Nailers Take ECHL Opener from Johnstown
Published on October 18, 2007 under ECHL (ECHL)
Wheeling Nailers News Release
JOHNSTOWN, PA - The Wheeling Nailers opened the 2007-08 ECHL season with a 4-2 win over the Johnstown Chiefs Thursday night at the Cambria County War Memorial. David Brown stopped 43 shots in his first professional start to earn the win in front of 3,181 fans.
Kevin Croxton scored the lone goal of the first period with a powerplay strike at the 5:55 mark. Jeremy Swanson's slapshot missed the net and banked off the end boards onto the stick of Croxton who slid it past Andrew Penner.
Wheeling would add to the lead with Paul Bissonnette's goal at 3:46 of the second period. Bissonnette picked up the puck at his own blue line, cutting through three Chiefs' players on his way to the net. Recent additions Mike Vannelli and David Laliberte were credited with assists on the play.
The Chiefs would get on the board at 13:31 of the second on a slapshot from Mark Tobin but 53 seconds later the Nailers responded. Sean Collins rink-wide pass found its way onto the stick of Ned Havern who ripped one through Penner's legs.
A bad bounce was the only reason why another puck found its way behind Brown. Andrew Marten's centering pass from behind the goal line ricocheted off a Nailer stick and into the goal.
Almost 19 minutes of scoreless hockey followed until Mark Letestu scored his first professional goal with 3:47 remaining in the third to secure the win.
Wheeling travels to Elmira to face the Jackals Friday night at 7:35p.m. Wheeling's home schedule begins on Friday, October 26 against the South Carolina Stingrays. For more information or to place a ticket order call (304) 234-GOAL or visit wheelingnailers.com.
ECHL Stories from October 18, 2007
- Nailers Take ECHL Opener from Johnstown - Wheeling Nailers
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- 'Blades see changes to roster; captains selected - Florida Everblades
- RoadRunners Unveil 2007-08 Opening Day Roster - Phoenix RoadRunners
- Jackals Weekly Radio Show Hits The Air Monday - Elmira Jackals
- Grizzlies Open Season Friday In Phoenix - Utah Grizzlies
- Nailers set to open season tonight - Wheeling Nailers
- Grizzlies Announce 2007-2008 Radio Broadcast Schedule - Utah Grizzlies
- ECHL Today - ECHL
- Cyclones Acquire Forward Matt Syroczynski - Cincinnati Cyclones
- Fresno Deputy Mayor Jeff Eben To Drop Puck At Falcons Opener - Fresno Falcons
- Royals Announce Opening Day Roster - Reading Royals
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