2025-26 SEASON
Sunday, January 11th
Nailers Sweep Lions for Fifth Straight Win
WHEELING, WV- The Trois-Rivières Lions may have captured the ECHL's greatest hardware in 2024-25, but this weekend at WesBanco Arena, the Wheeling Nailers weren't about to bow down to the defending champions. Wheeling swept Trois-Rivières in three games, while outscoring the Lions, 13-5. In Sunday's contest, Craig Armstrong opened the scoring just 12 seconds into play, then added an empty netter to cap off a 4-2 triumph on home ice. The Nailers have won five straight games, are 14-2-1 on home ice, and have regained the top spot in the ECHL at 25-7-1 overall.
The Nailers didn't waste any time getting onto the scoreboard, as they came out smelling blood in the water. Brent Johnson made a beautiful move to deke around a defender on the right side of the blueline, then sifted a pass across the slot to Craig Armstrong on the left side. Armstrong picked his spot, and roofed a shot into the top-right corner of the cage. The goal came just 12 seconds into the contest, which tied the third fastest goal to start a game in team history. With 3:15 left in the stanza, Wheeling went ahead by two. Johnson showed why he was selected as an ECHL All-Star, as he made an end-to-end rush, which finished with a cross-ice pass to Randy Hernández, who buried a one-timer from the left side. There was also a fight which took place in between the two markers, as Cole Tymkin and Sean Gulka dropped the mitts.
Both teams found the twine once in the middle frame, and both goals came during the final six minutes. The Nailers started by expanding their lead to three. Logan Pietila led Emil Pieniniemi to an odd-man rush, as he skated into the left side of the offensive zone. Pieniniemi took his time and lined up a slap shot, which he fired into the left side of the net. With 1:02 remaining, the Lions scored for the first time since Friday's second period, as Darick Louis-Jean crashed the crease and deposited the rebound of Logan Nijhoff's long shot, which was deflected by Joel Teasdale.
Wheeling's defense was nearly unbeatable during the third period, as Trois-Rivières mustered just one shot on goal in the first 15 minutes. Armstrong iced the victory for the Nailers with a shorthanded empty net tally with 3:26 remaining. Anthony Poulin gave the game a 4-2 final score, as he scored from the right circle for the Lions with 1.8 seconds to go.
Taylor Gauthier earned his fourth straight win in goal for Wheeling and improved to 5-0-0 on home ice this season, as he denied 26 of the 28 shots he faced. Vincent Duplessis made 24 saves on 27 shots in the defeat for Trois-Rivières.
Next weekend, the Nailers will head onto the road for the first time in nearly a month, as they will visit the Norfolk Admirals on Friday and Saturday, with both games starting at 7:05. Wheeling will then return for three straight home games on January 23rd, 24th and 25th. Friday the 23rd will be a Frosty Friday with select $2 beers at 7:10 against Reading. The Royals will also be the opponent at 7:10 on Saturday the 24th, which will be Nailers Fight Cancer Night. The opposition changes to Fort Wayne for Sunday the 25th at 4:10, which will be followed by a post game skate with odd-numbered players. The next Big-6 Promotional Game is Pittsburgh Penguins Night on Saturday, February 7th. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2025-26 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 Earn Fantastic Win in the 304
Saturday, January 10th
WHEELING, WV- The theme of the night was a perfect fit on Saturday night at WesBanco Arena, as the Wheeling Nailers were every bit of fantastic in their 5-0 triumph over the Trois-Rivières Lions. Connor Lockhart led the offensive attack by opening the scoring and adding two assists in his 100th professional goal. Emil Pieniniemi netted his first North American pro marker, and Maxim Pavlenko earned his third shutout of the campaign with 26 saves. 3,580 fans had plenty to cheer about, as the Nailers won their fourth straight home game to improve to 24-7-1 on the season.
The Nailers got the exact start they were looking for, as they jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first period. The first goal came off of a rush into the offensive zone, as Logan Pietila led Connor Lockhart into the left circle. Lockhart picked his spot perfectly, as he rang a wrist shot off of the right post and in. Later in the stanza, Lockhart set up Wheeling's second marker, as he delivered a beautiful pass across the high slot to Brent Johnson at the top of the left circle. Johnson clobbered a one-timer, which rocketed into the top-left corner of the cage.
The middle frame was more of a defensive period for the Nailers, who maintained their 2-0 advantage, despite being outshot, 12-4. Wheeling followed that up by blowing the game open in the third. At the 1:45 mark, Cole Tymkin picked off a pass and wound up for a humongous slap shot. The shot got partially blocked, but threw Lions goaltender Vincent Duplessis for a loop, as the puck trickled through his legs. 47 seconds later, Randy Hernández centered the puck to the top of the crease, where Pietila chipped a shot into the top-right corner of the net. With 6:19 left, Maxim Pavlenko faced his biggest test of the night, as Egor Goriunov was awarded a penalty shot. Pavlenko forced the shot wide to the left, preserving his shutout. Emil Pieniniemi applied the final exclamation point to the 5-0 win with his first North American professional goal, as he dangled into the slot and slipped a backhander through Duplessis' legs.
Maxim Pavlenko tied for the league lead with his third shutout of the season, as the Wheeling netminder was perfect on 26 shots. Vincent Duplessis gave up five goals on 19 shots in the loss for Trois-Rivières.
The Nailers and Lions will wrap up their weekend series in Wheeling on Sunday afternoon at 4:10. Following the game, fans will have the opportunity to skate with the even-numbered players. A couple of other exciting upcoming promotions include Nailers Fight Cancer on January 24th and Pittsburgh Penguins Night on February 7th. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2025-26 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.
Friday, January 9th
Nailers Rally Back to Top Lions, 4-3
WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers showed loads of heart on Friday night, as they opened up a three-game home weekend against the Trois-Rivières Lions at WesBanco Arena. The Nailers battled back from a pair of deficits, then took their first lead of the game with 10:45 remaining on a goal by ECHL All-Star Brent Johnson. Wheeling made sure to hold onto that lead, as it defeated the defending champions, 4-3. The win was the first of the season for the Nailers when trailing at the end of two periods.
The Nailers had a bit of a challenging start, as Trois-Rivières scored two early goals, before the home team closed the gap to one. The first tally came on the power play at the 4:40 mark. Cédric Desruisseaux received a pass at the offensive blueline, then flew past the defense for a breakaway, which he converted by zipping a shot into the top-left corner of the cage. 50 seconds later, the Lions struck again. Joel Teasdale's shot got denied, but the rebound kicked out to the right circle for Wyatt McLeod, who got just enough on his attempt to slither the puck in along the ice. Wheeling was held without a shot for over 13 minutes, but made one of their tries count with 4:09 left in the stanza. Tommy Budnick took advantage of traffic in the slot by delivering a low wrist shot which eluded goaltender Benjamin Gaudreau.
The Nailers continued to battle their way back, and for a few minutes, they played with a tied score. Matthew Quercia started the play that led to the equalizer by picking the pocket of his former teammate, Desruisseaux. That created a 3-on-2 rush, which was completed by Tanner Andrew, who drove into the slot and roofed a wrist shot into the top-left corner of the twine. However, with 1:39 remaining, the Lions regained the lead. Riley Kidney cut from left to right in the offensive zone, then went against the grain by shoveling a shot up and into the top-left corner of the goal.
Wheeling was bound and determined to take points out of the game, and the team's efforts were rewarded in the third period. The Nailers tied the tilt at the 5:15 mark. Matthew Quercia twirled his way around on the left side of the ice, then put a shot on goal, which was kicked out by Gaudreau. The rebound landed in the low slot, where Craig Armstrong faked from his forehand to his backhand and flipped in the goal. Four minutes later, Wheeling took its first lead of the evening. Brent Johnson stepped in with a shot from the top of the right circle, and he got some puck luck, as the shot bounced off of Kidney's skate in the slot, then took a right turn into the cage. Trois-Rivières puts tons of pressure on in the closing minutes, and even played with an extra attacker for the final 3:30. But the Nailers stood tall and got the game to the finish line for a 4-3 triumph.
Taylor Gauthier earned the win for Wheeling, as he thwarted 24 of the 27 shots he faced, including all 11 in the third period. Benjamin Gaudreau made 21 saves on 25 shots in the loss for the Lions.
The Nailers and Lions will continue their weekend series in Wheeling on Saturday night at 7:10 with Marvel Night. The theme will be the Fantastic Four, the Nailers will wear specialty Fantastic 304 jerseys, there will be a poster giveaway, and fans will be able to put their Fantastic Four skills to the test at various stations in the arena. The two teams will do battle again on Sunday at 4:10, and fans will have the opportunity to skate with the even-numbered players following that contest. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2025-26 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.
Saturday, January 3rd
Wheeling's Goat Takes Down Bison
WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers showed hearts of lions this weekend at WesBanco Arena, as they took the ice with a short lineup in back-to-back contests. They skated away with back-to-back victories, capped off by a 4-1 win over the Bloomington Bison on Saturday night. Taylor Gauthier was spectacular with 31 saves in goal, while Logan Pietila led the offensive attack with one goal and two assists.
Although the Nailers found themselves in the penalty box a bit more than they hoped, they were able to flip the script on Bloomington with a pair of shorthanded goals in the first period. The first tally came at the 16:24 mark. Jack Works fell to his knees upon entering the offensive zone, but was able to keep possession of the puck and deliver a pass to Craig Armstrong. Armstrong broke in behind the defense, and drove a shot into the left side of the cage. Wheeling struck again with 1:14 left on the clock. Logan Pietila stole the puck and immediately skated in the other direction on a breakaway. Pietila kept it simple and buried a snap shot into the right side of the net.
Wheeling spent a significant amount of time in its defensive zone during the middle frame, as shots were 19-9 in favor of the Bison. Bloomington also recorded the lone goal of the period on the power play. Nikita Sedov's shot from straight away got blocked by a defender, but the puck kicked to the left and gave Shane Ott an open attempt, which he converted from the circle.
The Nailers rebounded well in the third period, and had two significant moments lead to the closing of the victory. First, Wheeling killed off a delay of game penalty at the 7:44 mark. Then, with 7:08 to go, Pietila won a face-off to Aidan Sutter, who skated into the slot, and whizzed a wrist shot into the right side of the twine. Works capped off the 4-1 triumph with an empty netter, which Pietila assisted on for his third point of the night and fifth of the weekend.
Taylor Gauthier shined again between the pipes for the Nailers, as he stopped 31 of the 32 shots he faced, giving him 61 saves in two days after flying around the world. Hugo Ollas made 18 saves on 21 shots in the loss for the Bison.
