Sports stats



ECHL Wheeling Nailers

Fast Start Paces Nailers in Victory at Brampton

January 16, 2015 - ECHL (ECHL)
Wheeling Nailers News Release


BRAMPTON, ON- The Wheeling Nailers took their first trip in team history to Canada, and on Friday night, they came away with the victory in the first of three straight games against the Brampton Beast. Zack Torquato scored 36 seconds into the contest, Derek Army lit the lamp twice, and Eric Hartzell made 32 saves, as the Nailers were triumphant, 5-2 at Powerade Centre.

The Nailers netted their second fastest goal of the 2014-15, needing just 36 seconds to turn on the red light. Sahir Gill swung a pass back to the blueline for Mike Ratchuk. Ratchuk skated to the middle of the line, allowing traffic to build up in the slot, before letting his shot go. Part of that traffic was Zack Torquato, who redirected Ratchuk's wrist shot into the back of the cage for his ninth goal of the campaign.

Wheeling's offensive success continued in the second period, as the lead was ramped up to four. The first goal of the stanza came at the 6:08 mark, when Ratchuk sprung Tyler Fernandez on a breakaway. Fernandez was patient with his move, using a backhander to trickle a shot through Trevor Cann. Shortly past the midway mark of the frame, David Gilbert reached double digits in goals, when he slipped in a shot from the bottom of the right circle. Exactly five minutes later, a 2-on-1 break led to the 4-0 advantage, as Derek Army finished off the rush with Riley Brace, drilling home a one-timer from the right side.

Brampton attempted a comeback in the third period, scoring once on each special team. Stephon Thorne banged in a shorthanded tally on a 2-on-1 rush with Mike MacIsaac, before Justin Donati potted the rebound of David Ling's initial shot on the power play. However, the Nailers had the final say, as Derek Army punctuated the 5-2 victory with his second goal of the contest, roofing a shot from right in front of the crease.

Eric Hartzell backstopped the win for Wheeling, turning away 32 of the 34 shots he faced. Trevor Cann was the losing goaltender for Brampton, allowing five goals on 37 shots.

The Nailers and Beast will do battle again on Saturday at 7:00 in Brampton. Wheeling's next home game takes place on January 23rd at 7:35 against Fort Wayne.

January 23rd & 24th will be a two-game series at home against Fort Wayne, as the new jumbotron will make its debut.

Friday's promotions include: Flat Screen Friday, courtesy of The Highlands and The Law Firm of Bordas and Bordas... Player Poster Giveaway (2,000), presented by RSQP Print & Design... Wheeling Island Nailer Night... Frosty Friday.

Saturday's game will be Star Wars Night, as well as a ski cap giveaway to the first 1,000 kids (14 & under) in attendance. That night will also feature the annual Boy Scout Sleepover.

Wheeling Nailers 2014-15 season tickets, flex tickets, group tickets and single-game tickets 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

• Discuss this story on the ECHL message board...

ECHL Stories from January 16, 2015


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.

Other Recent Wheeling Nailers Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central