ECHL Wheeling Nailers

Nailers Take Weekend Opener against Wings

January 30, 2015 - ECHL (ECHL)
Wheeling Nailers News Release


KALAMAZOO, MI- Two large points were on the line on Friday night, as the Wheeling Nailers and Kalamazoo Wings went to battle with one point of separation in the North Division Standings. The Nailers put their noses to the grind, and came away with the victory, as Morgan Ellis scored twice, and Franky Palazzese made 32 saves, lifting Wheeling to the 4-1 victory at Wings Stadium.

The first period of the season's first meeting between Wheeling and Kalamazoo featured lots of emotion and physical play, as well as one goal by the visiting Nailers. Zack Torquato forced a turnover in his offensive zone, intercepting a pass, before hooking up with Morgan Ellis in the left circle. Ellis let a wrist shot go, beating Joel Martin high over the glove for his 11th goal of the season. Two seconds after the marker, Patrick McGrath and Ben Wilson dropped the gloves, lifting McGrath over the century mark in penalty minutes.

The Nailers maintained their 1-0 advantage until the first minute of the third period, when the Wings picked up the equalizer. Matt Caria slipped a pass through the slot to Dane Fox, who flipped a shot over Franky Palazzese's pad and into the left side of the net. Wheeling rebounded to regain the lead less than five minutes later, cashing in on a pass off of the pads. Torquato drilled a shot on goal from the right side, which was stopped by Martin, but the rebound kicked out to David Gilbert, who banged it back in from the middle of the slot. Riley Brace and Ellis added empty net tallies in the final minute, opening up the margin, which completed the 4-1 triumph for the Nailers.

Franky Palazzese earned the win, making two huge breakaway stops in the first period, en route to 32-save performance for Wheeling. Joel Martin was on the opposite side of the equation for Kalamazoo, blocking 24 of 26 shots in the loss.

The Nailers and Wings will collide again on Saturday at 7:30. Wheeling will play a three-game homestand on February 6th, 7th, and 8th.

The Nailers will play a three-game homestand on February 6th, 7th, and 8th.

Friday the 6th is a 7:35 game against Toledo, featuring Flat Screen Friday, Frosty Friday, and a player poster giveaway.

Saturday the 7th is Duck Dynasty Night at 8:05 against Cincinnati, with an appearance by Jep Robertson from A&E's highest rated television show.

Sunday the 8th is a 4:05 face-off against Elmira, and after the game, fans can join the Nailers for a post game skate. Kids tickets for that contest will be $5, and the Oglebay Good Zoo will have an exhibit in the concourse.

Wheeling Nailers 2014-15 season tickets, flex tickets, group tickets and single-game tickets are on sale now. For more information, call 304-234-GOAL or visit wheelingnailers.com.

Listen to all Nailers regular season and post-season games live on the Valley's rock station EAGLE 107.5 FM, on www.iheartradio.com or watch live on www.echl.tv. Catch every road game live on WLUTV on Comcast Cable 14.

Check out the Wheeling Nailers Statistics



ECHL Stories from January 30, 2015


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