ECHL Wheeling Nailers

No Love for Nailers in Manchester on Valentine's Day

February 14, 2016 - ECHL (ECHL)
Wheeling Nailers News Release


MANCHESTER, NH - The Wheeling Nailers set a new season high on Sunday afternoon, as they peppered the Manchester Monarchs with 46 shots on goal. However, Colin Stevens was up to the task, and his offense gave him loads of support early. Manchester scored three goals in the opening stanza, and received a 44-save performance from Stevens, holding off the Nailers 6-2 in their lone visit of the season to Verizon Wireless Arena.

Contrary to Friday night, the Nailers had the opposite start they were looking for on Sunday, as the Monarchs came storming out of the gates in the opening period. 52 seconds into the contest, Stefan Legein flicked a pass ahead to Matt Fornataro, who lifted a backhand shot over Brian Foster's left shoulder. Five minutes later, Manchester struck again. Steven Hodges had his initial shot stopped, but the rebound deflected out to Darik Angeli, who managed to sneak a shot into the right side of the cage. A litle more than halfway through the stanza, the home team added to its advantage, when Yann Sauve stepped in from the blueline, sniping in a wrist shot. That goal spelled the end of the day for Foster, who was replaced by fellow New Hampshire native and former University of New Hampshire Wildcat Casey DeSmith.

Wheeling attempted to rebound in the middle frame, starting with a goal at the 57-second mark. Mathew Maione rushed the puck out of his own zone, and picked up speed, as he darted through neutral ice. Once he reached the offensive end, Maione made his way into the right circle, roofing a shot over Colin Stevens' right shoulder. The Monarchs answered quickly with Matt Fornataro's second of the afternoon, but the Nailers once again closed to within two with 9:16 remaining. Connor Leen stole the puck in the defensive end, and immediately turned defense into offense on a 2-on-1 rush with Louis Belisle. Leen kept the puck to himself, lifting a shot in from a tight angle.

Unfortunately for the Nailers, their comeback hopes were dashed in the third, as the Monarchs tacked on two more insurance markers for a 6-2 final. Maxim Kitsyn finished off a 2-on-1 rush on the power play with Joey Diamond, then Diamond scored a goal of his own into an empty net.

Colin Stevens was the winning goaltender for Manchester, as he stopped 44 of the 46 shots he faced, including all 22 in the third period. Brian Foster took the loss for Wheeling, giving up three goals on seven shots, before giving way to Casey DeSmith, who made 24 saves on 26 shots in relief.

The Nailers will continue their six-game road trip on Tuesday, when they play their second game of the voyage against the Adirondack Thunder at 7:00. Wheeling will then play three home games on February 26th, 27th, and 28th. Friday the 26th is a Flat Screen Friday, presented by The Highlands and Bordas & Bordas, in addition to a Frosty Friday. Saturday the 27th is Disney Night, starring Corey Fogelmanis, who plays the character "Farkle" from Girl Meets World. That night will also be Pink in the Rink, while also featuring a Wine Tasting Event. Sunday the 28th is a Family Funday. Thanks to McDonald's, kids tickets are $5 for that afternoon's tilt, and there will be a post game skate with the team.

Check out the Wheeling Nailers Statistics



ECHL Stories from February 14, 2016


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