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ECHL Wheeling Nailers

Wheeling Nailers Community Recap

December 2, 2015 - ECHL (ECHL)
Wheeling Nailers News Release


The month of November was a busy one on the ice for the Wheeling Nailers, who took the ice for 13 games over the course of a 24-day stretch. The Nailers produced a 6-6-1 record, and are currently involved in a tight race for first place in the North Division, along with the Toledo Walleye. Four of those six wins came on home ice, where nearly 19,000 fans came out in support of their local squad. With such a great following, the Wheeling players did their part to make themselves visible in the community, while also getting some help from the front office members, as well as Spike.

The first appearance of the month came right away on November 2nd, when Jarrett Burton, Tanner Burton, Brett Stern, and Matt Tabrum all visited the Wheeling YMCA in Elm Grove. The YMCA's motto promotes youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, so for the players, some of the goals in the visit were to promote physical activity and a positive playing environment. The players and kids took their turns playing various sports, from basketball to kickball, and even a bit of floor hockey. The following weekend, those same kids got the opportunity to take in a Nailers game at WesBanco Arena, which thanks to the YMCA's Friday Night Blasts, will be nearly a monthly occurrence.

Later that week, Shane Bakker, Franky Palazzese, and Zack Torquato stopped by the Easter Seals on National Road in Wheeling, where they worked on art projects with the kids. This is the Nailers' third straight season working with the Easter Seals. Because of the sizes of the classes, players are able to give more individualized attention to the younger children, helping them achieve success.

A good portion of the month was focused on local area kids, with the ultimate high point coming on November 10th, when the Nailers hosted their annual Education Day Field Trip Game. An Education Day record crowd of 5,511 screaming youngsters made their way into WesBanco Arena, and were rewarded with a 7-5 comeback win by the home team. While fun was the name of the game, there was plenty of learning to be done, as the students were instructed in the subjects of English, Math, Geography, Science, and Physical Education throughout the day. The Nailers would like to extend big thank you's to the SMART Center and US Attorney's Office, who both created presentations for the sellout crowd.

While the team was enjoying the Florida sunshine during the week of November 16th, Spike and the front office members were out spreading the holiday cheer, as local communities held their annual parades. Wheeling held its parade downtown on the 20th, as the Nailers teamed with their friends from the Wheeling Amateur Hockey Association, putting plenty of smiles on the faces of the thousands in attendance that evening.

On the Tuesday of Thanksgiving week, Shane Bakker and Mike Gunn made a special visit to the Children's Home of Wheeling. The Children's Home of Wheeling serves as a temporary home for adolescents between the ages of 12 and 18. Shane and Mike spoke to the youngsters about their lives, and how they have been able to chase their dreams, while overcoming tough obstacles that life can throw. The students were also able to communicate with the players, having quality conversations, while also joking around a bit. After playing basketball and signing autographs in the gym, the kids were informed that they will be coming to a Nailers game in the near future, which will feature a special visit from the captain, Bakker.

November concluded with the second Celebrity Server Night at Quaker Steak & Lube, as Harrison Ruopp and Evan Wardley tried their hands in multiple areas of the restaurant business. The two blueliners started the night as hosts, then walked around with members of the wait staff, and finally tried their hand at pouring and delivering drinks behind the bar.

There are lots of fun events planned for the month of December, starting on Thursday with Symphony on Ice at WesBanco Arena. For those attending the show, keep an eye out for a special appearance by the players during one of the scenes. On Saturday, December 5th, the Nailers will be hosting their Annual Teddy Bear Toss Game. Fans are asked to bring a new or gently used teddy bear to the game, then throw the bear onto the ice after Wheeling scores its first goal of the night. Players will be delivering the stuffed animals in the weeks following the game. December's Celebrity Server Night at Quaker Steak & Lube is scheduled for the 14th from 6-8, when the Penguins host the Washington Capitals.

For more information on community events on the agenda, or to inquire about having players, staff members, or Spike attend your event, please e-mail pr@wheelingnailers.com.

The Nailers will return home for three games over the weekend. On Friday night, The Highlands and Bordas & Bordas present Flat Screen Friday, as Wheeling hosts South Carolina at 7:35 on a Frosty Friday. On Saturday, Star Wars takes center stage, with Star Wars characters in attendance, t-shirts to the first 2,000 fans, and specialty jerseys worn by the players, as the Nailers challenge the Stingrays at 7:35. Saturday is also Teddy Bear Toss Night. Finally, on Sunday, McDonald's $5 kids tickets will be available, and fans will be able to skate with the team following the 4:05 contest against Elmira.

Download the Nailers new smartphone app presented by Panhandle Cleaning and Restoration. Available in theiTunes and Google Play Store. Use promo code "Leader" to receive 100 Nailers points.

In addition to Nailers Rewards, the app also includes:

Notifications and Alerts

News Feed containing team news, photos & videos

Interact Feed containing Nailers posts on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram

Team Summary

Roster

Team Stats and League Standings

View Schedule & Buy Tickets

Venue Information (Map, Directions, Parking, and Seating Chart) Individual tickets, mini plans, and group tickets are on sale now, with prices starting as low as $10 per seat. For tickets and more information, call the Nailers at (304) 234-GOAL or online at wheelingnailers.com.

Check out the Wheeling Nailers Statistics

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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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