2025-26 SEASON
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.