Nailers Sweep Greensboro Again
ECHL Wheeling Nailers

Nailers Sweep Greensboro Again

Published on December 7, 2025 under ECHL (ECHL)
Wheeling Nailers News Release


Wheeling Nailers forward Logan Pietila (left) scores against the Greensboro Gargoyles
Wheeling Nailers forward Logan Pietila (left) scores against the Greensboro Gargoyles
(Wheeling Nailers)

WHEELING, WV- It seems like the only thing the Wheeling Nailers do these days is win, win again, and then keep on winning. On Sunday afternoon, they closed out a stretch of eight games in 12 days by completing a three-game weekend sweep of the Greensboro Gargoyles at WesBanco Arena. The offense was spread throughout the lineup once again, as five different players found the back of the net, led by Connor Lockhart, who had one goal and two assists in the 5-2 triumph. Maxim Pavlenko made 29 saves for his eighth win of the campaign. The Nailers have secured points in nine straight games (8-0-1), and are now 18-3-1 for the first time in their history. Wheeling has opened up a five-point lead for the best record in the ECHL.

The Nailers came out flying and turned on the red light three times before the game was ten minutes old. The first marker came at the 2:04 mark on a three-way passing play with Logan Pietila, Connor Lockhart, and Matty De St. Phalle. The final pass went from Lockhart to De St. Phalle, who chipped a shot into the top shelf from the right edge of the crease. Lockhart scored goal number two at the 8:28 mark, when he clobbered in a one-timer from the left circle, which was set up by Ryan Mahshie. 1:21 later, Zach Urdahl upped the advantage to three, when he gloved down an aerial pass from Brent Johnson, battled past the defense, and lifted a backhander over goaltender Nikita Quapp's right shoulder.

Both teams put a mark on the board in the middle frame. The Gargoyles started with their first goal of the match at the 8:59 mark. Tyler Weiss got the puck along the right side of the goal line, and proceeded to toss a shot toward the net, which bounced off of Maxim Pavlenko's left arm and in. Wheeling regained its three-goal lead with 3:30 remaining. Lockhart and Pietila were alone behind the defense, and the only question was would end up taking the shot. The answer was Pietila, who shoveled a shot up and under the crossbar from the left side of the slot.

Greensboro temporarily pulled within two when David Gagnon cleaned up the rebound of Anthony Rinaldi's breakaway. However, the Nailers officially put the game away with Ryan Mahshie's empty netter for a 5-2 final score.

Maxim Pavlenko earned his fourth straight win and third of the week, as he blocked away 29 of the 31 shots he faced for Wheeling. Nikita Quapp made 29 saves on 33 shots in the loss for the Gargoyles.

The Nailers will play their next six games on the road, starting on Wednesday night in Reading at 7:00. Wheeling's next home game is 80's Night on Saturday, December 27th, which features a post game concert by Tongue 'n Cheek. That will be the first of eight straight home games. Some other highlights during that homestand include Kid's New Year's Eve on Wednesday, December 31st and Marvel Night on Saturday, January 10th. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2025-26 season are available now by calling (304) 234-GOAL. The Wheeling Nailers, considered one of the top things to do in Wheeling, West Virginia, provide affordable family entertainment for fans throughout the Ohio Valley.

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Images from this story

Wheeling Nailers forward Logan Pietila (left) scores against the Greensboro Gargoyles
Wheeling Nailers forward Logan Pietila (left) scores against the Greensboro Gargoyles
   



ECHL Stories from December 7, 2025


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