Nailers Drop Road Trip Opener
Wednesday December 16th, 2009 | Game Recap

Team Stat Comparison
	WHE	FLA
Score	2	5
Shots	32	42
Power Play	1/5	1/6
Penalties	7	6
Points	5	13

Estero, Fla. – The Wheeling Nailers had a few hours to enjoy the sunny, warm weather of southwest Florida upon their arrival Tuesday afternoon but lost a 5-2 decision in their first ever trip to the Florida Everblades Wednesday night. The game was the first of a three game series and four game road-trip for Wheeling. Florida leads the season series two games to zero.

Wheeling got goals from Cleve Kinley (2nd) and Casey Pierro-Zabotel (6th) but Florida was able to overcome an early 1-0 deficit with a three goal burst in the 2nd period past Nailers goalie Brad Thiessen for the win.

Ross Carlson led the way for the Everblades with a pair of goals including an empty-netter with 11 seconds left to seal the victory.

Florida entered the contest reeling with only 1 win in their previous 6 games including only 8 total goals. But they blasted away for 42 shots and 5 goals in getting back on the winning track as the defending Brabham Cup Champions improved to 13-11-4. Wheeling with the setback fell to 12-14-2.

Cleve Kinley had a drive at 9:14 into the 1st period on the power play that appeared to deflect off a defender’s stick and over the right shoulder of Florida goalie Chris Beckford-Tsu to give Wheeling a 1-0 lead after one period.

Reigning ECHL MVP Kevin Baker carried the puck around the goal at 4:29 of the 2nd period and had his wrap-around stopped by Thiessen but as the puck was still loose between the skates of the Nailers goalie Ross Carlson was able to rush forward and jam it home to tie the score 1-1.

A.J. Thelon lit the lamp at 8:24 of the 2nd to give Florida the lead and Colin Nicholson beat Thiessen over his left shoulder for a top shelf goal in the closing minute of the 2nd right off a face-off win to extend the lead to 3-1.

Wheeling came out of the locker-room buzzing in the 3rd period and generating several good chances. Thomas Beauregard was denied on the break-away as it went off the glove of Beckford-Tsu but Pierro-Zabotel got to it on the end-boards and banked it off the back of the Florida goalie’s left leg and into the net to close the margin to 3-2. Florida head coach Malcolm Cameron argued that the initial drive by Beauregard went into the netting over the end-boards and should have been whistled out o play but Pierro-Zabotel kept going after it without any whistle and the goal was allowed to stand.

Wheeling was still buzzing on the attack but got called for a too many men penalty and Florida jumped on the power play opportunity with Brandon Buck picking up a long rebound off the active end-boards on the right-wing side of the crease to stuff it in behind Thiessen for a big Florida goal to make it 4-2. Florida finished the scoring with an empty-netter by Carlson with 11 seconds remaining.

Wheeling has the day off to enjoy the weather in sunny southwest Florida after their morning practice on Thursday and then will be back in action at the Everblades on Friday and Saturday nights at 7:30.

Wheeling announced a couple of roster moves earlier in the week as defenseman Slavomir Tomko was traded to the Trenton Devils for future considerations. Head Coach Greg Puhalski said the move was made due to the plethora of blue-liners the Nailers currently have on the team.

Also, goalie Jordan Parise was recalled by Wilkes-Barre/Scranton and allowed to pursue a playing opportunity with a team in Europe. Equipment manager Billy Higgins resumed his role as the Emergency Backup Goalie which he has held at different times through his seven seasons with the Nailers. Wheeling will be looking to add a second goalie to the roster in the near future.

After a break for the Christmas holiday the Nailers will return to action Saturday, December 26th at Kalamazoo.

Wheeling’s next home game is Sunday, December 27th at 6:35 against Elmira on another Sunday Family FunDay featuring a post-game open-skate with the Nailers players. Be sure to bring your skates and gloves!

The Nailers also have their traditional New Years’ Eve game upcoming with a Thursday, December 31st matchup against the Toledo Walleye on Michael Jackson Tribute Night!
Nailers hockey is always the most awesome family entertainment value in town and we want you there cheering on your hometown team. Kids tickets are always $5 and students get in for only $7. Call the Nailers at 304-234-GOAL.