The Nailers will play three more home games next weekend, as they will welcome the Trois-Rivières Lions to town on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Friday's 7:10 match is a Frosty Friday with select $2 beers. Saturday at 7:10 is Marvel Night. The theme will be the Fantastic Four, the Nailers will wear specialty jerseys, there will be a poster giveaway, and fans will be able to put their Fantastic Four skills to the test at various stations in the arena. Finally, following Sunday's 4:10 tilt, fans will have the opportunity to skate with the even-numbered players. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2025-26 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.
Friday, January 2nd
Nailers Get Revenge on Railers, 3-2
WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers faced a tall task on Friday night, as they took the ice two players short, while looking to avenge a 7-2 defeat against the Worcester Railers from Wednesday. The Nailers worked hard and were rewarded for their efforts, as they skated away victorious, 3-2. Logan Pietila scored Wheeling's first two goals of the night, while Taylor Gauthier made 30 saves in his return from representing Team Canada at the Spengler Cup.
The two sides played to a scoreless tie in the opening period, despite a 12-7 shots advantage for Wheeling. However, the Nailers needed just 25 seconds to snap the deadlock in the middle frame. Brent Johnson started the play by rimming the puck around to Logan Pietila in the left circle. Pietila proceeded to spin and launch a wrist shot up and into the net. Worcester briefly evened the contest on the power play. Michael Suda let a shot go from the center point, which was tipped off of the left post and in by Cole Donhauser. Wheeling rebounded immediately to regain the lead 1:29 later, and ironically, the marker came off of a rebound. Matty De St. Phalle threw a shot on goal which was blocked away by goaltender Tristan Lennox. The puck landed in front of the crease, where it was flipped home on the backhand by Pietila for his second of the period. Things began to get physical toward the end of the second, as a fight took place between Matthew Quercia and Max Dorrington. Dorrington was ejected from the game for leaving the bench to participate in the fight.
The Nailers got a key goal during the opening minutes of the third period, as they converted on the man advantage. Randy Hernández wired a wrist shot from the left circle that smacked off of the back bar of the cage. The significance of that tally grew with 5:23 left, when Lincoln Hatten of the Railers tipped in an Anthony Callin shot from the top of the left circle to make the score 3-2. Taylor Gauthier and his Wheeling teammates shut the door from there, and 3-2 was the final.
The Nailers will welcome a different opponent to town on Saturday night, as they will host the Bloomington Bison at 7:10, and the promotion is Women in Sports Night. There will also be three home games next weekend, as Wheeling faces Trois-Rivières on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The highlight promotion of that weekend is Marvel Night on Saturday, which will be themed after the Fantastic Four. The Nailers will wear specialty jerseys, there will be a poster giveaway, and fans will be able to put their Fantastic Four skills to the test at various stations in the arena. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2025-26 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.
Wednesday, December 31st
Special Teams Key Victory for Worcester
WHEELING, WV- For the first time in eight years, the Wheeling Nailers didn't get to put an exclamation point on a calendar year. On Wednesday night at WesBanco Arena, the Worcester Railers scored three shorthanded goals, three power play markers, and one goal at even strength for a 7-2 road victory. Anthony Callin led Worcester's offensive attack with a hat trick and an assist, while Ryan Miotto turned on the red light twice.
The first period took an interesting path, as the Nailers led 1-0 for most of the way, before two special teams goals in the final three minutes gave Worcester a 2-1 advantage. Wheeling's goal came at the 3:16 mark on a 2-on-1 rush. Jack Works led the way, as he carried the puck down the left side of the ice, then proceeded to whip a wrist shot into the right side of the cage. The Railers tied the score with 2:48 remaining by capitalizing on a two-man advantage. Anthony Callin curved his way from left to right into the high slot, then twirled a wrist shot into the left side of the goal. Then, with just 21 seconds to play, Matt DeMelis stole the puck in center ice, skated in on a shorthanded breakaway, and slipped a backhander in over the goal line.
The visitors added to their lead with two goals in the middle frame, and both markers came from former Nailer Ryan Miotto. His first tally came from beneath the right circle at the 3:15 mark, when he swatted in a loose puck following a play by Tanner Schachle. His second one came on the power play, as he utilized a screen by Max Dorrington to convert on a shot from the top of the left circle.
Brent Johnson's wrist shot from the top of the right circle on the power play temporarily pulled Wheeling within one, but the rest of the third period went Worcester's way. Callin jammed a shorthanded goal between Maxim Pavlenko's left skate and the post, Mitton scored on a shorthanded breakaway, then Callin completed his hat trick and the 7-2 result by roofing a wrist shot on the man advantage from the right circle.
Former Nailer Thomas Gale was the winning netminder for the Railers, as he thwarted 28 of the 30 shots he faced. Maxim Pavlenko gave up seven goals on 34 shots in the loss for Wheeling.
The Nailers and Railers will open the 2026 calendar year against each other in Wheeling on Friday night at 7:10. That game will be a Frosty Friday, featuring select $2 beers. Saturday at 7:10 against Bloomington is Women in Sports Night. The next Big-6 Promotional Game is Marvel Night on Saturday, January 10th, which will feature a poster giveaway, plus the Nailers will wear specialty jerseys. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2025-26 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 Spread Holiday Cheer with OT Win
Saturday, December 20th
GREENSBORO, NC- It took the Wheeling Nailers over a period and a half to get on the scoreboard on Saturday night at First Horizon Coliseum, but once they did, they were in much better shape. The match against the Greensboro Gargoyles needed extra time to decide a winner, and that winner was the Nailers, who got a Matty De St. Phalle tally at the 1:24 mark of overtime to skate away victorious, 3-2.
Despite a 14-6 advantage in shots on goal, the Nailers didn't quite have the start they envisioned, as Greensboro opened the scoring with a power play strike 2:31 into the match. David Gagnon gained entry into the offensive zone, then dropped a pass back to Tyler Weiss, who sniped a wrist shot into the top-right corner of the goal.
Wheeling battled back to even the score in the middle frame, and in doing so, ended a stretch of over six straight periods without a marker. The Nailers entered the offensive zone on an odd-man rush, with Matty De St. Phalle leading the charge on the left side. De St. Phalle slipped a pass through the slot to Tanner Andrew, who had his first shot stopped, but scored on the rebound by slithering a backhander through Ruslan Khazheyev's legs.
Both teams found the twine in the third period. Wheeling collected its first lead of the night at the 8:10 mark. Logan Pietila dropped a pass back to Connor Lockhart, then proceeded to skate towards the net. Lockhart sent the puck that way, and Pietila tipped it into the cage. The Gargoyles pulled even a little more than six minutes later with their second successful power play conversion. Weiss set up Patrick Newell, who launched a one-timer into the top-right corner of the goal from the right circle.
The teams needed overtime to determine a winner, and only 1:24 was needed for the Nailers to begin their celebration. Zach Urdahl let a shot go from the left circle, and Matty De St. Phalle got a redirection into the right side of the net to end the contest with a 3-2 triumph.
Maxim Pavlenko got the win in goal for Wheeling, as he made 19 saves on 21 shots. Ruslan Khazheyev stopped 35 of the 38 shots he faced in the overtime loss for Greensboro.
The Nailers will get a few days off to enjoy the holidays, before returning to the ice on Friday night in Toledo at 7:15. Wheeling will then play eight straight home games, starting with 80's Night on Saturday, December 27th, which features a post game concert by Tongue 'n Cheek. Some other highlights during that homestand include Kid's New Year's Eve on Wednesday, December 31st, Women in Sports Night on Saturday, January 3rd, and Marvel Night on Saturday, January 10th. The Kid's New Year's Eve Game will feature a post game toast with sparkling grape juice, and the first 2,500 fans will receive free light sticks. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2025-26 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 Blanked in Greensboro, 3-0
Friday, December 19th
GREENSBORO, NC- The Wheeling Nailers did a lot of things well on Friday night, as they outshot the Greensboro Gargoyles, 34-15 at First Horizon Coliseum. However, there was one thing missing from Wheeling's effort and that was a goal. Greensboro's Ruslan Khazheyev denied all 34 shots he faced, while the Gargoyles scored twice in a span of 30 seconds in the first period of what turned out to be a 3-0 win for the home side.
Wheeling controlled the majority of the play during the first period with a 12-6 shots advantage. However, the visitors found themselves trailing on the scoreboard, as the Gargoyles struck twice in a span of 30 seconds. The first marker came at the 17:27 mark. Ethan Leyh intercepted a pass at Greensboro's offensive blueline, and tossed the puck to Patrick Newell, who had escaped behind the Nailers defense. Newell made a quick deke, then shoveled a shot into the top-left corner of the net. The Gargoyles forced another turnover on the very next shift, and the end result was a Ryan Richardson backhander that floated into the right side of the twine.
The Nailers thought they had pulled within one during the early stages of the middle frame. Bogdans Hodass let a shot go from the left point, which was tipped in by Connor Lockhart. However, the puck was ruled to be hit by Lockhart with a high stick, so the possible goal was wiped off of the board. Wheeling outshot Greensboro 9-3 in the period, but one of those shots for the Gargoyles went in with 1:04 left on the clock. Braden Doyle's shot rocketed wide off of the end boards, but produced a rebound for Tyler Weiss, who jammed the puck inside of the right post.
The score didn't change in the third period, as Greensboro prevailed, 3-0.
Ruslan Khazheyev earned his first career shutout for the Gargoyles, as he was perfect against 34 Wheeling shots. Taylor Gauthier made 12 saves on 15 shots in goal for the Nailers.
The Nailers and Gargoyles will wrap up the pre-holiday portion of their schedules in Greensboro on Saturday night at 7:00. Wheeling's next home game is 80's Night on Saturday, December 27th, which features a post game concert by Tongue 'n Cheek. That will be the first of eight straight home games. Some other highlights during that homestand include Kid's New Year's Eve on Wednesday, December 31st, Women in Sports Night on Saturday, January 3rd, and Marvel Night on Saturday, January 10th. The Kid's New Year's Eve Game will feature a post game toast with sparkling grape juice, and the first 2,500 fans will receive free light sticks. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2025-26 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.
Saturday, December 13th
Third Period Breakaway Lifts Adirondack, 3-1
GLENS FALLS, NY- Hockey is a game of breaks, and on Saturday night, the Adirondack Thunder got the break they were looking for against the Wheeling Nailers at Harding Mazzotti Arena. Shane Harper picked off a pass then converted on a breakaway in the third period to give the Thunder their first lead of the contest. Adirondack added one more for a 3-1 win and a split of the weekend series. Brayden Edwards scored Wheeling's lone goal.
