ECHL Wheeling Nailers

Nailers Handed First Road Regulation Loss Of Season

December 6, 2008 - ECHL (ECHL)
Wheeling Nailers News Release


The Wheeling Nailers were handed their worst loss of the season in an 8-1 final at the Dayton Bombers Saturday night. Wheeling registered their most shots on goal for the season with 47 blasts but Dayton Bombers netminder Tyler Plante rebounded from a losing performance to the Nailers Friday night in making 46 saves. The Dayton team was responding to a 5-2 loss at home to these same Nailers from the night before in which the Nailers led 5-0 late.

Eric Johnson scored the lone goal for the Nailers in the 2nd period when they were down 6-0. Matt Grennier fed it from the right point and Eric Johnson jumped on it from the right side of the crease for his 2nd goal of the weekend which are also his first goals as a Wheeling Nailers. Wheeling had some good opportunities in the 2nd period as they buzzed in the Bombers zone and registered 18 shots on goal but Tyler Plante made some nice saves to keep his team in front. The 18 shots in a single period is the most since they had 20 shots in the 3rd period of the October 25 vs. Trenton.

Curtis Darling had a tough night in net for the Nailers as he allowed 5 first period goals including the first 3 in about a minute and a half stretch. Jaret Lukin recorded his 8th and 9th goals of the season back to back in the 1st period for the Bombers and was the lone multi-goal scorer on the night as a total of 7 Dayton players lit the lamp.

Danny Lapointe scored a penalty shot goal early in the 3rd period to make the score 7-1 after he was yanked down from behind on a breakaway opportunity.

Wheeling's penalty kill continued their success holding the Bombers to 0/4 on the man advantage.

This is the most goals the Nailers have allowed this year and their worst margin of defeat as they suffer their first regulation loss on the road this season falling to 6-1-3. Wheeling is 12-3-5 overall with 29 points and is tied for 2nd in the North with the Dayton Bombers but the Nailers have played 3 fewer games. Wheeling trails the North Division leading Johnstown Chiefs by 6 points.

Wheeling is 3-2-0 vs. the Dayton Bombers on the year and will see them 14 times this season, the most of any team. Their 6th encounter takes place December 28th when the Nailers return to the Nutter Center.

The Nailers are back in action Friday, December 12th at the defending league champion Cincinnati Cyclones at 7:35.

The Nailers next home game is Saturday, December 13 vs. the Reading Royals at 7:35 and Wheeling will also host Reading on Sunday, December 14 at 6:05 with a post-game skate with the team and Santa after the game for those who bring their skates and gloves.

Saturday, December 19 vs. the Johnstown Chiefs at 8:05 is a Kids Free night. All kids 14 and under get in free when accompanied by an adult. 2 kids per adult for this offer.

The Nailers have a pair of great holiday packages. Package 1 for $50 includes 4 game vouchers good for any night, an autographed stick blade all in a game-worn decorative hockey sock for $50. Package 2 includes 2 tickets for Moon Dog night on December 27, a guaranteed Moon Dog Bobblehead doll at the game, a Christmas ornament and in a decorative hockey sock for $30.

Wheeling Nailers Baby Blue jerseys from opening night are on sale now via an Ebay auction. Bid on the jerseys the players wore in the first game of the year at wheelingnailers.com and ebay.

For more information contact the Nailers at 304-234-GOAL or log on at wheelingnailers.com.

Check out the Wheeling Nailers Statistics



ECHL Stories from December 6, 2008


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.

OurSports Central