Ontario, Cal. – Wheeling Nailers defenseman Mitch Ganzak had never been to California before but he made his first trip to the Golden State a memorable one. Ganzak scored in the 3rd round of the shootout as the American Conference knocked off the National Conference 10-9 in the ECHL All-Star Game late Wednesday night in Ontario, California (near Los Angeles).

The American Conference won the shootout 3-1 in four rounds sealed by Elmira’s Justin Donati to finish the contest. But Ganzak got official credit for the game-winning goal in the shootout the round before that against Idaho Steelheads goalie Richard Bachman of the National Conference.

Ganzak also got an assist in the contest and made a fine hustling defensive play to save a goal. In a game that typically doesn’t feature as much hard-nosed defense, Ganzak showed his mettle by taking the team’s only penalty as well on a tripping call in the 3rd period.

The Miami (Ohio) University product was the Nailers lone All-Star representative at this year’s game. Thomas Beauregard leads the league with 26 goals but was an All-Star Game snub partly due to the voting taking place before he went on his recent six game goal scoring streak.

Ganzak leads all defensemen in the ECHL with 23 assists but has also picked up the scoring pace lately with two goals last weekend in the Nailers three game homestand. He also has proven to be one of the Nailers top performers in shootouts so it wasn’t a surprise when he fired home the decisive blast after the two teams skated to 9-9 tie after 65 minutes.

Ganzak made the ECHL All-Rookie team last year with 7 goals and 33 assists and was one of four Nailers on the squad. But this was his first All-Star game.

Johnstown’s Connor Shields and Charlotte’s Matt Schepke led the way for the American Conference with two goals apiece while Matt Pierce of Cincinnati had 3 assists and Jeremy Smith also of Cincinnati was the winning goalie.

He’ll return to the Nailers and join them in the Carolinas for an upcoming three game road trip as the team gets back to action following their brief All-Star Break.

Wheeling will play the Charlotte Checkers on Friday night at 7 and then travel to take on the South Carolina Stingrays on Sunday and Tuesday.

The Nailers return to Wheeling for back to back home games on Saturday and Sunday January 30th and 31st to host the South Carolina Stingrays. Saturday, is Doug Sauter Bobblehead Night for the first 2,500 fans courtesy of WesBanco and Wheeling Hockey Hall of Fame Night. Doug Sauter and Nick Bedway will be inducted in pre-game ceremonies featuring the unveiling of their Hall of Fame banners. Sauter is the first and all-time winningest head coach in Wheeling hockey history. Nick Bedway was a long-time beat-writer covering the team and introducing the Ohio Valley to pro hockey. They will be joining the inaugural class including all-time Wheeling leading scorer Darren Schwartz and WAHA founder Bob Otten.

Sunday is a KoSports Ice of Dreams Night and will feature an open-skate with the Nailers players after the game. Don’t forget to bring your skates, gloves, and camera!
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

There are still openings available for the Nailers inaugural Education Field Trip Day on Tuesday, February 9th. Tickets are free for all students and teachers when the Nailers play the Johnstown Chiefs at 11:00am. All the kids will be receiving an educational book and will quizzed on the material they learn at the game when they return to the classroom. It’s going to be a really fun time for the kids so get your school signed up for the special event with the Nailers by calling 304-234-GOAL.

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