The Nailers controlled the majority of the play during the first period, as they outshot Adirondack, 14-5, and scored the opening goal. The tally came at the 4:45 mark. Brayden Edwards won an offensive zone face-off back to David Breazeale at the blueline. Breazeale handed the puck off to Eric Parker, who let a shot go from the right point. After winning the draw, Edwards skated into the slot, where he tipped Parker's shot into the cage.
The score stayed 1-0 until the closing minutes of the middle frame, when the Thunder pulled even on their fourth straight power play. Justin Taylor slid the puck to the right side of the crease, where Jackson van de Leest tapped in the marker to set off his club's Teddy Bear Toss. The assist for Taylor came in his 885th career ECHL game, which sets a new record for the most in league history.
With 6:28 remaining, Adirondack snapped the deadlock. Shane Harper intercepted a pass in neutral ice and burst the other way on a breakaway. The veteran forward made a quick fake, then lifted a shot into the top-right corner of the net. Alex Campbell tacked on an empty netter for the Thunder to give the game its 3-1 final score.
Jeremy Brodeur got the win in goal for Adirondack, as he made 24 saves on 25 shots. Maxim Pavlenko turned away 22 of the 24 shots he faced in the loss for Wheeling.
The Nailers will continue their stretch of road games in a warmer location next weekend, when they visit the Greensboro Gargoyles on Friday and Saturday, with both matches starting at 7:00. Wheeling's next home game is 80's Night on Saturday, December 27th, which features a post game concert by Tongue 'n Cheek. That will be the first of eight straight home games. Some other highlights during that homestand include Kid's New Year's Eve on Wednesday, December 31st, Women in Sports Night on Saturday, January 3rd, and Marvel Night on Saturday, January 10th. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2025-26 season are available now by calling (304) 234-GOAL. The Wheeling Nailers, considered one of the top things to do in Wheeling, West Virginia, provide affordable family entertainment for fans throughout the Ohio Valley.
Wheeling Wins Wild One Against Thunder
GLENS FALLS, NY- The third period of Friday night's game between the Wheeling Nailers and Adirondack Thunder at Harding Mazzotti Arena was epic. The two teams played to a scoreless tie through two periods, before Wheeling put three goals on the board in front of an irate Thunder crowd. Taylor Gauthier made sure those were the only three markers of the night, as he earned the 3-0 shutout win in his second start of the season.
The two squads felt each other out in the first period with 14 combined shots and only one penalty. The highlight of the middle frame was a fight between Wheeling's Cole Tymkin and Adirondack's Mathieu Boislard, which resulted in Boislard getting ejected for not having his jersey tied down.
The craziness of the third period started at the 7:14 mark. The Nailers got trapped in their defensive zone, and the puck ended up in the net, but the ruling on the ice was that it was kicked in. The play was reviewed and the call stood. 1:06 later, Wheeling went the other way and got a close call to count for a goal. Connor Lockhart's initial shot hit Tyler Brennan's left pad. However, the puck sat in the crease, and was eventually touched in by Aidan Sutter. The play was reviewed for possible goaltender interference, but the goal stood, and the fans went nuts. The Nailers followed that up with a no-doubter at the 14:29 mark, when Connor Lockhart snapped in a wrist shot from the left circle. Wheeling had to kill off a 6-on-4 with 2:25 remaining, then Brent Johnson came out of the penalty box and buried an empty netter for the 3-0 final.
Taylor Gauthier was perfect in goal for the Nailers, as he denied all 29 shots he faced. That was Gauthier's eighth career shutout, which tied him with Andy Franck for the second most in team history. His junior hockey teammate Tyler Brennan made 17 saves on 19 shots for Adirondack.
The Nailers and Thunder will do battle again in Glens Falls on Saturday night at 7:00. Wheeling's next home game is 80's Night on Saturday, December 27th, which features a post game concert by Tongue 'n Cheek. That will be the first of eight straight home games. Some other highlights during that homestand include Kid's New Year's Eve on Wednesday, December 31st, Women in Sports Night on Saturday, January 3rd, and Marvel Night on Saturday, January 10th. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2025-26 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.
Friday, December 12th
Wednesday, December 10th
Royals Snap Wheeling's Point Streak
READING, PA- The Wheeling Nailers and Reading Royals have been very evenly matched thus far this season. Both teams have recorded three wins in the season series, and on Wednesday night, it was Reading's turn to get into the win column with a 3-2 result. The Royals scored three consecutive goals after falling behind 1-0, including their first power play goal in six contests against Wheeling, which put the home team ahead in the second period. The Nailers saw their nine-game point streak (8-0-1) come to an end, but remain a league-leading 18-4-1 on the year.
One goal was scored in the opening stanza, as the Nailers broke through at the 11:06 mark. Matty De St. Phalle tossed a pass into the slot to lead Connor Lockhart toward the goal. Lockhart skated in with the puck on his forehand, but quickly shifted to his backhand, and lifted a shot into the top-left corner of the cage. Logan Pietila made the defensive play to start the rush, as he picked up the secondary assist in his 100th professional game.
Reading rebounded to take the lead in the middle frame with one early goal and one late marker. The equalizer came at the 2:06 mark. Jeremy Michel led Kyle Haskins in on the left side of the offensive zone. Haskins navigated his way to the left circle, where he lifted a wrist shot into the top-right corner of the net. With 3:27 remaining, the Royals went ahead with their first power play goal on 17 chances in the season series. Carson Golder's one-timer from the blueline missed wide to the right, but the rebound came rocketing off of the end boards to Connor McMenamin, who had a slam dunk waiting for him on the right side of the crease.
The Royals got a key goal at the 12:07 mark of the third period to extend their lead to 3-1. Golder skated across the offensive zone to deliver a shot on goal. A rebound was produced, which got stashed in by Nick Capone. Wheeling had an answer to that strike 1:47 later on the power play. The Nailers got lots of traffic set up around the slot, which ultimately led to Logan Pietila grabbing the puck out of the crease and lifting it up and into the left side of the twine. Wheeling pushed for the tying tally, and even spent the final 1:13 of play on the man advantage, but came up short, as Reading prevailed, 3-2.
Keith Petruzzelli got the win for the Royals, as he made 17 saves on 19 shots. Maxim Pavlenko stopped 24 of the 27 shots he faced in the defeat for the Nailers.
The Nailers will travel farther north to continue their week, as they will go to Glens Falls, New York to face the Adirondack Thunder on Friday and Saturday at 7:00. Wheeling's next home game is 80's Night on Saturday, December 27th, which features a post game concert by Tongue 'n Cheek. That will be the first of eight straight home games. Some other highlights during that homestand include Kid's New Year's Eve on Wednesday, December 31st and Marvel Night on Saturday, January 10th. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2025-26 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 Sweep Greensboro Again
Sunday, December 7th
WHEELING, WV- It seems like the only thing the Wheeling Nailers do these days is win, win again, and then keep on winning. On Sunday afternoon, they closed out a stretch of eight games in 12 days by completing a three-game weekend sweep of the Greensboro Gargoyles at WesBanco Arena. The offense was spread throughout the lineup once again, as five different players found the back of the net, led by Connor Lockhart, who had one goal and two assists in the 5-2 triumph. Maxim Pavlenko made 29 saves for his eighth win of the campaign. The Nailers have secured points in nine straight games (8-0-1), and are now 18-3-1 for the first time in their history. Wheeling has opened up a five-point lead for the best record in the ECHL.
The Nailers came out flying and turned on the red light three times before the game was ten minutes old. The first marker came at the 2:04 mark on a three-way passing play with Logan Pietila, Connor Lockhart, and Matty De St. Phalle. The final pass went from Lockhart to De St. Phalle, who chipped a shot into the top shelf from the right edge of the crease. Lockhart scored goal number two at the 8:28 mark, when he clobbered in a one-timer from the left circle, which was set up by Ryan Mahshie. 1:21 later, Zach Urdahl upped the advantage to three, when he gloved down an aerial pass from Brent Johnson, battled past the defense, and lifted a backhander over goaltender Nikita Quapp's right shoulder.
Both teams put a mark on the board in the middle frame. The Gargoyles started with their first goal of the match at the 8:59 mark. Tyler Weiss got the puck along the right side of the goal line, and proceeded to toss a shot toward the net, which bounced off of Maxim Pavlenko's left arm and in. Wheeling regained its three-goal lead with 3:30 remaining. Lockhart and Pietila were alone behind the defense, and the only question was would end up taking the shot. The answer was Pietila, who shoveled a shot up and under the crossbar from the left side of the slot.
Greensboro temporarily pulled within two when David Gagnon cleaned up the rebound of Anthony Rinaldi's breakaway. However, the Nailers officially put the game away with Ryan Mahshie's empty netter for a 5-2 final score.
Maxim Pavlenko earned his fourth straight win and third of the week, as he blocked away 29 of the 31 shots he faced for Wheeling. Nikita Quapp made 29 saves on 33 shots in the loss for the Gargoyles.
The Nailers will play their next six games on the road, starting on Wednesday night in Reading at 7:00. Wheeling's next home game is 80's Night on Saturday, December 27th, which features a post game concert by Tongue 'n Cheek. That will be the first of eight straight home games. Some other highlights during that homestand include Kid's New Year's Eve on Wednesday, December 31st and Marvel Night on Saturday, January 10th. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2025-26 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.
Saturday, December 6th
Nailers Earn Two More Magical Points
WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers had a few magic tricks up their sleeves on Saturday night to celebrate Wizards & Wands: Spells in the Snow at WesBanco Arena against the Greensboro Gargoyles. The first trick was making an early deficit disappear. Then, Matty De St. Phalle made thousands of teddy bears fly onto the ice for the team's annual Teddy Bear Toss. Finally, Taylor Gauthier turned into a brick wall in his return to the lineup with 22 saves, as Wheeling was victorious, 3-1. The Nailers are now enjoying their second eight-game point streak of the season (7-0-1), which brings their season record to 17-3-1.
Both teams got on the scoreboard in the opening stanza. Greensboro came out flying with the game's first six shots, and one of those produced a goal. Tyler Weiss wound his way into the left circle, then took advantage of traffic, as he wired a wrist shot into the right side of the cage. The Nailers answered 3:10 later on the power play. The man advantage needed just six seconds to convert, as the puck moved rapidly. Connor Lockhart slipped a pass across to Matty De St. Phalle, who stepped up into the left circle and launched a wrist shot into the top-left corner of the cage. That goal set off the annual Teddy Bear Toss, which benefits the Salvation Army.
