ECHL Wheeling Nailers

Cyclones Earn Split in Preseason Series

Published on October 12, 2014 under ECHL (ECHL)
Wheeling Nailers News Release


WHEELING, WV- Historically, the Wheeling Nailers and Cincinnati Cyclones have been very evenly matched. Thanks to matching 5-3 scores, they can add the 2014 preseason to that list. After Wheeling came away with the 5-3 win on Friday, the Cyclones rebounded on Sunday, taking home a victory of an identical count. Pittsburgh native Rob Madore stopped 19 of the 20 shots he faced for Cincinnati, while Derek Army notched a pair of points for the Nailers.

Despite a 15-10 advantage in shots on goal for the Nailers, it was Cincinnati who stormed out of the gates with a pair of tallies in the first period. At the 4:08 mark, Wade Megan set up David Pacan, who drilled in a one-timer from the right circle, finding the top-left corner of the net. Then, in the midst of killing off a four-minute penalty to Francis Beauvillier, the Cyclones struck again. Stephan Vigier stole the puck in the right circle, skated to the slot, and flipped a shot into the top of the cage.

The second period featured an exchange of goals and a goaltending switch. Both markers occurred before the change in net, starting with the Nailers, who netted their first power play goal of the preseason at the 5:51 mark. Derek Army swung a pass across the offensive zone to Zack Torquato at the top of the left circle. With plenty of space on hand, Torquato glided toward the net, wristing a shot in off of the right post. Cincinnati regained its two-goal lead 2:11 later, when Wade Megan picked up a loose puck at the right side of the crease, before roofing a shot for a 3-1 advantage after 40 minutes.

For the second consecutive game, the final stanza started with a goal for the visitors, as Shayne Taker converted off of a rush with Joe Basaraba, putting the Cyclones ahead by three. That's when Wheeling began to battle back. Carter Rowney centered a pass for David Makowski, who slammed in a power play goal from high in the slot at 7:01, making the score 4-2. Derek Army then closed the gap to one, when he shifted from forehand to backhand for his third goal and fifth point in two games. Unfortunately, the Nailers were unable to complete the comeback, as Brian Nugent blistered in a shot from high in the zone for a 5-3 final score in favor of Cincinnati.

Joe Howe picked up the win in goal for the Cyclones, making four saves on six shots. He relieved Rob Madore, who thwarted 19 of the 20 attempts sent his way. Jeff Wyer was the losing netminder for Wheeling, turning away ten of the 12 shots he faced. Eric Hartzell started, going 10-for-13.

The Nailers will open the 2014-15 regular season on Saturday at 7:35, when they play host to the Reading Royals.

Check out the Wheeling Nailers Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



ECHL Stories from October 12, 2014


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central