Wheeling Nailers Team Headlines

Titans Down Nailers in New Jersey

2/19/2012

TRENTON, NJ- The Wheeling Nailers have had their way at Sun National Bank Center for most of the season, after winning each of the first four games they played there. On Sunday afternoon, the homestanding Titans took a game back, as Matt Schepke's third period goal was Wheeling's lone tally in a 5-1 victory for Trenton.

After a scoreless first ten minutes of the contest, the Titans' offense came alive, scoring three goals in a span of 6:41 in the latter stages of the first period. Matt Germain opened the scoring at the 12:20 mark, taking a pass from Andy Bohmbach, and drilling a slap shot into the top part of the goal. A little less than four minutes later, Dustin Cameron capitalized on a Wheeling turnover, by proceeding to score with a shot from the left circle. The final goal in the frame went to Ryan Hayes, who cut to the middle and slipped a backhander into the cage, while Trenton was playing on the power play.

In the second period, the Nailers nearly got on the scoreboard, as Ben Farrer and Peter Lenes combined for a scoring chance in the offensive zone. Unfortunately, Brad Phillips made the save, and the Titans got a 4-on-2 rush the other way. Andy Bohmbach and Rob Bordson led the way, as Trenton ultimately found Tyler Hostetter, who scored with a wrist shot on the right side of the ice.

Wheeling found the back of the net in the third period, when at the 3:16 mark, Matt Schepke beat his defender, and lifted a shot over Brad Phillips' left shoulder. The Titans were able to regain their four-goal edge later in the game, when Ryan Hayes picked up his second goal of the contest, with both tallies coming on the man advantage.

Brad Phillips picked up the win for Trenton, making 15 saves on 16 shots. Patrick Killeen took the loss for Wheeling, stopping 15 of 20 shots.

The Nailers' next game takes place on Friday night at 7:00, when they travel to Huntington Center to face the Toledo Walleye. For ticket information or to purchase tickets call 304-234-GOAL (4625) or online at shop.wheelingnailers.com. You can now purchase Nailers game tickets on your smartphone by visiting m.wheelingnailers.com

Nailers' Nine-Game Point Streak Ends in Reading

2/18/2012

READING, PA- The Wheeling Nailers got off to a strong start in the month of February, as they took a nine-game point streak into Saturday night's game. Unfortunately, that streak was halted, as Jussi Rynnas and Karel St. Laurent combined to make 32 saves in a 4-0 victory for the Reading Royals at Sovereign Center.

The first goal of the contest was scored late in the first period, with the Royals working on the man advantage. Denny Urban took a shot from the left side of the goal that was stopped by Peter Delmas. However, after a mad scramble in front, the rebound dribbled free to the right side of the crease, where Matt Caruana was able to slide the puck in for his team.

Reading extended the lead with two goals in the middle frame. At the 6:08 mark, Casey Haines took a drop pass from Ryan Button, and scored with a wrist shot along the ice from the left circle. Later in the frame, Yannick Tifu spun a pass into the slot, where Dale Mitchell kicked the puck from his skate to his stick, before depositing a backhander into the cage.

The Nailers hit a post and the crossbar in the third period, but it was the Royals, who picked up the lone marker in the final stanza. Kenny Ryan picked up the puck in his own zone, and rushed the other way, scoring on a shorthanded breakaway, giving the game its 4-0 final score.

Jussi Rynnas got the win for Reading, as he was perfect on 31 shots, in relief of Karel St. Laurent, who made one save in 5:31 to start the contest. Peter Delmas took the loss for Wheeling, making 32 saves on 36 shots.

The Nailers conclude their weekend with a 4:00 game in Trenton against the Titans on Sunday.Catch all the action on METV 9 or the Mix 97.3 FM.

Hamilton Returns Lenes to Nailers

2/18/2012

WHEELING, WV - The Wheeling Nailers, ECHL Affiliate of the Montreal Canadiens and Pittsburgh Penguins announce today that forward Peter Lenes has been returned to the team by the Hamilton Bulldogs.

Lenes, 25, played one game for the Bulldogs, last night against the St. John’s IceCaps. He spent a total of 3:16 minutes on the ice and recorded two penalty minutes. Lenes has played in 17 games for the Nailers this season, recording 20 points (14 goals, 6 assists) on 73 shots on goal, four penalty minutes, and a +11 plus/minus rating.

The 5-foot-4, 158-pound left-winger is tied for second in goals scored for the Nailers.