Wheeling had an even better middle frame, as the home team bounced back in the shots department, while taking the lead in goals. For the second time in the tilt, it was the power play getting the job done. Ryan Mahshie delivered a perfect pass into the right side of the crease for Craig Armstrong, who willed the puck in over the goal line. 11 of Armstrong's 13 points on the season have come in the last six games.
Connor Lockhart punctuated the 3-1 win for the Nailers by launching in an empty net goal from the left circle of the defensive zone.
Taylor Gauthier made his season debut for Wheeling and delivered another great performance, as he denied 22 of the 23 shots he faced. Ruslan Khazheyev made 23 saves on 25 shots in the loss for the Gargoyles.
The Nailers and Gargoyles will wrap up their weekend series in Wheeling on Sunday at 4:10. That will be the second annual Sensory Day game. Lights will stay on for the entire day, music will be lowered, and the goal horn will not be used. This will be the final home game before the holidays. An exciting promotion coming up at the end of the month is Kid's New Year's Eve on December 31st.Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2025-26 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 Glide Past Gargoyles, 3-1
Friday, December 5th
WHEELING, WV- The line of Craig Armstrong, Randy Hernández, and Zach Urdahl was tremendous for the Wheeling Nailers on Friday night, as they opened a three-game home series against the Greensboro Gargoyles at WesBanco Arena. Armstrong lit the lamp twice, Hernandez dished out a pair of assists, and Urdahl scored once in Wheeling's 3-1 triumph. Maxim Pavlenko secured the victory with 20 saves. The Nailers are currently riding a seven-game point streak (6-0-1), and are now a league best 16-3-1 overall.
The Nailers pounced on Greensboro with two goals in the opening stanza. The first marker came at the seven-minute mark. Finn Harding let a shot go from the middle of the blueline, and Ryan Mahshie got a piece of the attempt to send it trickling through goaltender Nikita Quapp's legs. The home side added to the lead with 8:38 remaining. Craig Armstrong broke through the defense and rushed in with a chance, and although he didn't convert, he was able to create an opportunity for Zach Urdahl, who whipped in a wrist shot from the right circle.
One goal was scored in the middle frame, as the Gargoyles trimmed the margin down to one. Zach Faremouth maneuvered a pass over to Artyom Borshyov, who skated deep into the right side of the slot, then buried a shot into the left side of the cage. The goal ended Maxim Pavlenko's shutout streak at 113:18.
Wheeling regained its two-goal advantage at the 1:11 mark of the third period. Armstrong intercepted the puck along the right wing wall, cut to the middle, and roofed a shot into the top-right corner. The Nailers held Greensboro to just six shots on goal in the final stanza, and took the 3-1 score into the win column.
Maxim Pavlenko earned his third win in a row for Wheeling, as he stopped 20 of the 21 shots he faced. Nikita Quapp made 23 saves on 26 shots in the loss for the Gargoyles.
The Nailers and Gargoyles will continue their weekend series in Wheeling on Saturday night at 7:10. The promotion is Wizards & Wands: Spells in the Snow, which will feature a brand new wand giveaway, the Nailers will wear specialty jerseys, and fans will be able to shop in Diagon Alley while enjoying butter beer and chocolate frogs. Plus, the annual Teddy Bear Toss will take place to benefit the Salvation Army. The two teams will meet again on Sunday at 4:10 for the second annual Sensory Day, in addition to a post game skate with even-numbered players. For Sensory Day, the goal horn will not be utilized, music will be lowered, and lights will remain on at the same level throughout the day. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2025-26 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.
READING, PA- The Wheeling Nailers took a quick business trip over to Reading, Pennsylvania on Wednesday night, put in their work, and brought two points back home. Maxim Pavlenko returned to the Wheeling crease with a 32-save shutout, as the Nailers blanked the Reading Royals, 4-0 at Santander Arena. The Nailers got goals from four different players, as they extended their point streak to six games (5-0-1) and improved their league-leading mark to 15-3-1.
The Nailers put together a strong first period, as they scored the lone goal, while killing off a lengthy 5-on-3. The successful penalty kill came first, as Wheeling received back-to-back penalties 23 seconds apart from each other before the match was ten minutes old. The visitors battled through it, then got on the scoreboard at the 13:48 mark. Ryan Mahshie delivered a pass to the left side of the slot, where Jack Works spun and fired a shot through goaltender Yaniv Perets for his third tally in five games against Reading. Daniel Laatsch also collected an assist in his return from the AHL.
The score stayed 1-0 until the closing minutes of the middle frame, when the Nailers upped their lead thanks to a successful power play. Mahshie tossed a backhander through traffic and on goal. Max Graham swiped the rebound free to set up Logan Pietila, who chipped in a shot from the left side of the crease.
Wheeling tacked on two more in the third period to ice its 4-0 victory. Cole Tymkin poked a pass ahead to Zach Urdahl, who broke away and blazed a shot in on the left side of the twine for goal number three. Then, Craig Armstrong waited patiently to serve up a feed for Randy Hernández, who drove down the middle and shoveled a backhander into the top-right corner.
For the second time this season, Maxim Pavlenko was perfect in Reading, as he denied all 32 shots he faced for the Nailers. Yaniv Perets made 33 saves on 37 shots for the Royals.
The Nailers will play three straight home games this weekend, and the opponent for all three will be the Greensboro Gargoyles. Friday at 7:10 is a Frosty Friday with select $2 beers. Saturday at 7:10 is Wizards & Wands: Spells in the Snow. Saturday's game will feature a brand new wand giveaway, the Nailers will wear specialty jerseys, and fans will be able to shop in Diagon Alley while enjoying butter beer and chocolate frogs. Plus, the annual Teddy Bear Toss will take place to benefit the Salvation Army. Sunday at 4:10 is the second annual Sensory Day, in addition to a post game skate with even-numbered players. For Sensory Day, the goal horn will not be utilized, music will be lowered, and lights will remain on at the same level throughout the day. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2025-26 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.
Wednesday, December 3rd
Pavlenko Perfect in Reading Again, as Nailers Win 4-0
Nailers Get One Point to Match Best Month in Team History
Sunday, November 30th
WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers tied history on Sunday afternoon, as they wrapped up a stretch of four games in five days at WesBanco Arena against the Cincinnati Cyclones. Unfortunately, the Nailers came up short, 2-1, as Elijah Vilio scored for Cincinnati at the 41-second mark of overtime. However, Wheeling went 12-2-1 in November to match the best month in team history. The Wheeling Thunderbirds also went 12-2-1 in February of 1995. Jake Smith made 32 saves for the Nailers, as he played in his third game in less than 48 hours.
Both teams got on the scoreboard in the first period. Cincinnati struck first with the power play at the 7:08 mark. Ryan Kirwan took three shots on the man advantage, and his third try was the charm, as he whipped in a wrist shot from the left circle. The Nailers drew even 4:28 later. Matthew Quercia laid an enormous check on Cole Fraser behind the goal to earn possession for the home team. The puck eventually found its way back to Quercia from Scooter Brickey, and the Wheeling captain blasted home a one-timer from the right circle.
Goals were hard to come by in this match, as the two squads were held off of the board for the final 48 minutes of regulation. Wheeling had an 11-6 advantage in shots during the second period, while the Cyclones led the shots 12-8 in the third.
Overtime lasted for 41 seconds, before Cincinnati collected the winning tally. Elijah Vilio sprinted down the left side of the ice, then cut to the goal, where his backhand attempt was denied. However, the puck found its way back to Vilio's stick for a second chance, and he proceeded to roof a shot from the right circle for the 2-1 final.
Ken Appleby picked up the win for the Cyclones, as he made 29 saves on 30 shots. Jake Smith played for the third day in a row for the Nailers, and put forth another stellar effort, as he stopped 32 of the 34 shots he faced. Smith finished November with a 7-0-1 record.
The Nailers will travel to Reading to face the Royals on Wednesday at 7:00, before returning to WesBanco Arena for three games next weekend. The opponent for all three will be the Greensboro Gargoyles on Friday at 7:10, Saturday at 7:10, and Sunday at 4:10. Friday night is a Frosty Friday with select $2 beers. Saturday is Wizards & Wands: Spells in the Snow. Saturday's game will feature a brand new wand giveaway, the Nailers will wear specialty jerseys, and fans will be able to shop in Diagon Alley while enjoying butter beer and chocolate frogs. Plus, the annual Teddy Bear Toss will take place to benefit the Salvation Army. Sunday is the second annual Sensory Day game. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2025-26 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 Crush Cyclones, 8-3
Saturday, November 29th
WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers have had some tremendous performances this season, but Saturday night was their best offensive showing thus far. Wheeling carried a 3-2 lead into the second intermission, then exploded for five goals in the third period to destroy the Cincinnati Cyclones, 8-3 at WesBanco Arena. Some of the top performers included Craig Armstrong (one goal, four assists), Randy Hernández (two goals, two assists), and Max Graham (Gordie Howe Hat Trick - goal, assist, fight). With a 12-2-0 record in November, the Nailers are one point away from matching their best month in team history, and are now 14-3-0, with the first quarter of the campaign set to come to a close on Sunday.
The Nailers had a great start to the contest, as they scored twice in the opening stanza, while outshooting Cincinnati, 8-3. The first goal came at the 8:06 mark. Randy Hernández entered the offensive zone on the rush, then dropped a pass back to a trailing Mike Posma, who cranked a one-timer into the bottom-right side of the cage. Wheeling added to its lead 5:41 later. Posma was involved once again, but this time, he was the one making the pass. The rookie forward led Scooter Brickey into the slot, and Brickey proceeded to slither a backhander underneath Cyclones goaltender Kyle McClellan.
The Nailers kept the offense coming at the start of the middle frame, as they upped their lead to three. Hernández led Craig Armstrong down the right side of the ice, and Armstrong proceeded to roof a wrist shot from the circle and into the top-right corner of the twine. Cincinnati killed three straight penalties, and that led to a momentum shift, as the Cyclones followed the final kill by scoring twice in a span of 1:02. Ryan Kirwan put Cincinnati on the board when he lifted in the rebound of his initial attempt on the backhand from the right side of the crease. Gunnarwolfe Fontaine then tallied during 4-on-4 action, as he whipped a shot along the ice and in from the left side, off of a pass from Ben King. The Cyclones outshot Wheeling, 19-7 in period two.
The third period took an unexpected turn, as the Nailers regained their momentum in a big way, and blew the game wide open. Ryan Mahshie scored with a wrist shot from the left circle on the power play for a 4-2 lead. Connor Lockhart followed that up 2:11 later by tapping in a feed from Max Graham on the right side of the crease. Ben King's 5-on-3 goal temporarily brought Cincinnati within two, but Wheeling's man advantage made it 6-3, when Graham converted a shot from the left side of the slot. Graham ended the night with a Gordie Howe Hat Trick, as he dropped the gloves with Cole Fraser. Hernández tacked on two more tallies in the final three minutes to slam a pair of exclamation points on the 8-3 victory.
