Snavely's Game Winner Leads Wheeling Over Elmira 3-2
Published on January 3, 2009 under ECHL (ECHL)
Wheeling Nailers News Release
Defenseman Chris Snavely fired in the game-winning power play goal at 12:21 of the 3rd to lead the Nailers to a 3-2 weekend finale triumph over the Elmira Jackals. It was Snavely's first goal of the season. The Michigan State University product played with the Nailers last year scoring 4 goals in 56 games. Snavely missed the first 2 months of this season with injury before returning to the lineup December 19th.
Wheeling extended their lead in the North Division to 3 points with the victory as the Johnstown Chiefs fell at home to Cincinnati 4-2. The Nailers improved to 21-6-5 for 47 points as they avenged the previous night's 3-2 loss and continued their streak of not having lost back to back games in regulation all season long.
Slavomir Tomko gave the Jackals the early advantage in the contest lighting the lamp just 28 seconds in on a long rebound to the high slot that he fired in.
Tobias Holm blasted a one-timer from the top of the left circle on a 5-on-3 power play to tie the score at 13:25 of the 1st with assists to Elgin Reid and Andrew Lord.
Matt Grennier gave the Nailers the lead at 18:36 of the 2nd knocking in from the left-wing side of the crease on pretty tic-tac-toe passing in the Elmira zone. Doug Krantz from the right dot took the feed from Andrew Lord and passed it perfectly across to the awaiting Grennier for the tap-in for Grennier's 9th of the season.
Nathan Lutz glided a shot from the high slot past the left skate of David Brown who may have been screened on the play at 7:44 of the 3rd and the Jackals tied the score at 2-2.
Wheeling went on the power play at 10:25 of the 3rd on a slashing minor by David Couture. Bryan Ewing took it from Jordan Morrison and found Snavely cutting into the high slot. Snavely made a kick stop of the puck with skate before turning and shooting it home for the game-winner.
David Brown made several fine saves in the closing minutes to preserve the win and improve to 8-2-2. Elmira had a power play at 15:48 on a hooking penalty against Elgin Reid and then had an extra attacker later when they pulled their goalie Mitch O'Keefe with 1:08 remaining but the Nailers penalty kill crew did the job and Brown made the big stops when it came time.
Wheeling won the battle of special teams on the night going 2 for 6 on the power play while holding the Jackals to 0 for 4. Elmira outshot the Nailers 28-22. Wheeling is 3-1-0 against Elmira this year. The 5th of their 9 encounters will take place January 25th in Elmira, NY.
The Nailers will be on the road Tuesday, January 6th at the Cincinnati Cyclones at 7:30.
Wheeling will return to home ice on Friday, January 9th and Sunday, January 11th with a road game sandwiched in the middle on Saturday, January 10th..
The Friday, January 9 game against the Dayton Bombers at 7:35 is Nailers Poster Giveaway night for the first 2500 fans. It's also Friday Four Pack Night where you can get 4 tickets, 4 sodas, 4 hot dogs and a popcorn all for only $44. The Nailers will return the favor with a road encounter at the Dayton Bombers on Saturday, December 10.
Sunday, January 11th against the Cincinnati Cyclones will begin at 1:05 (a change from the originally announced start-time of 4:05). It's Sunday Family FunDay with a post-game skate with the Nailers after the game. Fans must bring their own skates and gloves to participate. It's also Guaranteed Win Day: If the Nailers and Steelers both win on Sunday then everyone in attendance will receive free admission to a future Nailers game
For more information contact the Nailers at 304-234-GOAL (that's 234-4625) or log on at wheelingnailers.com.
ECHL Stories from January 3, 2009
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- Chiefs clipped by Cyclones - Johnstown Chiefs
- Three goals in first 10 minutes propels Blades to 4-2 win - Florida Everblades
- Snavely's Game Winner Leads Wheeling Over Elmira 3-2 - Wheeling Nailers
- Shorthanded Stingrays Fall to Gladiators, 2-1 - South Carolina Stingrays
- Checkers fall to Everblades, 4-2 - Charlotte Checkers
- Devils Rock Bombers in 8-2 Win - Trenton Devils
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