ECHL Wheeling Nailers

Nailers Take Road Trip Opener, 5-2

Published on February 12, 2016 under ECHL (ECHL)
Wheeling Nailers News Release


GLENS FALLS, NY - The Wheeling Nailers started their six-game road trip on the right foot on Friday night, as they visited the Adirondack Thunder at Glens Falls Civic Center. Riley Brace returned to the Nailers from the AHL's Chicago Wolves, and was one of five players to light the lamp for Wheeling, who also saw Louis Belisle collect his first ECHL tally in a 5-2 victory. Franky Palazzese made the win stand up with 37 saves.

The Nailers put together the exact first period they were looking for to start the road trip, grabbing a 2-0 lead. The first goal came at the 11:40 mark of the stanza, when Tanner Burton swung the puck around the end boards, where Nilan Nagy and Andrew Ammon worked it into the middle for Andrew Cerretani. Cerretani took a wrist shot from the left side of the slot, whipping it into the top-left corner of the cage. With 1:52 remaining in the stanza, Wheeling added to its advantage. Brett Stern carried the puck down the left side of the offensive zone, curling a pass around the net. The puck pinballed to Jordan Kwas, who had his right circle shot stopped, but the rebound went to Riley Brace, who slammed in his first goal since returning from the AHL.

Adirondack delivered a minor bump in the road in the early stages of the middle frame, trimming the Nailers lead to one, when Michael Kirkpatrick backhanded in a loose puck at the top of the crease. However, Wheeling had an immediate answer 37 seconds later to regain the two-goal lead. Cody Wydo entered on the left side of the offensive zone, centering a pass to Riley Brace, who made one more dish to Adam Krause on his right. Krause walked into the slot, drilling a shot into the left side of the net. The Nailers added one more goal with 4:46 to go in the second period. Matt Tabrum's initial shot was blocked, but Louis Belisle chased down the rebound, wrapping the puck around the back of the net, before slipping it inside of the right post for his first career ECHL marker.

Both teams potted one goal in the third period, with Chris Ciotti lighting the lamp from the top of the right circle for the Nailers, before Phil Bronner put home his own rebound for the Thunder, giving the game a 5-2 final score in favor of the visitors.

Franky Palazzese won for the fourth time in his last five starts for Wheeling, stopping 37 of the 39 shots he faced. Garrett Bartus was the losing goaltender for Adirondack, allowing five goals on 33 shots.

The Nailers will continue their six-game road trip on Sunday at 3:00 against the Manchester Monarchs. Wheeling's next stretch of home games takes place on February 26th, 27th, and 28th. On the 26th, The Highlands and Bordas & Bordas present Flat Screen Friday, and a Frosty Friday will also take place. The 27th is Disney Night, starring Corey Fogelmanis, who plays the character Farkle on the show Girl Meets World. The 28th is a Family Funday, featuring McDonald's $5 kids tickets and a post game skate with the team.

Check out the Wheeling Nailers Statistics



ECHL Stories from February 12, 2016


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