ECHL Wheeling Nailers

Nailers vs. Grizzlies Game Day Snap Shot

Published on December 5, 2014 under ECHL (ECHL)
Wheeling Nailers News Release


Wheeling Nailers (9-7-0-0, 18 PTS) vs. Utah Grizzlies (8-7-2-2, 20 PTS)

WHEELING NAILERS

(9-7-0-0, 18 PTS, T-3rd North, T-8th East)

47 GF, 52 GA

PP: 21.4% (12-for-56), 5th

PK: 83.1% (64-for-77), T-14th

23-F-Riley Brace (8 goals, 13 assists, 21 points in 16 games)

15-F-Zack Torquato (5 goals, 5 assists, 10 points in 11 games)

12-F-David Gilbert (5 goals, 5 assists, 10 points in 16 games)

16-F-Derek Army (4 goals, 3 assists, 7 points in 16 games)

8-D-Zach Yuen (3 goals, 3 assists, 6 points in 12 games)

19-F-Shane Bakker (3 goals, 2 assists, 5 points in 10 games)

29-G-Franky Palazzese (6-5-0 record, 3.57 GAA, .878 Sv% in 11 games)

UTAH GRIZZLIES

(8-7-2-2, 20 PTS, 5th Pacific, T-7th West)

49 GF, 61 GA

PP: 21.7% (18-for-83), 4th

PK: 84.4% (76-for-90), 9th

23-F-Michael Pelech (10 goals, 7 assists, 17 points in 19 games)

19-F-Barry Almeida (3 goals, 11 assists, 14 points in 19 games)

11-F-Vinny Scarsella (6 goals, 7 assists, 13 points in 19 games)

27-F-Alex Krushelnyski (3 goals, 7 assists, 10 points in 13 games)

84-F-TJ Syner (4 goals, 4 assists, 8 points in 13 games)

55-D-Jacob Johnston (2 goals, 6 assists, 8 points in 19 games)

30-G-Joe Howe (2-1-2 record, 3.01 GAA, .901 Sv% in 5 games)

Head-to-Head

First All-Time Meeting

Two Out of Three Ain't Bad

The Wheeling Nailers have won two of three games in each of the last two weeks, going 3-1-0 at home and 1-1-0 on the road for a 4-2-0 overall mark. Last weekend, Wheeling split a pair of home contests with the Florida Everblades, as Florida opened with a 5-1 win on Friday, before the Nailers responded with a 3-2 triumph on Saturday. After a scoreless first period, Riley Brace's two goals and Sahir Gill's tally gave the home team what seemed to be a commanding 3-0 lead. Although the Everblades rallied for two goals of their own, Eric Hartzell shut the door on the other 40 shots, locking up the team's sixth victory in eight tries at WesBanco Arena.

Second Stop on Unfamiliar Journey

The Utah Grizzlies will play the second of three straight road games against the Eastern Conference on Friday, following a 4-3 shootout win at Cincinnati on Wednesday night. Utah never trailed in the contest, building 2-0 and 3-2 leads, only to see the Cyclones rally back to force bonus hockey. Michael Pelech had two of the three goals for the Grizzlies, as he currently leads the club with ten lamp lighters on the season. Michael's older brother Matt chipped in with the other marker, while Danick Paquette and Michael Pelech were responsible for the shootout goals. Joe Howe was the winning goaltender, making 36 saves on 39 shots during the game, before a 4-for-4 performance in the shootout.

Powerhouse Powerplay at Home

In addition to their strong record on home ice in the first part of the season, the Nailers have also racked up remarkable success on the power play at WesBanco Arena. Wheeling enters Friday night with the second best home power play in the ECHL, having converted on nine of 28 opportunities for a 32.1% success rate. Five of the nine markers have come in the last three home tilts, as the Nailers were 5-for-13 (38.5%) last week. Riley Brace's two power play goals on Saturday night gave him the team lead with three, to go along with four power play helpers for seven total points on the man advantage. Utah's power play currently ranks fourth in the league at 21.7%.

A Western Team With Eastern Flavor

Although the logo on the front of the jersey will be new to fans at WesBanco Arena this weekend, a good chunk of the names on the back will certainly ring a familiar bell. 15 of Utah's 25 players have spent time in the Eastern Conference, including three former Nailers. Channing Boe played eight regular season games and 12 playoff contests at the end of the 2010-11 campaign, Myles Harvey appeared in 34 games last season, and Gentry Zollars suited up in 26 games over the course of two years. The Grizzlies also have four former Cincinnati Cyclones (Almeida, Aubin, Howe, Mi. Pelech) and three ex-Reading Royals (Almeida, Syner, Wellar).

Welcome to the Wheel

Friday night marks the first ever head-to-head meeting between the Nailers and Grizzlies, whose only two battles will take place this weekend at WesBanco Arena. Utah is one of three first time opponents on the docket for Wheeling this season, following the first clashes with the Indy Fuel in November, and preceding Sunday's contest against the Brampton Beast. Western Conference opponents have been few and far between for the Nailers over the years, as a 3-2 win over Bakersfield on January 25th, 2013 was their lone interconference game since December 11th, 2005 against Las Vegas. Wheeling hasn't traveled to a Western Conference city since Bakersfield on February 17th, 2005. Utah is one of two Pacific Division teams to play against the Eastern Conference this season, and the only one to do so on the road (Kalamazoo at Colorado for three in March).

The December 5th game will feature a Frosty & Flat Screen Friday, courtesy of the Highlands and the Law Firm of Bordas & Bordas. Fans will also receive a free Riley Brace Poster, while supplies last, courtesy of Rich and Shirley's Quick Print of Wheeling . The start time is 7:35 for the first ever game between the Nailers and Grizzlies.

The December 6th battle will be the third game in the "Big Six" Promotional Giveaway Series, as Patrick McGrath Bobblefists will be distributed to the first 2,500 fans in attendance. The annual Teddy Bear Toss will also take place, as fans are asked to bring a new or gently used teddy bear, to throw onto the ice after the Nailers score their first goal. McDonald's Friends & Family tickets will also be available for $39.99, consisting of four tickets, four hats, and four McDonald's Value Meal coupons. Face-off between Wheeling and Utah is scheduled for 7:35.

Holiday packs are also available. For $49, fans can purchase the Elf Package, receiving four ticket vouchers, a t-shirt, and an autographed puck. For $99, fans can purchase the Reindeer Package, receiving ten ticket vouchers. For $129, fans can purchase the Santa Package, receiving four ticket vouchers, a replica jersey, and a Reebok hat.

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

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