Nailers Get Caught in Cyclones Storm
October 7, 2015 - ECHL (ECHL)
Wheeling Nailers News Release
Wheeling Nailers vs. Cincinnati Cyclones in Preseason Action
(Wheeling Nailers)
CINCINNATI, OH- The Wheeling Nailers hung with the Cincinnati Cyclones for the first two periods of their preseason opener on Wednesday night. Unfortunately, the game slipped away in the third period. Former Nailer Mike Ratchuk picked up a goal and an assist, including the game winner, as Cincinnati picked up a 6-1 victory at US Bank Arena. Tyler Fernandez tallied the lone goal for Wheeling.
The first goal of the preseason was scored by the Nailers, and it came with 6:36 remaining in the opening stanza. Gentry Zollars and Shawn Skelly held the defensive blueline, preventing a rush into the zone by Cincinnati, while starting a scoring chance in the opposite direction. Skelly dished a pass ahead to Tyler Fernandez, who navigated his way through the middle of the ice. Once he reached the high slot, Fernandez, let a wrist shot fly, beating Brad Thiessen over the left shoulder.
Cincinnati evened the score during the first minute of period two. Eric Robinson and Mikko Vainonen both had their attempts from the left point denied, but the final shot created a rebound, which was potted by Branden Gracel from the bottom of the left circle. With 5:25 to go in the frame, the Cyclones took their first lead of the evening, courtesy of a former Nailer. Mike Ratchuk stole the puck in center ice, before driving his way down the left side of the ice. The blueliner then teed up a blast from the inner edge of the left circle, denting the top-right corner of the twine.
Unfortunately for Wheeling, the game soured in the third. Eric Robinson converted on a power play goal at the 1:21 mark, starting a four-goal outburst for Cincinnati. Jaynen Rissling's patience led to the second marker of the frame at 10:50, as he waited and tucked a shot into the right side of the cage for the 4-1 lead. Later, Zach Budish slammed in a centering pass from Peter Quennville with 2:24 to go, and Christiaan Minella iced the scoring off of a cross-ice pass from Rissling in the final minute for the 6-1 final.
Ex-Nailer Brad Thiessen made 17 saves on 18 shots in the win for the Cyclones. Franky Palazzese received a no-decision, after stopping 13 of the 14 shots he faced for Wheeling, before Casey DeSmith surrendered five goals on 21 shots in the defeat.
The Nailers and Cyclones will meet again on Friday at WesBanco Arena for a 7:35 game. Tickets are free at the Nailers office, and $5 over the phone or at the WesBanco Arena Box Office.
Individual tickets, season tickets, mini plans, and group tickets are on sale now, with prices starting as low as $10 per seat. The Nailers will begin the 2015-16 regular season on October 16th and 17th in Norfolk, before the home opener takes place on October 24th against Brampton at 7:35 . For tickets and more information, call the Nailers at (304) 234-GOAL or online at wheelingnailers.com.
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 Wheeling Nailers vs. Cincinnati Cyclones in Preseason Action |
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