Minella Muscles Nailers Past Jackals in Season Opener
October 18, 2013 - ECHL (ECHL)
Wheeling Nailers News Release
WHEELING, WV- With a crowd of 3,782 in attendance, the Wheeling Nailers gave their fans something to smile about. Christiaan Minella scored a pair of goals and also dropped the gloves, as the Nailers defeated the Elmira Jackals 3-2 at WesBanco Arena. Mike Condon also put together a terrific performance, making 40 saves for his first victory in a Wheeling uniform.
Shortly after an early power play expired, the Nailers netted their first goal of the season. Christiaan Minella capitalized on a failed clearing attempt, stealing the puck in the slot, before turning, and snapping a shot through Maxime Clermont. Minella's unassisted marker was the only one in the first period, as Wheeling carried a 1-0 lead into the intermission.
A little more than five minutes into the second period, Minella got himself involved with the physical game, dropping the gloves with Jordon Southorn, after a punishing hit on Danny New. Southorn picked up an extra minor, putting the home team on the power play. While on the man advantage, Carter Rowney won a face-off back to Zack Torquato, who blasted a one-timer top shelf for a 2-0 lead.
With 6:06 left in the third, the Nailers extended their lead to three. Jake Areshenko sent Minella and Stephen MacAulay on a 2-on-1 break through neutral ice. MacAulay ended up dishing a pass across to Minella, who drilled in a shot from the right side. Matt Carter's goal from the right circle, and Jean Bourbeau's rebound tally brought Elmira within one, but Mike Condon and the Nailers closed them down from there for a 3-2 win.
Condon was brilliant in net, stopping 40 of the 42 shots he faced, earning his first win in Wheeling. Maxime Clermont took the loss for Elmira, making 15 saves on 18 shots.
The Nailers will visit the Cincinnati Cyclones on Saturday night at 7:35. After a road game against the Walleye, Wheeling will return home on November 1st for a 7:00 clash with the Reading Royals.
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