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Preview: Warriors Battle Wheeling Tonight

November 26, 2014 - ECHL (ECHL)
Greenville Swamp Rabbits News Release


TONIGHT'S GAME

Date Time Opponent Follow

Wed, Nov. 26 7:05 pm EST @ Wheeling Free Audio / Live Video

"POWER" PUNCH: The Greenville Road Warriors (10-7-0-0), proud ECHL affiliate of the New York Rangers and the AHL's Hartford Wolf Pack, today announced forward Ben Power has been signed to a contract and is expected to play in tonight's contest at Wheeling.

The second-year pro played 10 games earlier this season with the Knoxville Ice Bears of the Southern Professional Hockey League and earned 12 points (9g, 3a) and six penalty minutes. Last season, the 24-year old debuted with Knoxville and notched 32 points (13g, 19a) in 37 games during his rookie campaign. He also made 19 appearances in the Central Hockey League between the Allen Americans (6g, 3a) and Rapid City Rush (1g, 2a). A native of Montreal, Power spent four seasons at Lake Superior State University, where he spent two seasons playing with Warriors forward, Kyle Jean, prior to turning pro. While at Lake State, Power recorded 48 points (14g, 34a) in 145 career games.

THE STORY COMING IN : The Warriors continue a season-long, eight-game road trip tonight with their first matchup against the Wheeling Nailers. Greenville is currently 2-3-0 on the road swing and enters tonight's game in fourth place in the East Division, and sixth in the Eastern Conference (20 points). Last time out, the Road Warriors fell to the Evansville IceMen, 6-2. The loss snapped a two-game win streak and was the first time this season the Warriors have fallen when scoring first (6-0-1). In addition, the game included a season-high six fights, including two from Shawn O'Donnell, and 42 penalty minutes.

WARRIORS VS. NAILERS : Tonight's contest marks the first of five meetings this season between the Warriors and Nailers (all five will take place in Wheeling, WV). Last year, Greenville went 1-2-0 in three regular-season games and 1-1-0 in those contests on the road. In addition, the Warriors defeated Wheeling six games to two in the second round of the 2014 Kelly Cup Playoffs to advance to the Conference Finals. Overall, Greenville is 9-5-2 in 16 regular-season meetings against the Nailers.

VIEW FROM WHEELING : The Nailers (7-6-0-0) have dropped three of their last five games and enter tonight's contest in a tie for third in the North Division with Cincinnati and Kalamazoo (14 points). Last Sunday, Derek Army scored both Wheeling goals as the Nailers topped Elmira 2-0 in the final game of a three-game series against the Jackals. Offensively, Wheeling is led by forward Riley Brace in goals (6), assists (12) and points (18). Brace's 18 points rank him fifth best in the ECHL. The Nailers are affiliated with the NHL's Pittsburgh Penguins and Montreal Canadiens, and the AHL's Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins and Hamilton Bulldogs.

BRICK WALL : Jeff Malcolm has won eight of his last 10 games and is currently fifth in the league with a 2.08 goals against average (GAA) through 11 starts this season. In addition, the 25-year old has earned an impressive 1.79 GAA and .935 save percentage over his last 10 games. Malcolm has only allowed more than two goals on three occasions all season. The Warriors netminder is also undefeated at home (4-0-0) this season with a 1.47 GAA and .945 save percentage.

SAPONARI HEATING UP: Vinny Saponari has scored in each of his last three games and now leads the Road Warriors with six goals on the season. Saponari's three-game goal streak matches a career-high and is the longest such streak for the Warriors this season. Last year, Saponari earned a career-best 33 points (15g, 18a) in 58 games with the AHL's Milwaukee Admirals. He was a fourth round pick (#94) of the Atlanta Thrashers in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.

COMEBACK KIDS : The Road Warriors earned their sixth come-from-behind victory last Saturday when the team scored three times in the third period to beat Fort Wayne 3-1. The Warriors have earned 60% (6-of-10) of the team's wins this season after trailing at some point in the game. Greenville's success in coming from behind is due to a potent third-period offense that has outscored opponents 24-14, including 13-6 following the 10-minute mark of the third period. The Warriors also boast a league-high four wins (4-6-0) when trailing after two periods.

KEEPING PERFECT : The Road Warriors are 3-0-0 when leading after the first, 9-0-0 when scoring at least three goals and 6-0-0 when scoring at least once on the power play. The club is also 4-0-0 in one-goal games.

STREAKS - MILESTONES - INJURIES

- Trevor Parkes is on a three-game point streak (1g, 3a)

- Chad Nehring is on a three-game point streak (3a)

- Tyler Brown is two games away from 200 professional games played

- Mike Banwell is on the 21-day IR as of 10/22

- Devon Krogh is on the 21-day IR as of 11/1

AFFILIATE REPORT

NHL: New York Rangers (9-7-4): Next @ Tampa Bay Lightning - Tonight

AHL: Hartford Wolf Pack (9-7-2): Next @ Albany Devils - Tonight

Follow : Keep up with the Road Warriors all season long and interact with other fans on the Official Road Warriors Facebook, Twitter, Pintrest and Instagram pages.

Teddy Bear Toss: Friday, December 5th is the annual "Teddy Bear Toss" benefiting Toys for Tots! All fans are encouraged to bring a stuffed animal to the game to throw onto the ice after the Road Warriors score their first goal. All stuffed animals will be collected and donated to Toys for Tots. December 5th is also the Warriors annual "Sing for Santa" game! Enjoy school choirs performing holiday favorites during the first intermission as the Road Warriors battle Orlando at 7:00 p.m. The popular Warrior Fun Pack is also available for the December 5th game. For just $60 fans can receive four (4) tickets, four (4) hot dogs, four (4) bags of chips, four (4) soft drinks and two (2) Warriors drawstring bags! Visit GreenvilleRoadWarriors.com for more information or to purchase the Warrior Fun Pack.

Next Home Game: The Road Warriors return to the Bon Secours Wellness Arena on Thursday, December 4th for a 7:00 p.m. puck drop against the Orlando Solar Bears. The Warriors are offering $5 tickets at the Box Office while supplies last! It's also Thirsty Thursday featuring $2 domestic beers, hot dogs, fountain drinks and pretzels! For tickets or more information, please call a Road Warriors Account Executive at 864-674-PUCK or visit GreenvilleRoadWarriors.com/tickets-overview.html !

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