ECHL Wheeling Nailers

Wheeling Nailers Weekly Report

Published on December 28, 2015 under ECHL (ECHL)
Wheeling Nailers News Release


Last week, the Wheeling Nailers received some exciting news, as Clark Donatelli was named the new head coach of the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. Assistant Coach David Gove took over the Nailers on an interim basis, and unfortunately, both bench bosses are still in search of their first wins in their new roles. The Nailers took the ice twice, with both games taking place in the North Division, as they traveled to Toledo on Saturday, before returning home to face Kalamazoo on Sunday. The Walleye struck first in Saturday's tilt, getting a power play goal from Scott Czarnowczan less than four minutes into the first period. The home team never looked back, as Jeff Lerg stopped each of the first 34 shots he faced, before finally being beaten by Jarrett Burton on a last second tally in a 4-1 Toledo win. On Sunday, Wheeling had a second period to forget, as the Wings turned on the red light five times, building a 6-1 lead after forty minutes of play. The Nailers showed signs of life in the third period, rallying to within two, but ended up falling, 7-4. Cody Wydo and Riley Brace both netted a couple of goals, while Tanner Burton, Mathew Maione, and Jarrett Burton all had two helpers. Franky Palazzese has started each of the last four games in goal, and still possesses a winning record at 8-7-1.

Adding in the December 19th setback at Quad City, this stretch marks the first time that the Nailers have lost three straight games all season. Jarrett Burton's goal on Friday was the second time this season that Wheeling has ended an opposing goaltender's bid for a shutout with a power play marker during the final minute of the third period (Torquato vs. SC on 12/5). Riley Brace has factored into the scoring of six of the team's last eight goals, posting 3-3-6 totals, giving him the lead in all three stat categories, with 13 goals, 17 assists, and 30 points. The Nailers have scored five goals in a single period and allowed five goals in a single period this season.

This Week

Thu. 12/31 Brampton Beast @ WHEELING NAILERS, 6:05

Sat. 1/2 Brampton Beast @ WHEELING NAILERS, 7:35

Sun. 1/3 Norfolk Admirals @ WHEELING NAILERS, 4:05

This week, the Wheeling Nailers will continue their season-long seven-game homestand, in search of some big points in front of their local fanbase. On Thursday and Saturday, the Nailers will close out 2015 and start 2016 with a two-game set against the Brampton Beast. Despite a fourth place standing in the North Division, Brampton was able to put together a phenomenal comeback on Sunday, erasing a 5-1 deficit with 11 minutes left, beating the Reading Royals, 6-5 in overtime. Brandon Marino snapped the deadlock at 2:22 of the extra session. Six was the goal total the last time Wheeling faced the Beast, as the visitors earned their first win at WesBanco Arena, by a 6-3 score. The Nailers lead the season series 2-1 and the all-time series 5-2. On Sunday, the Norfolk Admirals will make their way to West Virginia for the first time in 2015-16, following three head-to-head meetings at Norfolk Scope Arena. After a 3-0 win in the season opener by Wheeling, the Admirals answered with 4-2 and 6-2 victories to take a 2-1 lead. Norfolk is currently in the East Division cellar, entering the week with a 10-20-1 record. Brampton has a home game on Monday against the Royals, while the Admirals will play three times before coming to town, including a home contest on Saturday night.

Upcoming Home Games/Promotions

Thu. 12/31 vs. Brampton- New Year's Eve, Cowbell Giveaway (First 2,500 Fans) Courtesy of OVMC/EORH, McDonald's $5 Kids Tickets

Sat. 1/2 vs. Brampton- Throwback Night, All Tickets $7, Team Wears Special Jerseys

Sun. 1/3 vs. Norfolk- Family Funday, McDonald's $5 Kids Tickets, Post Game Skate With the Team (Odd Numbered Players)

Fri. 1/8 vs. Orlando- Flat Screen Friday Presented by The Highlands and Bordas & Bordas, Frosty Friday

Sat. 1/9 vs. Orlando- Princesses & Pirates Night, Pregame Princesses & Pirates Dinner, Winter Cheer Scarf Giveaway (First 2,500 Fans) Courtesy of WesBanco Bank, Girl Scout Night

Nailers Leaders

Goals: 13, Riley Brace

Assists: 17, Riley Brace

Points: 30, Riley Brace

Penalty Minutes: 73, Patrick McGrath

Plus/Minus: +10, Mike Gunn

Wins: 8, Franky Palazzese

Goals Against Average: 2.84, Brian Foster

Save Percentage: .911, Brian Foster

Shutouts: 2, Franky Palazzese

North Division Standings

1. Toledo Walleye 38

2. WHEELING NAILERS 31

3. Kalamazoo Wings 25

4. Brampton Beast 21

Last Week

Sat. 12/26 WHEELING NAILERS 1 @ Toledo Walleye 4

J. Burton (Cianfrini, Brace)

Palazzese- 26/30

Sun. 12/27 Kalamazoo Wings 7 @ WHEELING NAILERS 4

Wydo (unassisted)

Brace (J. Burton, Maione)

Wydo (Maione, T. Burton)

Brace (J. Burton, T. Burton)

Palazzese- 18/24 (1 en)

Check out the Wheeling Nailers Statistics

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