Jake Smith became the eighth goaltender to earn at least seven straight wins for Wheeling, as he made 26 saves on 29 shots to improve to 7-0-0. Kyle McClellan took the loss for the Cyclones, as he allowed seven goals on 25 shots.
The Nailers and Cyclones will do battle in Wheeling again on Sunday afternoon at 4:10. That will be the annual Pups & Pucks game, when fans can bring their dogs to the game and take part in the puppy parade during the first intermission. There will also be a post game skate with odd-numbered players. Saturday, December 6th is the next Big-6 Promotional Game, which is Wizards & Wands: Spells in the Snow. There will be a brand new wand giveaway, the Nailers will wear specialty jerseys, and fans will be able to shop in Diagon Alley while enjoying butter beer and chocolate frogs. Plus, the annual Teddy Bear Toss will take place to benefit the Salvation Army. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2025-26 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 Scale Walleye, 5-2
Friday, November 28th
TOLEDO, OH- For many Wheeling fans, there isn't much more satisfaction than hearing 8,300 fans at Huntington Center silenced. The Wheeling Nailers achieved that with another stellar performance on Friday night against the Toledo Walleye. The Nailers scored three times in a span of 1:39 in the first period to build a 3-0 lead. Wheeling added two more in the second for what turned out to be a 5-2 final score. Scooter Brickey netted the first two goals of his professional career, while Cole Tymkin also posted a two-goal night. Jake Smith earned his sixth win in a row with 30 saves. The Nailers improved to a league-leading 13-3-0 on the year.
The Nailers fended off an early five-shot attack by Toledo, then immediately turned things in their favor with three goals in a span of 1:39. The first strike came at the 7:19 mark. Mike Posma dropped a pass back to Craig Armstrong, who was entering the offensive zone. Armstrong took a few strides in, then wired a wrist shot into the top-right corner of the cage. 57 seconds later, Brayden Edwards delivered a feed into the slot for Scooter Brickey, who drilled his first professional goal into the right side of the net. The assist gave Edwards a six-game point streak to match the team's season-high. 42 seconds after that, Cole Tymkin tickled the twine with a one-timer from just inside of the center point, which was set up by Eric Parker. That goal chased Toledo starter Liam Soulière from the crease after just five shots in 8:58.
The Walleye temporarily cut into the Wheeling lead just three seconds after a power play expired. Riley McCourt's shot from the right point whistled wide of the net, but pounded off of the end boards to produce a rebound. Tanner Dickinson scooped up the loose puck and squeezed a shot between Jake Smith's right skate and the left post. The Nailers bounced right back and extended their lead with two goals in the final four minutes of the middle frame. Parker tossed a pass into the right circle for Tymkin, who spun around and launched his second of the night into the right side of the goal. Wheeling then converted on the power play to go ahead, 5-1. Matthew Quercia took a feed along the goal line from Connor Lockhart, then immediately snapped a pass of his own to Brickey, who powered home his second of the tilt.
Jordan Ernst picked up the lone marker in the third period with a wrist shot from the right circle for Toledo, as the Nailers were victorious, 5-2.
Jake Smith earned the win for Wheeling, as he denied 30 of the 32 shots he faced. Liam Souliere was the losing goaltender for the Walleye, as he gave up three goals on five shots, before being replaced by Nolan Lalonde, who was 11-of-13 in relief.
The Nailers will return home on Saturday night at 7:10 to begin a two-game series against Cincinnati. Saturday will be Bluey Night, and and fans will be able to meet Bluey and get pictures taken throughout the night. Sunday at 4:10 is Pups & Pucks Day, when fans can bring their dogs to the game. The annual Puppy Parade will take place during the first intermission, plus there will be a post game skate with odd-numbered players. Also coming up in the near future is Wizards & Wands: Spells in the Snow on Saturday, December 6th at 7:10. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2025-26 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.
Wednesday, November 26th
Wheeling Wrestles Two Points from Indy, 5-2
WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers had plenty to be thankful for on Wednesday night, as they celebrated a 5-2 victory over the Indy Fuel in the annual Thanksgiving Eve game at WesBanco Arena. Wheeling got goals from five different players, including Randy Hernández, who put the Nailers ahead for good when he snapped a 2-2 tie at the 2:09 mark of the third period. Defenseman Brent Johnson had a goal and an assist, with his goal coming 53 seconds into play, and Maxim Pavlenko made the score stand up with 29 saves.
The Nailers came out flying and scored the opening goal just 53 seconds into the match. Wheeling had a pair of forwards creating traffic next to the crease, which allowed Brent Johnson to send a seeing-eyed wrist shot into the bottom-right part of the cage from the blueline. The home team added to its lead at the 8:03 mark. Jack Works picked up the puck in neutral ice and turned on the burners, as he rushed into the offensive zone. After blazing past the defense, Works chipped a shot up and under the crossbar for his fourth goal in seven games. Indy got one back 2:23 later on the power play. Harrison Israels found the twine with a wrist shot from the right circle, and snapped a streak of 25 straight successful penalty kills by the Nailers.
The score stayed 2-1 until the closing minutes of the middle frame, when the Fuel pulled even with a power play strike. Matt Petgrave set up Sahil Panwar for a one-timer from the right circle. Maxim Pavlenko got a piece of the shot, but the puck squirted into the crease, where it was touched home by Israels for his second of the contest.
The third period belonged to Wheeling, starting with the go-ahead strike at the 2:09 mark of the stanza. Randy Hernández made a dazzling move to dangle around a defender, then cruised into the slot, where he wired in his first goal in a Nailers uniform. Insurance followed a little more than eight minutes later. Ryan Mahshie centered a puck to the top of the crease, where Max Graham converted the feed with a redirection into the left side of the cage. David Breazeale tacked on one more for Wheeling in the 5-2 triumph, as he blasted in a one-timer off of a drop pass from Brayden Edwards in the left circle.
Maxim Pavlenko secured the win for the Nailers, as he turned away 29 of the 31 shots he faced, including all ten attempts sent his way in the third. Mitchell Weeks made 25 saves on 30 shots in the loss for Indy.
The Nailers will take a quick trip over to Toledo on Black Friday at 7:15, before returning to WesBanco Arena for games on Saturday and Sunday against Cincinnati. Saturday's 7:10 tilt is Bluey Night, and fans will be able to meet Bluey and get pictures taken throughout the night. Sunday at 4:10 is Pups & Pucks Day, when fans can bring their dogs to the game. The annual Puppy Parade will take place during the first intermission, plus there will be a post game skate with odd-numbered players. Also coming up in the near future is Wizards & Wands: Spells in the Snow on Saturday, December 6th at 7:10. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2025-26 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 Win First Place Showdown, 3-1
Saturday, November 22nd
READING, PA- The teams with the top two records in the ECHL collided on Saturday night at Santander Arena, with first place overall going to the winner. That team was the Wheeling Nailers, who got a 37-save performance from Jake Smith, as well as the first professional goal and an assist by Tanner Andrew. The Nailers defeated the Reading Royals, 3-1 to improve to 11-3-0 on the year.
Neither team was able to find the twine in the opening 32 minutes of play. Wheeling finally broke the scoreless deadlock with 7:48 left in the second period. Tanner Andrew cruised across the offensive zone and pounded a low shot on goal from the right circle. Keith Petruzzelli made the save, but the rebound kicked out to Jack Works, who deposited the loose change. The Nailers added to their lead 4:40 later. Brayden Edwards carried the puck deep on the right side of the ice, then centered a pass to Connor Lockhart, who slammed a shot into the wide-open left side of the cage.
Wheeling put another marker on the board in the early stages of the third. Bogdans Hodass tossed a shot on net from the left point, which produced a rebound for Andrew to tuck in for his first professional goal. Massimo Rizzo spoiled the shutout bid with 3:11 to go, as he slid in a wrist shot from the left circle, but the Nailers closed things out on the winning side, 3-1.
Jake Smith turned in one of his best performances yet, as he made a season-high 37 saves on 38 shots to earn his fifth straight victory for Wheeling. Keith Petruzzelli turned away 28 of 31 shots in the loss for Reading.
The Nailers will play six home games over the course of the next two weeks. First up is the annual Thanksgiving Eve game on Wednesday night at 7:10 against Indy. There will be live IWC Wrestling in the main lobby, Turkey Bowling during intermission, and select $2 beers. Saturday, November 29th at 7:10 is Bluey Night, when fans will be able to meet Bluey and take photos throughout the game. Another exciting upcoming promotion is Wizards & Wands: Spells in the Snow on Saturday, December 6th. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2025-26 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.
Perets Steals Show in 4-1 Royals Win
WHEELING, WV- Sometimes, you have to tip your cap to a standout performance by a player on the opposing team. On Friday night at WesBanco Arena, that player was Reading Royals goaltender Yaniv Perets, who stood on his head by stopping 52 of 53 shots taken by the Wheeling Nailers, including all 25 in the third period. The Royals scored twice in the first period, then once each in the second and third, while Matthew Quercia potted the lone marker for Wheeling.
Reading scored twice in the opening stanza, and the goals came 1:32 apart from each other. The first strike came at the 9:50 mark. Nick Capone swiped the puck off of the left wing wall, then delivered a pass into the left circle for Cam Cook, who wired a wrist shot into the top-left corner of the cage. Connor McMenamin collected the second marker, as he scooped the rebound of Kyle Haskins' shot off of the end boards and jammed a wraparound inside of the right post.
The Nailers tried to swing the momentum in the early stages of period two with a successful power play conversion. Brayden Edwards dished a pass across the slot for Matthew Quercia, who blasted in a one-timer from the right circle. However, the Royals regained their two-goal edge with 5:52 to go. Brandon Saigeon took a wrist shot from the right side with traffic, and the puck ended up going off of Patrick Moynihan before dropping in over the goal line.
Wheeling poured it on in the third period with 25 shots on goal to Reading's seven, but Yaniv Perets stopped each and every one of them, and Carson Golder sealed the 4-1 win for the Royals with an empty netter.
Yaniv Perets was sensational in goal for Reading, as he denied 52 of the 53 shots he faced. Maxim Pavlenko made 23 saves on 26 shots in the loss for the Nailers.