The Nailers are on the road for their next nine games before they return to Cambria County War Memorial to face off against the Florida Everblades on March 9 and 10. They will then come back to WesBanco Arena March 11 against the Toledo Walleye. For ticket information or to purchase tickets call 304-234-GOAL (4625) or online at shop.wheelingnailers.com. You can now purchase Nailers game tickets on your smartphone by visiting m.wheelingnailers.com

Manderson's Two Goals, Lead Nailers Back Into First Place

2/17/2012

JOHNSTOWN, PA – Denver Manderson scored two goals, Patrick Killeen made 24 saves, and the Nailers regained first place in the division, with their 4-2 victory over the Elmira Jackals.

Matt Schepke started off the period with a shot from the left circle that looked like it could be the opening goal, but Timo Pielmeier made a huge save to keep the Nailers off the board. After a tripping call against Zach Hansen, Elmira had the first power play opportunity of the night. Patrick Killeen made several impressive saves, preventing the Jackals from picking up an early lead. Despite good chances for both teams, the first period came to a close with no score.

The Nailers opened the action early in the second period, as Denver Manderson scored his 15th of the season, with a shot from the right circle that went top shelf on Pielmeier. Manderson’s goal was his fourth in as many games. Alec Kirschner notched his first point in a Nailers jersey on the play. A good rush starting in the defensive zone nearly put the Nailers up 2-0. Adam Ross and John Kurtz dropped the gloves, before Christaan Minella put the puck behind Pielmeier, to give the Nailers a two-goal lead. Elmira answered back quickly, as Artem Demkov scored his 14th of the season against Killeen. The Nailers and Jackals traded power play opportunities later in the period. Demkov nearly scored his second of the night on Elmira’s power play, but the goal was immediately waved off due to a high stick to end the period.

Manderson took the period’s first penalty three minutes into the third, with a tripping call. The Nailers successfully killed the penalty, despite several good chances for the Jackals. A great steal in neutral ice led Manderson into the offensive zone for his second goal of the game, unassisted, to give the Nailers a 3-1 lead. With Benjamin Dieude-Fauvel in the box for tripping, Elmira nearly scored shorthanded, but Nick Schaus hit the puck off the post before Killeen grabbed the rebound. With 2:34 to go, Elmira pulled Pielmeier for the extra attacker, but Chris Barton put the puck in the empty net for his 24th of the season. Andrew Hotham picked up an assist on the play. Elmira looked to be done for the night, but Deiude-Fauvel picked up his first goal of the season, unassisted, with 45 seconds to go. Despite Deiude-Fauvel’s attempt, the Nailers defeated the Jackals 4-2, and regained first place in the division.

The Nailers are on the road for their next nine games before they return to Cambria County War Memorial to face off against the Florida Everblades on March 9 and 10. They will then come back to WesBanco Arena March 11 against the Toledo Walleye. For ticket information or to purchase tickets call 304-234-GOAL (4625) or online at shop.wheelingnailers.com. You can now purchase Nailers game tickets on your smartphone by visiting m.wheelingnailers.com

Nailers Make Roster Moves

2/16/2012

WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers, AA affiliate for the Pittsburgh Penguins and Montreal Canadiens, have announced two roster moves, with both taking effect immediately. Forward Peter Lenes was signed to a professional tryout agreement by the AHL's Hamilton Bulldogs, and forward Chase Watson was claimed by the Nailers off of waivers from the Elmira Jackals.

Lenes, 25, was originally acquired by the Nailers on January 10th, in a trade with the Trenton Titans. Since coming to Wheeling, Peter has made an immediate impact on the club, as he has picked up at least one point in 14 of his first 17 games. During that time, the Shelburne, VT native has 14 goals, six assists, 20 points, and a plus-11 rating. In 49 total games this season between the Nailers and Titans, Lenes has recorded 21 goals, 11 assists, and 32 points. This is Peter's second season of professional hockey in North America, and will be his first taste of life in the American Hockey League.

Watson, 29, joins the Nailers with five seasons of experience in professional hockey. Following a four-year collegiate career at Providence College, Chase made the jump to the professional game, joining the Augusta Lynx for parts of two seasons. Towards the end of the 2008-09 season, the Media, PA native came to Wheeling, where he played in five regular season games, before appearing in seven postseason contests, picking up one assist. In his career, Watson has played in 168 ECHL games, scoring 21 goals, 43 assists, and 64 points. Thus far this season, Chase has lit the lamp once in five ECHL games, while also putting up six goals, 16 assists, and 22 points in ten games for the FHL's Brooklyn Aviators.

