunz stepped up and blistered a one-timer into the bottom-left corner of the cage. 3:30 later, a similar play occurred for a second Wheeling marker. Hamaliuk won another battle along the end wall, which resulted in Matt Koopman teeing up Justin Lee for a one-time blast from the left circle and into the top-right corner of the twine.
The Nailers added an insurance goal at the 4:25 mark of the third to put the game away. David Drake let a shot go from the middle of the blueline, which got tipped into the net by Hamaliuk for his third point of the evening. At that point, the only question that remained was the shutout, and with two successful penalty kills, that stayed intact, as Wheeling was victorious, 3-0.
Taylor Gauthier continued his dominant play in the crease for the Nailers, as he denied all 32 shots he faced for his third shutout of the season between the AHL and ECHL. Olof Lindbom received the loss for Cincinnati, as he made 24 saves on 27 shots.
The Nailers will play their final game before the holiday break on Friday, when they go to Cincinnati for a 7:35 face-off. Wheeling's next two home contests will take place on New Year's Weekend, when the Norfolk Admirals come to town for a series on Saturday, December 30th at 7:10 and Sunday, December 31st at 6:10. The highlight game of that weekend is Sunday, which is Kids New Year's Eve, featuring an interactive light show, free sparkling grape juice, as well as New Year's hats and noisemakers. That will also be a Screen Time Sunday in which one lucky fan will win a new TV courtesy of Walmart, and $2 ice cream sundaes will be available at Flurry's. The next Big Six Promotional Game is Super Nailers World on Saturday, January 13th. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2023-24 season are available now by calling (304) 234-GOAL.
Nailers Enjoy Home Cooking in 4-1 Win Over Fuel
Jordan Frasca Scores Twice in Three-Goal Second Period
WHEELING, WV- After playing four games in their building, the Wheeling Nailers were excited to finally welcome the Indy Fuel to WesBanco Arena on Friday night. That joyous feeling grew in the second period, when Wheeling scored three times in 5:05 to turn a 1-0 deficit into a 3-1 lead in an eventual 4-1 triumph. Jordan Frasca scored two of the three goals in the middle stanza, while Taylor Gauthier made 24 saves between the pipes.
Indy started with a strong defensive effort, as the Nailers were only able to muster a pair of shots on goal during the first period. In addition to that, the Fuel notched the opening tally at the 13:30 mark. Cameron Hillis let a long wrist shot go from just inside the blueline, which was tipped into the net by Seamus Malone.
The middle frame was a completely different story, as Wheeling came out buzzing and turned on the red light three times in a span of 5:05. Evan Vierling created the tying goal at the 2:28 mark, when he wound around the back of the net, then found Owen Headrick, who stepped up into the left circle and roofed a shot into the top-right corner. 2:14 later, Jordan Frasca put the Nailers in the lead, as he stole the puck at his own blueline and went on a breakaway, which he converted with a backhander up and under the crossbar. Frasca struck again less than three minutes after that, as he swept in a shot from the right circle while Indy had just returned to even strength.
The Nailers tacked on one more goal in the third period, and they did so on the power play. Davis Bunz slid the puck into the left circle for Jordan Martel, who smashed a one-time rocket into the left side of the cage. That put the finishing touches on the 4-1 home ice win.
Taylor Gauthier earned the victory with another solid performance in goal for Wheeling, as he thwarted 24 of the 25 shots he faced. Zach Driscoll took the loss for Indy, as he made 23 saves on 27 shots.
The Nailers will wrap up the weekend on Saturday night at 7:10, when they play host to the Cincinnati Cyclones. Saturday's match will feature an Ugly Sweater Contest. 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
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.