The Nailers and Royals will travel back to Reading, where they will clash for the fourth time in a row on Saturday night at 7:00. Wheeling has six home games on the schedule over the course of the next two weeks. First up is the annual Thanksgiving Eve game on Wednesday night at 7:10 against Indy. There will be live IWC Wrestling, Turkey Bowling, and select $2 beers. Saturday, November 29th at 7:10 is Bluey Night, when fans will be able to meet Bluey and take photos throughout the game. Another exciting upcoming promotion is Wizards & Wands: Spells in the Snow on Saturday, December 6th. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2025-26 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.
Friday, November 21st
Pavlenko, Nailers Blank Royals, 2-0
Tuesday, November 18th
READING, PA- Maxim Pavlenko had quite the morning in goal for the Wheeling Nailers at Santander Arena on Tuesday. The Kazakhstan native stopped all 29 shots he faced and got involved physically with a pair of minor penalties. Wheeling got goals from Ryan Mahshie and David Breazeale to defeat the Reading Royals, 2-0. The Nailers improved to 10-2-0 on the season, and are 17-5-3 all-time in morning games.
The first period was a wild one. Both teams received two power plays, Wheeling goaltender Maxim Pavlenko was called for two penalties, there was a fight, and the Nailers took a 1-0 lead. The goal came on the power play with 1:27 remaining. Ryan Mahshie and Brayden Edwards exchanged passes in the left circle, and Mahshie ultimately shoveled a shot into the top-right corner of the cage. Brent Johnson also picked up an assist for his seventh point in four games.
Wheeling added to its lead at the 4:28 mark of the middle frame. Logan Pietila carried the puck in on the right side of the offensive zone, then dropped a pass back to David Breazeale. The ice opened up for Breazeale, who skated to the top of the right circle, where he wired a shot in off of the left post for his first professional goal.
A pair of fights took place in the third period to run the game's total to three, but neither team turned on the red light, as the Nailers were victorious, 2-0.
Maxim Pavlenko earned the shutout for Wheeling, as he was perfect on 29 shots. Keith Petruzzelli made 29 saves on 31 shots in the defeat for Reading.
The Nailers and Royals will meet again on Friday, but this time, the game will be at WesBanco Arena with a 6:30 opening face-off. Fans are encouraged to arrive early to Friday's match-up, as that is the same night as the Main Street Bank Fantasy in Lights Parade. That will also be a Frosty Friday, with select $2 beers. Additional upcoming promotions include Bluey Night on November 29th and Wizards & Wands: Spells in the Snow on December 6th. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2025-26 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.
Sunday, November 16th
Late Goal Snaps Wheeling's Winning Streak
READING, PA- The Wheeling Nailers had a long night of travel to Reading, Pennsylvania, but still had enough energy to put forth a strong effort against the Reading Royals on Sunday afternoon. Unfortunately, that effort was spoiled, as Reading's Jake Willets scored with 51.1 seconds remaining to give the home team a 3-2 victory at Santander Arena. Brayden Edwards had a goal and an assist in his return to the lineup for the Nailers, who saw their eight-game winning streak come to an end.
The lone goal in the first period went to the Royals at the 12:59 mark. Cam Cook stole a Wheeling clearing attempt in neutral ice, and maneuvered his way into the left side of the offensive zone. Cook let a wrist shot go from the left point, which floated into the twine.
The Nailers pulled even shortly before the midway point of the second period. Brayden Edwards entered the offensive zone on a 2-on-1 break, and shuffled a pass over to Jack Works, who buried his second goal in three days from the left side of the slot. Reading briefly regained the lead with 3:08 remaining in the frame, and did so with a 2-on-1 of its own. Former Nailer Brandon Saigeon made the pass to Jacob Frasca, who wired in a shot from just inside of the right circle. Wheeling got an equalizer 1:24 later on the power play. Brent Johnson's right point wrist shot glanced off of Matthew Quercia's skate and went directly to Edwards, who stashed home the loose puck from the right side of the crease.
The Nailers came less than one minute away from taking at least one point out of the game, but with 51.1 seconds left, the Royals netted the game winner. Jake Willets exchanged a quick pass with Saigeon, and the result was Willets firing a wrist shot which found its way into the left side of the net. Wheeling was unable to find a tying tally, as Reading prevailed, 3-2.
Vinnie Purpura secured the win for the Royals, as he stopped 28 of the 30 shots he faced. Maxim Pavlenko took the loss for the Nailers, as he made 18 saves on 21 shots.
The Nailers and Royals will continue their stretch of games against each other on Tuesday morning at 10:30 in Reading. The teams will then travel to Wheeling for a 6:30 start time on Friday. Fans are encouraged to arrive early on Friday, as that is the same night as the Main Street Bank Fantasy in Lights Parade. That will also be a Frosty Friday, with select $2 beers. Additional upcoming promotions include Bluey Night on November 29th and Wizards & Wands: Spells in the Snow on December 6th. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2025-26 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.
Saturday, November 15th
Nailers Sweep Maine for Eight Straight Win
WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers took care of business against the Maine Mariners, and took over sole possession of first place in the North Division with back-to-back victories at WesBanco Arena. On Saturday night, Mike Posma recorded his second straight two-goal game, while Jake Smith made 22 saves in the 4-1 Wheeling win. The Nailers have now won eight straight contests and are 9-1-0 overall.
For the second straight night, the two North Division clubs played to a scoreless draw in the first period, while Wheeling held a 9-7 advantage in shots. The Nailers finally broke the deadlock at the 11:52 mark of the middle frame. David Breazeale worked the puck to the middle of the blueline, where Matthew Quercia launched a shot toward the net. Max Graham got a tip in the slot to collect his team-leading fifth marker of the campaign. With under one minute remaining, Wheeling added to its lead. Brent Johnson let a wrist shot go from the right point, which was stopped by Brad Arvanitis. However, Mike Posma was there to sweep home the rebound for his third goal in two games.
The score stayed 2-0 until the 12:20 mark of the third period, when Maine trimmed the margin to one. Shawn Element led Robert Cronin down the slot, and although his first attempt got thwarted, Cronin followed that up to convert on the rebound. The Nailers went back up by two 4:08 later. Craig Armstrong flew down the right side of the ice, then delivered a perfect pass into the left side of the crease for a tap-in by Zach Urdahl. Posma iced Wheeling's 4-1 triumph with his second of the night into an empty net.
Jake Smith earned his fourth straight win in goal for the Nailers, as he kicked out 22 of the 23 shots he faced. Brad Arvanitis took the loss for the Mariners, as he made 22 saves on 25 shots.
The Nailers will play their next four games against the Reading Royals, starting on Sunday at 3:00 in Reading. The lone home game of that mini-series will be Friday, November 21st. The puck will drop at 6:30, and fans are encouraged to arrive early, as that is the same night as the Main Street Bank Fantasy in Lights Parade. That will also be a Frosty Friday, with select $2 beers. Additional upcoming promotions include Bluey Night on November 29th and Wizards & Wands: Spells in the Snow on December 6th. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2025-26 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.
Friday, November 14th
Nailers Mangle Mariners, 5-1
WHEELING, WV- Friday night was a statement victory for the Wheeling Nailers, as they took down the Maine Mariners, 5-1 at WesBanco Arena to move into a tie for first place in the North Division. The win was Wheeling's seventh in a row, which brought the team's overall record to 8-1-0 for the best nine-game start in team history. Mike Posma netted the first two-goal game by a Nailer this season, Jack Works scored his first pro marker, and Jake Smith made 26 saves.
The two teams played to a scoreless draw in the first period, before Wheeling finally broke through at the 3:22 mark of the second. The Nailers got lots of traffic around the crease, and the puck popped free to Mike Posma, who slid a shot inside of the left post. The goal gives Posma points in three straight contests. Wheeling added to its lead with 8:21 remaining. Zach Urdahl entered the offensive zone off of the rush, then waited for teammates to join him. One of those teammates was Max Graham, who took a drop pass in the slot and zipped a wrist shot into the left side of the cage. The Nailers held off a powerful attack by Maine to maintain their 2-0 lead at the intermission break.
Wheeling busted the game open with three goals in the third period. The first of those came shorthanded at the 3:34 mark. Logan Pietila poked the puck past a Mariners defender to create a 2-on-0 break.
Pietila dished a pass over to Posma, who buried his second of the night into the left side of the twine. The Nailers fed off of the shorthanded goal and successful penalty kill to go ahead by four. Tanner Andrew set up Jack Works, who wired his first professional tally into the top-left corner of the goal. Matthew Quercia tacked on another insurance marker from the left circle, before James Marooney netted Maine's lone goal for the 5-1 final score.
Jake Smith was stellar in goal once again for Wheeling, as he denied 26 of the 27 shots he faced for his third straight triumph. The Nailers ended Luke Cavallin's five-game winning streak, as he allowed five goals on 28 shots for the Mariners.
The Nailers and Mariners will play in Wheeling again on Saturday at 7:10. The promotion is First Responders Night, and following the ECHL match, the annual Guns & Hoses game will take place. Additional upcoming promotions include Bluey Night on November 29th and Wizards & Wands: Spells in the Snow on December 6th. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2025-26 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.
Saturday, November 8th
Nailers Sweep Gargoyles for 500th Road Win
GREENSBORO, NC- The Wheeling Nailers added a couple of new items to the history books on Saturday night, as they finished off a three-game sweep of the Greensboro Gargoyles at First Horizon Coliseum. Wheeling earned its sixth straight win for its first 7-1-0 start in team history, which was also the 500th road win in the club's 34-year history. Zach Urdahl broke a 1-1 tie with a shorthanded goal in the third period, and Jaxon Castor made 23 saves to get the 2-1 victory to the finish line for the Nailers.
The Nailers netted the lone goal of the opening stanza, and they needed just 2:10 to do so. Eric Parker flicked a wrist shot toward the goal from the right wing wall, and the puck went into the left side of the cage. Matthew Quercia and Mike Posma picked up the assists.
Greensboro evened the score at the 11:54 mark of the second period. Zach Faremouth carried the puck down the left side of the ice, then tossed a pass into the slot for Anthony Rinaldi, who drove a shot into the right side of the goal.
Wheeling went through the first two periods without being called for a penalty, but the visitors turned the tables during their first penalty kill of the evening, as they regained the lead with a shorthanded strike. Posma poked the puck ahead to the right side of the offensive zone. Zach Urdahl skated onto the loose biscuit, charged toward the net, then shuffled a shot around Christian Propp's right leg. The Nailers played their best third period of the week, as they limited the Gargoyles to just seven shots in order to preserve the 2-1 triumph.
Jaxon Castor earned the win in goal for Wheeling, as he denied 23 of the 24 shots he faced. Christian Propp made 27 saves on 29 shots in the defeat for Greensboro.