Chase Watson will wear uniform number eight, and will likely be in the lineup for the Nailers on Friday, when they take on the Elmira Jackals at Cambria County War Memorial Arena. Lenes could make his AHL debut as early as Friday night, when the Bulldogs begin a three-game weekend with a home game against the St. John's IceCaps.

Manderson's Late Goal Earns Nailers Important Point

2/14/2012

ELMIRA, NY- Denver Manderson's goal with seven seconds left in regulation earned the Wheeling Nailers a point on Tuesday night, keeping them in sole possession of first place in the Atlantic Division. Unfortunately, Dustin Gazley's tally at the 2:45 mark of overtime gave the Elmira Jackals two points, as they picked up a 3-2 victory over the Nailers at First Arena.

Both teams found the back of the net once in the opening period. Cody Chupp started the scoring for the Nailers at the 13:49 mark of the frame, when he received a long lead pass from Ben Farrer, broke in past the defense, and beat Timo Pielmeier with a wrist shot high over the glove. Ryan Schnell also picked up an assist on Chupp's 14th of the season. 3:30 later, the Jackals tied the game, while playing with the man advantage. Mario Larocque took the puck at the left point, before sliding a pass to Dustin Gazley in the left circle. Gazley rifled a one-timer into the top part of the goal, sending the contest into the first intermission knotted at one.

Neither team was able to light the lamp in the second period, sending a tie game into the third. Midway through the final stanza, Elmira took the lead, thanks to a two-man advantage. The home team worked the puck to the middle of the blueline, where Josh Godfrey scored on a slap shot through traffic. The Jackals maintained that lead until the final seconds of regulation, when a failed clearing attempt resulted in Matt Schepke setting up Denver Manderson for a wrist shot from the left circle. Manderson's third goal in as many games earned his team a point, as the battle went to overtime.

In the extra session, the Jackals came out victorious, as Dustin Gazley slid a shot through at the 2:45 mark.

Timo Pielmeier got the win in goal for Elmira, making 28 saves on 30 shots. Peter Delmas suffered the overtime loss, despite stopping 23 of the 26 shots he faced.

The Nailers and Jackals will do battle again on Friday night at 7:35, with the game taking place at Cambria County War Memorial Arena. For ticket information or to purchase tickets call 304-234-GOAL (4625) or online at shop.wheelingnailers.com. You can now purchase Nailers game tickets on your smartphone by visiting m.wheelingnailers.com

Malka Recalled to Hamilton

2/12/2012

HAMILTON, ON - Montreal Canadiens and Hamilton Bulldogs General Manager Pierre Gauthier announced today that defenceman Olivier Dame-Malka has been recalled to the Bulldogs from the ECHL's Wheeling Nailers.

Malka, 21, played in 8 games with the Bulldogs this season, posting one assist and 11 shots on goal. The 5-foot-10, 192-pound defenceman made his professional debut with the Bulldogs in the team's 5-2 season-opening victory over the Rochester Americans on Saturday, October 8th, 2011. In 35 games for the Wheeling Nailers this season, the native of Montreal, Quebec registered 18 points (7 goal, 11 assists), 110 shots on goal, and 58 penalty minutes.

The Nailers start a home-and-home with the Elmira Jackals Tuesday in Elmira, before playing the second half Friday night at Cambria County War Memorial. For ticket information or to purchase tickets call 304-234-GOAL (4625) or online at shop.wheelingnailers.com. You can now purchase Nailers game tickets on your smartphone by visiting m.wheelingnailers.com

Chupp Leads Nailers To Big Victory

2/12/2012

JOHNSTOWN, PA – Matt Schepke scored his first goal against his former club, Sunday night in Johnstown, in the Nailers’ 7-5 victory over the Reading Royals. Peter Lenes, Chris Barton, Ben Farrer, Olivier Dame-Malka, Denver Manderson, and Cody Chupp all contributed goals in the win, that earned the Nailers sole possession first place in the division.

Reading’s power play unit was the star of the first period. Ryan Schnell took an early unsportsmanlike conduct minor for a snow shower on Reading goaltender Karel St. Laurent. The Nailers killed that penalty, but their penalty kill was no match for the next three offenses. Mickael Bedard scored two power play goals on his former team, the first on a hooking call to Zack Torquato, the second on a delay of game penalty for Peter Merth. Olivier Labelle and Ryan Cruthers picked up assists respectively. Matt Schepke scored his second goal of the weekend – the first against the team that sent him to Wheeling for Bedard – to cut the Royals’ lead in half with help from Cody Chupp and Zach Hansen. The Nailers had an opportunity on the power play, but did not convert. Schnell went back to the box for interference, and Labelle beat Killeen with help from Denny Urban, to pad the Royals’ lead going into intermission.

