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Wheeling Nailers

Nailers at Cyclones Game Day Snap Shot, October 7

October 7, 2016 - ECHL (ECHL)
Wheeling Nailers News Release


Caught Up in the Storm The Wheeling Nailers and Cincinnati Cyclones dropped the puck on the 2016 preseason schedule Thursday night at WesBanco Arena. Unfortunately for the host Nailers, the final score went the way of the visiting Cyclones, who prevailed, 4-0. Wheeling had an early 11-7 lead in shots on goal, but fell behind on a Joe Manno goal from the bottom of the left circle. Jordan Sims added to the advantage in the middle frame, potting a power play tally to put Cincinnati ahead by two. Then, in the third period, insurance came in the form of both Greg Betzold and Dylan Nowakowski, who converted on plays in the center of the offensive zone. Joel Rumpel preserved the victory in goal for the Cyclones, turning aside all 20 shots he faced. Michael Doan and Spencer Bacon combined to make 33 saves, sharing the crease for the Nailers.

Let's Go to Their Place The scene shifts to US Bank Arena on Friday night, as the Nailers and Cyclones will do battle for the second time in as many nights. Last year's preseason clash in Cincinnati didn't go the way the Nailers had envisioned, but when the games counted for real in the regular season, Wheeling earned five out of six possible points on 100 Broadway. The Nailers took a 3-1 decision in early February, then split a pair of overtime contests on St. Patrick's Day Weekend. Since the two sides began a regular preseason series in 2010, US Bank Arena hasn't been a friendly location for Wheeling, as Friday night's visitors will be looking to snap a four-game exhibition skid in that building. Two of the last three preseason matches in Cincinnati have been decided by one goal.

Make Way for the Rookie Tenders For the second night in a row, the Nailers will turn to the goaltending tandem of Michael Doan and Spencer Bacon, with Bacon anticipated to make the start, and Doan coming in later in the contest. On Thursday night, Doan made the start, and settled in after an early goal, making 11 saves on 12 shots in 30:05 of action. Cincinnati didn't give Bacon the warmest welcome when he took over in relief, as a power play goal was scored in the middle of period two. However, just like his teammate, Bacon rebounded, and finished the night with 22 saves in 29:55 between the pipes. Both Wheeling backstops are rookies, as is the expected starter for the Cyclones on Friday - Steve Racine. Racine had an outstanding college hockey career at the University of Michigan, as he posted a 50-22-7 record over the course of four seasons, including a 20-6-3 mark in his senior campaign last year.

We'll Be Back There Again Soon Saturday is the lone preseason road game on the docket for the Nailers, who will get set to begin the 25th regular season of professional hockey in Wheeling on October 15th at WesBanco Arena against the Brampton Beast. Oddly enough, the next time the Nailers will step on the bus, they will also be headed for Cincinnati to play their first road contest on October 22nd. While the schedule will certainly heat up in the latter part of the season, Wheeling won't be spending much time on the road in the early going, as its first three tilts away from home will take place over a four-week span in three relatively close cities - Cincinnati, Kalamazoo, and Toledo. The Nailers will make their second visit to the Queen City in early February as part of a two-city trip. The Cyclones will come to Wheeling twice in a short period of time - December 22nd and January 8th.

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