ECHL Wheeling Nailers

Archibald, Nailers Trick Wings on Pink Ice

February 22, 2015 - ECHL (ECHL)
Wheeling Nailers News Release


KALAMAZOO, MI- After a disappointing performance in Toledo, the Wheeling Nailers were looking for a big bounce back on Sunday afternoon, as they visited the Kalamazoo Wings. Josh Archibald provided the majority of the heroics, as he netted the club's third hat trick of the season, while tacking on one assist, as the Nailers took down Kalamazoo, 4-1 at Wings Stadium.

The way the first period started, it appeared the game was going to be filled with goals. Kalamazoo struck for the opening marker just 1:51 into the contest, when Gergo Nagy slipped a wrist shot through Franky Palazzese's legs from just below the left face-off dot. The Nailers responded quickly with the equalizer 84 seconds after they had fell behind. Josh Archibald skated into the middle of the offensive zone, before ripping a wrist shot, which rang into the net, after deflecting off of the right post. Zack Torquato and Riley Brace assisted on Archibald's fourth goal in a Wheeling uniform.

Wheeling took its first lead of the game with 8:56 remaining in the middle frame, following a successful penalty kill. Archibald flew out of the box, and immediately received a pass from Tyler Fernandez, who lofted a backhand flip out to center ice. Archibald broke in alone, faked to his forehand, and chipped a shot over fallen goaltender Joel Martin.

At the 3:39 mark of the third period, the Nailers' power play converted, extending the lead to two. Torquato walked in from the right point, drilling the crossbar with his initial shot. The rebound deflected down off of Martin, before rolling in over the line, as Torquato jumped into sole possession of eighth place on the the team's all-time scoring list. With 1:55 to go, Archibald iced the triumph, as well as his hat trick, finding the center of the net with a backhander from in front of the team bench.

Franky Palazzese was magnificent in goal for Wheeling, earning the win a 37-save performance. Joel Martin took the loss for Kalamazoo, making 31 saves on 34 shots.

The Nailers will begin a four-game homestand on Friday night at 7:35, when they take on the Elmira Jackals.

The Nailers will play three games during the weekend of February 27th-March 1st .

Elmira returns to town on Friday, February 27th at 7:35 as the Nailers host their annual Wing Fest game. That night will also be a Flat Screen Friday, Frosty Friday, Player Poster Giveaway, and Wheeling Island Nailer Night.

Saturday, February 28th is Pink in the Rink, when Wheeling battles Greenville at 7:35 . The Nailers will wear special jerseys, there will be pink rally towels handed out, and autographed mystery pucks will be available for purchase.

Sunday, March 1st wraps up the weekend at 4:05 against the Road Warriors on a Family Funday with $5 kids tickets, Oglebay Good Zoo Day, and a post game skate with the team. That day will also be the annual Pucks & Paws Day, when fans are invited to bring their dogs and cats to the game.

Wheeling Nailers 2015-16 season tickets, as well as flex tickets, group tickets and single-game tickets for 2014-15 are on sale now. For more information, call 304-234-GOAL or visit wheelingnailers.com.

Listen to all Nailers regular season and post-season games live on the Valley's rock station EAGLE 107.5 FM, on www.iheartradio.com or watch live on www.echl.tv. Catch every road game live on WLUTV on Comcast Cable 14.

Check out the Wheeling Nailers Statistics



ECHL Stories from February 22, 2015


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