The Nailers will return home to WesBanco Arena next weekend for a two-game series against the Maine Mariners. Friday night is Military Appreciation Night as well as a Frosty Friday. Saturday night is First Responders Night. Additional upcoming promotions include Bluey Night on November 29th and Wizards & Wands: Spells in the Snow on December 6th. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2025-26 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.
Friday, November 7th
Five-Round Shootout Produces Five Straight Wins for Wheeling
GREENSBORO, NC- Friday night was a bit on the wild side for the Wheeling Nailers and Greensboro Gargoyles at First Horizon Coliseum. However, the Nailers came away with smiles on their faces, as they secured their fifth straight victory and sixth in seven games to start the season. Logan Pietila scored in the fifth round of the shootout to give Wheeling a 3-2 win, which was backstopped by Jake Smith's 33 saves. Eric Parker scored his first goal as a pro during regulation for the Nailers.
The start of the game was chaotic, as there was a 12-minute delay before the opening puck drop, then matching high sticking minors were assessed at the 23-second mark to create a 4-on-4 scenario. Only one goal was scored in the first period, as Greensboro turned on the red light at the 6:41 mark. Ethan Leyh won a face-off back to Patrick Kyte, who found a spot on the left side of the cage with his wrist shot from the left point.
The middle frame was significantly better for the Nailers, who outshot the Gargoyles 12-9 and tied the score in the process. Ryan Mahshie used his strength to maintain possession of the puck on the right side of the offensive zone. Mahshie proceeded to let a wrist shot go from the top of the right circle, which found a home in the left side of the net. Mike Posma and Tommy Budnick assisted on the equalizer.
Both teams found the scoreboard in the third period, and the first team to strike was Wheeling at the 2:27 mark. Craig Armstrong set up Eric Parker, who wired his first professional goal into the top-right corner of the twine. Greensboro answered 3:14 later, when David Gagnon tipped in Colton Leiter's attempt from the right point.
The Nailers got tested heavily, as they were forced to kill five penalties, and were outshot, 35-24. However, thanks to more brilliant goaltending by Jake Smith, the game passed through regulation and overtime still tied, 2-2. Both netminders shined in the shootout, as the two sides went four full rounds without a goal being scored. In round five, Tyler Weiss came up empty for the Gargoyles, which set the table for Logan Pietila's heroics. Pietila placed his shot in the top-right corner to deliver the 3-2 triumph for Wheeling.
Jake Smith earned his second win in as many days with a dazzling 33-save performance in the game, then five more stops in the shootout. Connor Ungar made 22 saves on 24 shots during the game, then went 4-of-5 in the shootout.
The Nailers and Gargoyles will wrap up their series in Greensboro on Saturday night at 7:00. Wheeling's next home series is November 14th and 15th against the Maine Mariners, and both of those games will start at 7:10. November 14th is Military Appreciation Night and November 15th is First Responders Night. Additional upcoming promotions include Bluey Night on November 29th and Wizards & Wands: Spells in the Snow on December 6th. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2025-26 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.
Thursday, November 6th
Nailers Double up Gargoyles in Series Opener
GREENSBORO, NC- The Wheeling Nailers took on a brand new opponent for the first time on Thursday night, as they took on the expansion Greensboro Gargoyles at First Horizon Coliseum. Wheeling cruised out to a 3-0 lead in the first half of the match, then held on at the end for a 4-2 triumph. Jake Smith won his ECHL debut with 24 saves, and the Nailers got goals from four different players.
The Nailers notched the lone goal of the first period, and it came at the 6:36 mark. Jordan Kaplan started the play from his own end, before rushing down the entire length of the ice. Kaplan ultimately saw his opportunity develop behind the offensive goal, when he gathered the puck on his backhand, swooped beneath the right circle, and tossed a shot into the left side of the cage.
Wheeling added to its advantage with a pair of strikes in the early stages of the middle frame. At the 5:41 mark, Ryan Mahshie skated in on the left side of the offensive zone and delivered a perfect saucer pass to the right side of the crease, where Connor Lockhart swatted it home. Less than four minutes later, Kaplan won an offensive zone face-off to Zach Urdahl, who immediately wired in a wrist shot from the left circle. Greensboro got on the scoreboard with a power play marker in the closing minutes of the period, when David Gagnon potted a loose puck in the low slot.
The game tightened up a bit more in the closing minutes, as the Gargoyles trimmed the gap to one with 3:46 left. Trevor Zins' shot from the center point got denied, but Deni Goure poked in the rebound. Things got even more tense 33 seconds later, when the Nailers were called for a penalty. However, Wheeling was successful on the penalty kill, then Matthew Quercia fired in an empty net tally from his own left circle for the 4-2 victory. The goal extended Quercia's point streak to six games.
Jake Smith made a couple of dazzling saves as part of his 24 saves on 26 shots to win his ECHL debut for the Nailers. Connor Ungar turned away 27 of the 30 shots he faced for Greensboro.
The Nailers and Gargoyles will play the remaining games of their series in Greensboro this week on Friday and Saturday, with both contests starting at 7:00. Wheeling's next home series is November 14th and 15th against the Maine Mariners, and both of those games will start at 7:10. November 14th is Military Appreciation Night and November 15th is First Responders Night. Additional upcoming promotions include Bluey Night on November 29th and Wizards & Wands: Spells in the Snow on December 6th. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2025-26 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.
Sunday, November 2nd
Nailers Get a Win for the Maxes
WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers had a thrilling first weekend at WesBanco Arena, and it was capped off with some overtime magic on Sunday afternoon. Wheeling trailed 2-0 early, then fended off a barrage of shots in the third period, before Max Graham delivered the winning goal at the 2:25 mark of overtime. The Nailers beat the Norfolk Admirals 3-2 for the second day in a row, and improved to 4-0-1 on the young season. Maxim Pavlenko was tremendous in goal with 33 saves.
Three goals were scored in the opening ten minutes of play, but unfortunately, the Nailers found themselves on the wrong side of the scoreboard. Norfolk got onto the board first at the 5:05 mark. Brehdan Engum slipped a pass into the right circle for Connor Fedorek, who launched a one-timer into the right side of the net. 2:06 later, the Admirals added to their lead. Jaydon Dureau delivered a perfect pass into the right side of the crease for a tip-in by Brady Fleurent. Wheeling cut into the deficit 2:33 after that. Jordan Kaplan dropped a pass off to Randy Hernández, who whipped a shot on goal from the slot. Goaltender Alex Worthington lost control of the rebound, which was touched home by Ryan Mahshie.
One of the biggest strengths for the Nailers in the first five games has been their power play, and it was the man advantage that tied the score at the 12:35 mark of the second period. Connor Lockhart took a shot from the right circle, which ramped off of a Norfolk defender's stick, then floated over the netminder and into the cage.
Norfolk controlled the majority of the play in the third period with a 15-4 shots on goal advantage. However, thanks to an outstanding performance by rookie goaltender Maxim Pavlenko, Wheeling bent, but didn't break, and the score stayed tied, 2-2.
The Nailers needed just one shot in overtime to win the contest, and it came at the 2:25 mark. Jordan Kaplan delivered a pass to Max Graham in the left circle. Graham hesitated, then shoveled a shot into the left side of the goal for his second straight game winning strike and a 3-2 final score.
Maxim Pavlenko earned his second win in as many days for Wheeling, as he denied 33 of the 35 shots he faced. Alex Worthington made 34 saves on 37 shots in the overtime loss for the Admirals.
The Nailers will travel to Greensboro, North Carolina this week for their first three games against the expansion Gargoyles on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. All of those matches will begin at 7:00. Wheeling's next home series is November 14th and 15th against the Maine Mariners, and both of those games will start at 7:10. November 14th is Military Appreciation Night and November 15th is First Responders Night. Additional upcoming promotions include Bluey Night on November 29th and Wizards & Wands: Spells in the Snow on December 6th. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2025-26 season are available now by calling (304) 234-GOAL. The Wheeling Nailers, considered one of the top things to do in Wheeling, West Virginia, provide affordable family entertainment for fans throughout the Ohio Valley.
WHEELING, WV- For the third straight season, the Wheeling Nailers opened their home campaign with a sellout crowd, as 4,839 fans packed WesBanco Arena on Saturday night. For the third straight year and 23rd time in history, Wheeling fans left the home opener with smiles on their faces, thanks to a win by their team. Brent Johnson, Bogdans Hodass, and Max Graham scored for the Nailers, who avenged their playoff defeat by knocking off the Norfolk Admirals, 3-2.
The sellout crowd had something to cheer about right off of the hop, as the Nailers scored the opening goal 91 seconds into play. Wheeling received an early power play, and went to work in the offensive zone to cash in. Brent Johnson let a wrist shot go from the right point, which found its way through traffic and into the left side of the net. Matthew Quercia and Zach Gallant assisted on the marker to extend each of their point streaks to four games.
The middle frame saw a similar story to the first, as the Nailers needed just 1:48 to up their lead to two. Wheeling had a quality scoring chance off of the rush that came up empty, but the offensive pressure led to a Norfolk turnover. Bogdans Hodass stole the puck and promptly wired a shot into the top part of the cage. The Nailers dominated the second period with a 17-6 shots advantage, bringing the game total to 29-13 in favor of the home side.
Another early goal was scored in the third, but that time, it was the Admirals who struck at the 1:32 mark. Matt Crasa slipped a pass through the crease for a slam dunk by Jack O'Leary next to the left post. Wheeling regained its two-goal advantage with its second power play tally of the night. Connor Lockhart spotted Max Graham, who wired in a shot from the right circle. That turned out to be a key tally, as Norfolk's Brandon Osmundson floated a shot past a stickless Maxim Pavlenko with 2:43 to go, making the score 3-2. The Nailers locked things down from there and solidified the 3-2 victory.
Maxim Pavlenko earned the win for Wheeling, as he made 24 saves on 26 shots. Isaac Poulter received the loss for the Admirals, as he turned aside 33 of the 36 shots he faced.
The Nailers and Admirals will play each other in Wheeling again on Sunday at 4:10. Following the game, fans will be able to skate with the entire team. Additional upcoming promotions include Bluey Night on November 29th and Wizards & Wands: Spells in the Snow on December 6th. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2025-26 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.
Saturday, November 1st
Sellout Crowd Treated to Home-Opening Victory
Sunday, October 26th
Pietila Pushes Nailers to Overtime Victory
PORTLAND, ME- Multiple goal leads were not safe at Cross Insurance Arena on Sunday afternoon, as the Wheeling Nailers and Maine Mariners needed extra time to determine a winner. Both teams erased a two-goal deficit, leading to a 4-4 deadlock after regulation. With less than one minute to go in overtime, Logan Pietila stepped up as the hero for the Nailers, as he poked in the rebound of Zach Gallant's initial shot for a 5-4 triumph. Tommy Budnick and Max Graham both scored their first pro goals for Wheeling.
