Americans Win Kelly Cup with 4-2 Decision in Game Six
June 9, 2016 - ECHL (ECHL)
Wheeling Nailers News Release
ALLEN, TX- Between the regular season and playoffs, the Wheeling Nailers took the ice for 98 games in 2015-16, playing their longest season in team history. However, the magical run came to an end on Thursday, June 9th at Allen Event Center. The Allen Americans hoisted their second straight Kelly Cup, scoring three power play goals in a 4-2 win over the Nailers in game six of the Kelly Cup Final.
The Nailers found themselves behind the eight ball at the start of the game, due to a pair of power play goals by the Americans. The first tally came at the 4:44 mark. Chad Costello swung a pass up to Eric Roy at the right point, who quickly set up Tristan King at the top of the left circle. King teed up a one-timer, which flew into the top-right corner of the net. Allen's second marker on the man advantage came as a result of a too many men on the ice call. Costello spiked the puck off of a Wheeling body in the middle of the ice to Greger Hanson, who swatted a shot into the right side of the cage.
The second period was a much different story for the visitors, who stormed back with 17 shots on goal, and ultimately pulled within one. Brett Stern got the puck from Ty Loney, and used excellent patience to allow his teammates to set up in front of the defense and goaltender. One of those teammates was John McCarron, who got a piece of Stern's attempt, tipping it in for his 11th marker of the playoffs.
A third power play goal put the Americans ahead by two at the 10:04 mark of the third period. Casey Pierro-Zabotel slipped a pass through the slot to Eric Roy, who trickled in a shot from the left side. The Nailers once again pulled within a goal with 7:06 left. Cody Wydo banked in his team-leading 12th of the postseason, drawing assists from Riley Brace and Mathew Maione. Brace led the squad with 27 points. Unfortunately, the comeback kids were unable to muster one last rally, and Allen completed its championship with Gary Steffes' empty netter during the final minute.
Riley Gill played tremendous in the series and got the win in game six for Allen, making 40 saves on 42 shots. Brian Foster suffered the setback, despite turning aside 24 of the 27 shots he faced.
The Nailers will open their 25th season of hockey in Wheeling on October 15th against the Brampton Beast at WesBanco Arena. Stay tuned for details about one last chance to see the 2015-16 club before summer.
ECHL Stories from June 9, 2016
- Americans Win Second Straight Kelly Cup Title - Allen Americans
- Americans Win Kelly Cup with 4-2 Decision in Game Six - Wheeling Nailers
- Allen Claims Second Consecutive Kelly Cup Title - ECHL
- Swamp Rabbits Announce Promotions, Expand Front Office - Greenville Swamp Rabbits
- Nailers at Americans Game Day Snap Shot - Wheeling Nailers
- ECHL Today - June 9 - ECHL
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