A minute and a half into the second period, Peter Lenes pulled the Nailers back within one, when his shot on the breakaway went over St. Laurent’s shoulder. Andrew Hotham earned his 26th point of the season on the play. Kenny Ryan put the Royals up 4-2 on a delayed penalty to the Nailers, but Chris Barton struck back to pull the Nailers back to a one-goal deficit. Marc Cantin was awarded an assist on Ryan’s goal, while Schepke and Chupp earned the helpers on Barton’s tally. A scrum along the near boards resulted in matching minors for Cantin and Merth for tripping and roughing, before the Nailers went to the power play for another tripping call against Cantin. However, the Royals’ penalty kill kept the Nailers off the scoreboard. Cantin returned to the box with 36 seconds left in the second period for delay of game, sending the Nailers on the power play to start the third period.

Despite almost a minute and a half of power play time to start the third, the Nailers were once again unable to score with the man advantage. With 16:07 left in the third, Torquato put a shot on goal that beat St. Laurent, but the goal was waved off due to incidental contact. Ben Farrer made up for the call seconds later, as his eighth goal of the season tied the game at four. Olivier Dame-Malka put the Nailers up 5-4, but the Nailers weren’t done yet. Seconds after Reading pulled St. Laurent in favor of Jussi Rynnas, Denver Manderson scored the Nailers’ third goal in the span of a minute and a half to give the Nailers a 6-4 lead. The teams exchanged penalties, but Chupp scored his 13th goal of the season on an unassisted breakaway. The two-goal lead was all the Nailers needed to defeat the Reading Royals 7-5.

The Nailers start a home-and-home with the Elmira Jackals Tuesday in Elmira, before playing the second half Friday night at Cambria County War Memorial. For ticket information or to purchase tickets call 304-234-GOAL (4625) or online at shop.wheelingnailers.com. You can now purchase Nailers game tickets on your smartphone by visiting m.wheelingnailers.com

Delmas Makes 35 Saves in 4-2 Nailers Win

2/11/2012

WHEELING, WV – Cody Chupp earned three points, and Denver Manderson scored the game-winning goal in Friday night’s win over the Trenton Titans.

Peter Merth started off a fairly quiet first period with his second delay of game penalty in two games. While Trenton was unable to convert, they did put solid shots on goal. Adam Presizniuk shot and picked up his own rebound, but Peter Delmas grabbed the second shot. With two minutes to go in the period, Merth, Olivier Dame-Malka, and Denver Manderson all had chances to open the scoring. Merth’s shot from the point off the face-off beat Nick Niedert to give the Nailers a 1-0 lead at the end of the period. Andrew Hotham and Cody Chupp were awarded assists.

To open the second period, Matt Schepke notched his ninth goal of the season – his first goal with the Nailers – from the right circle, giving the Nailers a 2-0 lead. Hotham and Chupp picked up their second assists each on the goal. Andy Bohmbach cut the Nailers’ lead in half, with help from Mitch Versteeg and Rob Bordson. Wheeling had two power play opportunities on calls to Vinny Geonnetti and Bordson, but Trenton’s penalty kill stopped both chances.

Trenton wasted no time in tying the game. Bohmbach picked up his second of the night, 17 seconds into the third period with Delmas caught behind the net. Bordson picked up the assist. Delmas made up for the goal with a huge save on Dustin Cameron, before Manderson gave the Nailers the go-ahead goal, when he sent the puck over Niedert’s shoulder. Delmas continued to make several spectacular saves, as the clock ticked down. Trenton pulled Niedert for the extra attacker, but Chupp put the puck into the empty net to finish the Nailers 4-2 victory.

The Nailers head to Johnstown’s Cambria County War Memorial Sunday for a 4:05 faceoff against the Reading Royals. For ticket information or to purchase tickets call 304-234-GOAL (4625) or online at shop.wheelingnailers.com. You can now purchase Nailers game tickets on your smartphone by visiting m.wheelingnailers.com

Chupp and Schnell Returned to Wheeling

2/10/2012

WHEELING,WV. –The Wheeling Nailers, ECHL Affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins, announced today that right wing Ryan Schnell has been returned on loan to the teamL. In addition, center Cody Chupp has been released from his professional try-out agreement and will return to Wheeling.

Schnell has played in eight games for the Nailers on the year, compiling 75 minutes of penalties. He has also notched an assist and 46 PIM in 12 contests with the Penguins. The 22-year old third-year pro has totaled in 96 games with the Nailers over the past two seasons along with five goals, six assists and 331 PIM.

