ECHL Wheeling Nailers

Brace's Pair Helps Nailers Melt IceMen, 4-2

Published on November 15, 2015 under ECHL (ECHL)
Wheeling Nailers News Release


Wheeling Nailers Control the Puck vs. the Evansville IceMen
Wheeling Nailers Control the Puck vs. the Evansville IceMen
(Wheeling Nailers)

WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers faced one of their most challenging schedules in recent memory, as they played five games in six days. However, the Nailers came away from all of it with a positive result, going 3-1-1, earning seven of ten possible points. The stretch ended on Sunday afternoon, when Riley Brace's two goals broke a 2-2 tie, lifting Wheeling to a 4-2 triumph over the Evansville IceMen at WesBanco Arena.

The Nailers put their feet down on the gas pedal in the first period, driving 17 shots on goal to Evansville's nine. One of those attempts found the back of the net, and it came on the man advantage. Clark Seymour's wrist shot from the center point was blocked, but the rebound went to Zack Torquato, who swung it back into the cage from the bottom of the left circle. Ty Loney also picked up his first helper of the year on Wheeling's first power play goal in four games.

The period with the most offense on Sunday was the second, as the two teams combined to light the lamp four times. However, the period started with an unfortunate injury, as Evansville goaltender Christopher Bengtsberg left, turning the crease over to Asmundson. The Nailers didn't give him a warm welcome, scoring just 1:21 into his outing. Adam Krause finished off a gorgeous passing play with Sahir Gill and Zack Torquato, tapping in a shot on the right side of the crease. The IceMen rebounded from that goal 56 seconds later, when Vincent Dunn picked the top-left corner of the goal from the right circle. 21 seconds after that, the contest was tied, as Sebastian Strandberg found the cage from high in the slot. With 3:03 left in the stanza, Wheeling regained the lead. Jarrett Burton gained the offensive blueline, before dropping a pass to Riley Brace, who whistled a shot through Asmundson's legs.

The home team added an insurance goal 90 seconds into the third period. Loney dished a pass into the slot for Burton, who immediately found a wide open Brace on the left side of the net. Brace took the feed, and deposited in his second goal of the game and fourth of the week. Loney's assist was his third of the afternoon, as the Nailers completed their 4-2 victory.

Franky Palazzese earned his third straight win between the pipes for Wheeling, denying 21 of the 23 shots he faced. Christopher Bengtsberg stopped 18 of the 19 sent his way, before leaving with an injury. Keegan Asmundson took the loss, surrendering three goals on 21 shots.

The Nailers will travel to Estero, Florida for three games against the Everblades on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, before returning home for two games during Thanksgiving Week. November 25th will be a WesBanco Winning Wednesday, the first 2,500 fans will receive thundersticks, and Turkey Bowling will take place during intermission. Then, on the 28th, it's Military Appreciation Night, and the first 2,000 fans will receive a free camo hat, courtesy of Main Street Bank.

Individual tickets, season tickets, mini plans, and group tickets are on sale now, with prices starting as low as $10 per seat. For tickets and more information, call the Nailers at (304) 234-GOAL or online at wheelingnailers.com.

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Wheeling Nailers Control the Puck vs. the Evansville IceMen
Wheeling Nailers Control the Puck vs. the Evansville IceMen
   



ECHL Stories from November 15, 2015


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