The first period was a busy one, as there was a Maine goal, a pair of double minors for roughing, an ejection, and some wild exchanges of power play time. The Mariners got their goal at the 7:08 mark. Jacob Perreault rang a shot from the right side off of Jaxon Castor's mask. The rebound dropped into the slot, where it was swatted in by Brooklyn Kalmikov. 50 seconds later, the gloves hit the ice, as Wheeling's Zach Gallant delivered a solid left in an altercation with Jaxon Bellamy. The end of the period saw the Nailers receive a five-minute power play, due to a cross check by Shawn Element on Aidan Sutter. However, a pair of Wheeling penalties created a temporary 4-on-3 man advantage for the Mariners.
Maine capitalized on the 4-on-3 at the 40-second mark of the middle stanza. Max Andreev had his initial stuff attempt stopped on the right side, but he deposited his own rebound for the marker. When the Nailers finally got their power play back, they cashed in to trim the deficit to one. Nolan Renwick worked the puck back to Tommy Budnick, who tossed in a wrist shot from the point for his first professional goal. Wheeling continued to battle throughout the second and got rewarded with a tying tally. Daniel Laatsch spotted Max Graham wide open in the right circle, and Graham wired his first career goal into the right side of the cage. A second dust-up came in the latter stages of the period, as Budnick and Jacob Hudson went at it.
23 seconds into the third period, the Nailers took the lead for the first time. Renwick blocked a shot in the defensive zone, then created a 2-on-1 in the other direction. The rookie forward attempted to slide a pass across the slot, but the puck kicked off of a Mariners defender and ended up in the net. 2:27 later, Wheeling struck again. Gallant navigated his way into the slot and zipped a wrist shot into the bottom-left corner of the twine. Maine battled back with two goals during the final minutes to even the score and force overtime. Kalmikov struck for his second of the night, when he dangled through the slot and ripped a wrist shot into the right side of the net. Then, with 2:53 to go, Ty Cheveldayoff roofed the equalizer into the top-right corner.
Overtime saw nine combined shots on goal, but nearly reached its entirety without a goal being scored. However, with just over 58 seconds left, the Nailers secured their victory. Gallant smoked a shot on goal from the left circle that goaltender Brad Arvanitis stopped. However, Arvanitis lost the handle of the puck, and Logan Pietila stashed in the loose change, giving Wheeling the 5-4 win.
Jaxon Castor was the victorious netminder for the Nailers, as he made 24 saves on 28 shots in his season debut. Brad Arvanitis stopped 26 of the 31 shots he faced in the overtime loss for the Mariners.
The Nailers will play their home opener on Saturday night at 7:10 against the Norfolk Admirals. America's Got Talent Star Grace Good will be performing during both intermissions, the game will have a circus theme, and there will be a magnetic schedule giveaway. Wheeling and Norfolk will also face-off at WesBanco Arena on Sunday at 4:10. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2025-26 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.
PORTLAND, ME- The Wheeling Nailers took one on the chin for the first time in the 2025-26 season on Saturday night, as the Maine Mariners put seven goals on the board at Cross Insurance Arena. Three of the goals belonged to Jacob Hudson, who scored them in succession for a natural hat trick in a 7-3 contest. Aidan Sutter netted his first pro goal for the Nailers, who got multi-point efforts from Matthew Quercia and Zach Gallant.
Offense was the name of the game in period one, as both teams lit the lamp twice. Maine got on the board first at the 3:53 mark. Robert Cronin found Shawn Element wide-open on the left side of the slot, and Element wasted little time in sifting a shot through Maxim Pavlenko's legs. The Nailers evened the score with 7:39 remaining, following an icing call against the Mariners. Zack Gallant won the face-off back to Bogdans Hodass, who quickly moved the puck to Aidan Sutter at the middle of the blueline. Sutter let a wrist shot fly through a pile of bodies, which found a home in the net for his first goal as a pro. Wheeling briefly took the lead 3:03 later on the power play. Brent Johnson tossed a shot toward the goal from the right point and got a deflection by Matthew Quercia for his second goal in as many games. Maine squared the score back up just 39 seconds later off of a chaotic sequence in the Nailers zone. Tristan Thompson ultimately converted for the marker by sweeping a shot in along the ice from the right circle.
The scoring continued for one side in the middle frame, but unfortunately for Wheeling, that side was the home one. Robert Cronin needed just 23 seconds to snap the 2-2 deadlock, when he roofed a shot into the top-right corner of the cage from the high slot. Jacob Hudson created the first multi-goal lead of the game for Maine with 7:16 to go, as he took a drop pass from Max Andreev and drove a one-timer into the left side of the twine.
Hudson and the Mariners opened things up even more in the third, as the forward potted a power play marker and an even strength goal to complete a natural hat trick. Jacob Perreault tacked on one more for Maine, before Nolan Renwick's late power play wrist shot from the right circle gave the match its 7-3 final score.
Luke Cavallin picked up the win for the Mariners, as he made 24 saves on 27 shots. Maxim Pavlenko suffered the loss for the Nailers, as he allowed seven goals on 35 shots.
The Nailers and Mariners will collide in Portland again on Sunday at 3:00. Wheeling will then open its home schedule on Saturday, November 1st at 7:10 against the Norfolk Admirals. America's Got Talent Star Grace Good will be performing during both intermissions, the game will have a circus theme, and there will be a magnetic schedule giveaway. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2025-26 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.
Saturday, October 25th
Nailers Fall in Maine, 7-3
Saturday, October 18th
Electric Ending for Nailers on Opening Night
CINCINNATI, OH- The Wheeling Nailers opened the 2025-26 season in thrilling fashion on Saturday night, as they faced the Cincinnati Cyclones at Heritage Bank Center. Matthew Quercia snapped a 3-3 deadlock with 1:33 remaining, and Brayden Edwards followed with his first career goal to deliver a 5-3 victory. Mike Posma and Zach Urdahl also collected their first pro markers, while Cole Tymkin recorded his second career Gordie Howe Hat Trick (goal, assist, fight) in 25 pro games.
The regular season started with a bang, as Wheeling's Cole Tymkin and Cincinnati's Justin Portillo threw down the gloves 3:31 into the contest. Tymkin was heard from later in the opening period, but first, the Nailers followed up that scrap with a goal just 23 seconds later. Logan Pietila dipped a shot on goal from the right wing wall, which was fumbled by goaltender Ken Appleby. Mike Posma crashed in to jam home the loose puck for his first professional goal. With 2:07 remaining, Tymkin checked off another box by lighting the lamp. The forward received a centering pass from Tommy Budnick and drilled in a one-timer from the slot. Budnick assisted on both markers in the first for his first two points as a pro. Cincinnati pulled within one during the final ten seconds of the frame, when Luke Grainger tipped in Ryan Kirwan's toss from the left boards.
A penalty at the first period buzzer gave the Cyclones a power play to start the middle frame. They needed just 37 seconds to cash in, as Ben King threw the puck toward the goal for a redirection by Justin Vaive, who was parked at the left post. The score stayed deadlocked for nearly the remainder of the period, before Wheeling replicated what Cincinnati did in the first - scoring in the final ten seconds. Zach Gallant set off some chaos around the crease with his initial shot, which resulted in Zach Urdahl slipping the go-ahead strike underneath Appleby for his first professional goal and point.
The Cyclones pulled even again at the 4:34 mark of the third, when Vaive deposited the rebound of Rhett Parsons' initial attempt. All that did was set the stage for an electric finish. With 1:33 remaining, the Nailers regained the lead. Tymkin laid a hit to free up the puck for Logan Pietila, who connected with Matthew Quercia for a one-time dart from the right side of the slot. 30 seconds later, Wheeling got some breathing room, as Brayden Edwards danced around a defender, then faked out the netminder with a gorgeous backhander to put the finishing touches on the 5-3 triumph.
Maxim Pavlenko earned his first professional win in North America, as he denied 27 of the 30 shots he faced. Ken Appleby took the loss for Cincinnati, as he allowed five goals on 38 shots.
The Nailers will play two more road games next weekend, when they visit the Maine Mariners on Saturday at 6:00 and Sunday at 3:00. Wheeling will then open its home schedule on Saturday, November 1st at 7:10 against the Norfolk Admirals. America's Got Talent Star Grace Good will be performing during both intermissions, the game will have a circus theme, and their will be a magnetic schedule giveaway. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2025-26 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.
Greenville Wins Diamond Anniversary Pro Classic, 3-0
JOHNSTOWN, PA- The Wheeling Nailers and Greenville Swamp Rabbits treated fans in Johnstown, Pennsylvania to a fun night of hockey on Saturday night in the Diamond Anniversary Pro Classic, as the city was celebrating 75 years of hockey. Greenville wore Johnstown Chiefs jerseys for the game, and the Johnstown fans got to celebrate, as their team came away with a 3-0 win. Mattias Sholl and Pierce Charleson combined for the shutout for the Swamp Rabbits, while Jacob Modry notched a goal and an assist.
It took a while for the first goal to be scored, as the two teams worked to get settled into their lone preseason match. Shots on goal in the opening stanza were 13-9 in Wheeling's favor, but neither team was able to turn on the red light. Greenville finally broke the scoreless deadlock with 2:13 remaining in the middle frame. Ryan O'Reilly's shot from the left circle got blocked by the Nailers defender, but kicked out to the right side of the high slot. Jacob Modry stepped in and drilled a slap shot into the open right side of the cage. Former Nailer David Drake also assisted on the marker.
Modry helped to set up the second goal for the Swamp Rabbits, which came at the 6:55 mark of the third period. The blueliner let a shot go from the middle of the blueline, which bounced off of a Wheeling leg and landed on the left side of the crease. Kenta Isogai picked up the loose change and tucked it into the twine. Stepan Timofeyev capped off the scoring with an empty netter, as Greenville prevailed, 3-0.
Mattias Sholl and Pierce Charleson combined for the shutout win for the Swamp Rabbits. Sholl made 15 saves and Charleson made 17, with Charleson earning the victory. Jaxon Castor was perfect on all 15 shots he faced for the Nailers, before he gave way to Jake Smith, who stopped 16 of 18 shots in the defeat.
The Nailers will open the 2025-26 season on Saturday, October 18th with a 7:35 road game against the Cincinnati Cyclones. Wheeling's home opener will be on Saturday, November 1st at 7:10 against the Norfolk Admirals. The home opener will have a circus theme, and there will be performances during intermissions by Grace Good, who performed on America's Got Talent. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2025-26 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.