ECHL Wheeling Nailers

Nailers Get Needed Win from Chiefs

January 5, 2008 - ECHL (ECHL)
Wheeling Nailers News Release


WHEELING, WV - Sean Collins scored twice in the third period, including the game-winner, as the Wheeling Nailers (10-20-2-2) beat the Johnstown Chiefs (12-19-0-1) 3-2 Saturday afternoon at WesBanco Arena. The win earned them three out of a possible four points on the weekend.

Scoreless until halfway through the second period, Todd Spencer scored his first professional goal to give Wheeling the edge at 9:54. Vadim Slivchenko and Joe Jensen assisted on the play that stood as the only goal of the period.

Wheeling entered the third period without a power-play opportunity but that quickly changed. Johnstown was whistled for six penalties in the third period and gave the Nailers a pair of 5-on-3 chances. At 4:19, Collins pass that was intended for Kevin Croxton at the side of the goal deflected into the net instead. It was his fifth goal of the season.

The goal apparently awakened the Chiefs, rattling off two goals in a span of 2:57 to tie the game at two. Robbie Drummond's shot was blocked on its way to the goal and landed on the stick of Joey Olson for the goal at 7:47.

Tyler Hirsch scored the equalizer at 10:44 after a turnover sent him in alone on Curtis Darling.

A Brandon Straub interference minor set the stage for the Collins' game-winner. At 14:12 of the third, Collins slid a Jon D'Aversa rebound past Mike Brown for his team leading 31st point of the season.

It was the second time in as many nights that the Nailers have two power-play goals in a game. New Nailers head coach Greg Puhalski and goaltender Darling each earned their first win with the team.

Darling stopped 18 of 20 shots on goal for the win. Martin Houle entered the game for the first 5:15 of the second period, while Darling had an equipment issue, and made four saves.

Wheeling's next game is on Friday in Reading at 7:30pm. The Nailers return to Wheeling for games on Saturday and Sunday. The first 2,500 fans on Saturday will receive Joe Zelek mini-bobbleheads and all fans will be treated to a post game concert. The game starts at 7:35pm. On Sunday it's a Family Funday and kids can skate with the team after the game. It's also Mascot Mania. Call 304-234-GOAL or visit www.wheelingnailers.com for details.

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