ECHL Wheeling Nailers

Nailers vs. Grizzlies Game Day Snap Shot

December 6, 2014 - ECHL (ECHL)
Wheeling Nailers News Release


Wheeling Nailers (10-7-0-0, 20 PTS) vs. Utah Grizzlies (8-8-2-2, 20 PTS)

WHEELING NAILERS

(10-7-0-0, 20 PTS, 3rd North, T-7th East)

52 GF, 54 GA

PP: 22.0% (13-for-59), 3rd

PK: 83.5% (66-for-79), T-11th

23-F-Riley Brace (8 goals, 14 assists, 22 points in 17 games)

12-F-David Gilbert (6 goals, 5 assists, 11 points in 17 games)

15-F-Zack Torquato (5 goals, 6 assists, 11 points in 12 games)

16-F-Derek Army (5 goals, 4 assists, 9 points in 17 games)

8-D-Zach Yuen (3 goals, 3 assists, 6 points in 13 games)

19-F-Shane Bakker (3 goals, 3 assists, 6 points in 17 games)

30-G-Eric Hartzell (3-2-0 record, 2.37 GAA, .925 Sv% in 5 games)

UTAH GRIZZLIES

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

51 GF, 66 GA

PP: 21.2% (18-for-85), 6th

PK: 83.9% (78-for-93), 10th

23-F-Michael Pelech (11 goals, 7 assists, 18 points in 20 games)

19-F-Barry Almeida (3 goals, 12 assists, 15 points in 20 games)

11-F-Vinny Scarsella (6 goals, 7 assists, 13 points in 20 games)

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

55-D-Jacob Johnston (2 goals, 7 assists, 9 points in 20 games)

9-F-Mathieu Aubin (4 goals, 4 assists, 8 points in 20 games)

30-G-Joe Howe (2-2-2 record, 3.19 GAA, .894 Sv% in 6 games)

Head-to-Head

Season/All-Time Series: Nailers 1, Grizzlies 0

Season/All-Time Series at WesBanco Arena: Nailers 1, Grizzlies 0

That's a Winner

The Wheeling Nailers will conclude their five-game homestand on Saturday night, having already secured a winning record, going 3-1-0 in the first four contests. On Friday night, the Nailers built their third 3-0 lead of the homestand, as David Gilbert and Chaz Johnson dented the twine in the first period, before Bobby Shea extended the advantage in the middle frame. David Makowski added his first professional goal in the third period, while Derek Army completed Wheeling's scoring with an empty net tally for a 5-2 final score. Franky Palazzese won his second straight start in goal, making 19 saves, while picking up an assist on Makowski's marker. Jarrett Burton also recorded his first professional points, chipping in with two helpers.

Everywhere but the Central

The Utah Grizzlies will finish a stretch of six games in eight days, when they play the second of back-to-back tilts at WesBanco Arena. Wheeling is the Grizzlies' fifth different city during that run, as they started with games in Stockton and Bakersfield last weekend, returned home on Monday, then visited Cincinnati on Wednesday, leading to this weekend's mini series. Utah has posted a 2-2-1 record in the first five games, with its three-game point streak ending on Friday night. Michael Pelech netted his team-leading 11th goal of the season for the visitors, and was joined on the scoresheet by Brent Gwidt, while Joe Howe was the goaltender of record for the third straight game, making 24 saves.

We Don't Like Wasting Time

Fans barely had a chance to settle into their seats on Friday night, before the Nailers cashed in for their first goal of the evening. David Gilbert finished off a centering pass by Zack Torquato just 23 seconds into the contest, marking the fastest goal for to start a game in the Clark Donatelli coaching era. Quick goals have been a recent trend for Wheeling, as it has scored three times in the first minute of a game and one other time in the first minute of a period, all since November 14th. Gilbert has been responsible for the tally on two occasions, with the other goal coming 36 seconds into the November 26th game against Greenville. The Nailers are 8-2-0 when scoring first this season, and Saturday's first goal will see the ice flooded with stuffed animals for the annual Teddy Bear Toss.

The Fists Were Bobbling

The first 2,500 fans in attendance on Saturday night will receive a Patrick McGrath Bobblefist. Those who attended Friday night's game got a first look at fists bobbling in action, as the interconference match-up featured a pair of fights, as well as plenty of physical play. McGrath was involved in the first altercation of the night, as he picked up his team-leading eighth fighting major of the season, dropping the gloves with Alex Gallant, who earned his team-leading fourth fighting major for Utah. Then, in the third period, Shane Bakker got into a disagreement with Matt Pelech. The Nailers are currently the most penalized team in the Eastern Conference, entering play with 386 minutes. The Grizzlies have 373 minutes, which is the fourth highest total in the Western Conference.

Thanks for Visiting Us

Saturday night marks the second and final head-to-head meeting between the Nailers and Grizzlies, with both all-time battles on the docket this weekend. Wheeling won the first ever clash on Friday night, finishing on the right side of a 5-2 decision. The win was the Nailers' second in a row against a Western Conference foe, as they improved to 5-0-1 in their last six tilts against the opposite side of the league. Once this game concludes, Wheeling will have four games remaining against the Western Conference - all on the road against the Central Division's Brampton Beast. Utah is playing the third of three scheduled games against the Eastern Conference, having gone 1-1-0 thus far.

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



ECHL Stories from December 6, 2014


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