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ECHL Wheeling Nailers

Nailers Fall Short, 4-2

December 22, 2007 - ECHL (ECHL)
Wheeling Nailers News Release


WHEELING, WV - The Elmira Jackals scored three times in the final 5:10 of the first period and held on for a 4-2 win over the Wheeling Nailers Saturday night at WesBanco Arena. Kevin Croxton and Aaron Clarke scored goals for the Nailers.

After a back-and-forth first eight minutes of the game, Croxton notched the game's first goal at 12:03 of the first. It was his eighth of the year and his sixth power-play goal. Jon D'aversa fed the puck to Sean Collins at the side of the net who slid it across to Croxton for the goal.

Just as the Nailers had gained the momentum with the goal, John Burton was whistled for a slashing minor 42 seconds later. As time expired on the penalty, Frank Littlejohn shot one under the glove of Nathan Marsters to tie the game at 14:50. Brett Pilkington and Benoit Doucet assisted on the play.

At 17:27 of the first Elmira took the lead for good. Trevor Hendrikx's shot was stopped by Marsters but the rebound was banged home by Doucet for his sixth of the year. Doucet had a goal and an assist in each of the two games against the Nailers this weekend.

A little over a minute later, the Jackals struck again. Luke Fulgham stole the puck inside the Nailers zone and slid a pass across the slot for an open Kevin Ulanski at 18:39 to give Elmira a 3-1 lead.

The next goal of the game didn't come until the 12:13 mark of the third frame. Brett Pilkington was credited with a goal while Hendrikx and Littlejohn were given assits.

Wheeling's final goal came as time expired despite an argument by the entire Elmira team. Clarke slipped a shot through Joel Martin on a pass from Patrick Bordeleau at 19:59 of the third. It was the second consecutive night that a goal was scored at 19:59 of the third period between these two teams.

Jackals head coach Steve Martinson and captain Littlejohn were both assessed game misconduct penalties under rule 40.5 at the end of the game.

The Nailers were 1-for-9 on the power play while the Jackals were shutout on their six chances. Marsters faced 44 shots, stopping 40 of them while Martin made 24 saves to pick up his 15th win of the season.

After a four day break to observe the Christmas holiday, the Nailers return to action on Thursday to face the Cincinnati Cyclones at WesBanco Arena for a 7:05pm faceoff. They take on the Johnstown Chiefs on Friday at 7:35pm and the first 1,000 children will receive a Nailers youth jersey. Kids tickets are only $5 through the rest of December. Call 304-234-GOAL for more information or visit www.wheelingnailers.com.

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