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ECHL Wheeling Nailers

Shorthanded Nailers Light up Grizzlies, 5-2

December 5, 2014 - ECHL (ECHL)
Wheeling Nailers News Release


WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers took on the Utah Grizzlies for the first time ever on Friday night, and the physical affair saw the home team come away with the victory. Five different players dented the twine for Wheeling, who scored on the power play for the fourth straight game, while also adding a shorthanded tally. The Nailers earned their tenth win of the season, 5-2.

The Nailers opened the scoring with their fastest goal of the season, lighting the lamp just 23 seconds after the puck hit the ice. Shane Bakker connected with David Gilbert, who finished off his sixth of the campaign from right in front of the crease. Midway through the first period, Wheeling added to the advantage. Chaz Johnson blocked a shot from Utah's left point, the rushed through neutral ice. Goaltender Joe Howe came out to challenge Johnson, but got buzzed by, allowing Johnson an easy tap-in for a 2-0 lead.

At the 9:11 mark of the second period, the Nailers turned the tables on the Grizzlies, burying their fourth shorthanded goal of the year. Tyler Murovich forced a turnover, leading Derek Army in on the left side of the offensive zone. Army slipped a pass through to Bobby Shea, who deked to his backhand for the tally. Michael Pelech got one goal back for the visitors with 8:56 remaining in the middle frame, blitzing in a one-timer off of a drop pass by Barry Almeida.

Early in the third period, Wheeling rebuilt its three-goal advantage. David Makowski dragged the puck to his left, along the offensive blueline, before teeing up a slap shot, which flew through Howe's legs. Makowski's marker was the first of his professional career, while Jarrett Burton's assist was his first point as a pro. Brent Gwidt redirected Jacob Johnston's left point slapper for Utah at the 3:34 mark of the stanza, before Derek Army iced the 5-2 Nailers victory with an empty net goal with 3:40 to go.

Franky Palazzese secured the win for Wheeling, thwarting 19 of the 21 shots he saw. Joe Howe took the loss for Utah, surrendering four goals on 28 shots.

The Nailers and Grizzlies will conclude their weekend series on Saturday night at 7:35.

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.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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