Chupp has registered four assists in 13 games over three stints with the Penguins this season. The Big Rapids, MI-native has recorded 11 goals, 11 assists and six penalty minutes in 29 games for the Nailers. A second-year pro, Chupp appeared in 58 matches with the Texas Stars in 2010-11, registering five goals and eight assists.

The Nailers return to WesBanco Arena this weekend for two exciting games. On Friday night February 10th, the Nailers host the Toledo Walleye at 7:35 PM. On Saturday February 11th, the Trenton Titans come to town for a 7:35 PM face-off.

For ticket information or to purchase tickets call 304-234-GOAL (4625) or online at shop.wheelingnailers.com. You can now purchase Nailers game tickets on your smartphone by visiting m.wheelingnailers.com

Nailers Comeback to Earn Important Point

2/10/2012

WHEELING, WV – The Nailers outshot the Walleye 44-18, and six different Nailers tallied points in Wheeling’s 3-2 shootout loss to Toledo Friday night.

It didn’t take long for tempers to flare, as Ryan Schnell and Riley Emmerson dropped the gloves off the face-off, just over two minutes into the first period. Gleason Fournier was called for slashing a minute and a half later, but the Nailers were unable to convert with the man advantage. Toledo struck first, just after their successful penalty kill, when Joey Martin deked his way through the Nailers’ defense to sneak the puck behind Patrick Killeen. Assists were awarded to Mike Thomas and Kyle Rogers. Kyle Bushee headed to the penalty box for slashing, and Toledo quickly took a two-goal lead, 21 seconds into the power play. It was David Gilbert’s slap shot from the right circle that beat Killeen, with help from Bryan Rufenach and Joey Ryan. The Nailers seemed to have an opportunity at the end of the period with a flurry around the net, but the buzzer sounded to the end the period.

The second period started off slowly, despite a great chance for Zack Torquato from the slot. Olivier Dame-Malka and Kyle Page had the second fight of the night. The two teams exchanged power play opportunities, but Dame-Malka cut the lead in half, and earned himself two-thirds of a Gordie Howe hat trick. Dame-Malka flew into the Walleye zone on a breakaway, and sent a slap shot five-hole on Alec Richards. Andrew Hotham picked up his 23rd point on the goal, and Peter Merth also picked up a helper. Matt Schepke, the newest member of the Nailers, nearly tied the game for Wheeling, but Peter Lenes succeeded. Lenes stormed the net to put the rebound of Torquato’s shot behind Richards. Schnell tallied the second assist.

Wheeling went almost directly to the penalty kill to start third. Jordon Southorn was called for delay of game at 35 seconds, to the outrage of the crowd. Manderson had a near chance shorthanded, but was thwarted by Toledo. David Toews, younger brother of Jonathan, fired a shot at Killeen, that Gilbert tried to redirect, but Killeen covered before Toledo could pull ahead. Cody Chupp put the puck past Richards, but the goal was immediately waved off for being kicked in, before Phil Rauch was sent off for slashing. The Walleye killed the penalty, before a power play of their own, when Peter Merth took the Nailers third delay of game penalty of the night. Being shorthanded nearly paid off for Wheeling, when Manderson went one-on-one against Richards on a breakaway, but Richards made a strong save to keep his team afloat. The Nailers had some great chances in the last minutes, but they were not enough.

For the second Friday in a row, Wheeling headed to overtime. Chupp and Harrison Reed started the extra period in the box, giving the two teams plenty of ice with two minutes of 3-on-3 play. The penalties expired with three minutes to go, but Southorn was called for holding. Toledo held possession in the Nailers’ end for most of the penalty, but Manderson cleared the puck to break up the momentum. Chris Barton had a huge chance on a breakaway, as Southorn left the box, but the puck ended up just wide of the net.

Despite making several fantastic saves during regulation and overtime, Killeen was unable to stop Toledo in the shootout. Gilbert and Martin both scored for the Walleye, while Richards stopped all four Wheeling shooters.

The Nailers play at home Saturday night at 7:35 against the Trenton Titans, before heading to Johnstown’s Cambria County War Memorial Sunday for a 4:05 faceoff against the Reading Royals. For ticket information or to purchase tickets call 304-234-GOAL (4625) or online at shop.wheelingnailers.com. You can now purchase Nailers game tickets on your smartphone by visiting m.wheelingnailers.com

Crowder Loaned to Manchester

2/9/2012

The Wheeling Nailers, AA affiliate for the Pittsburgh Penguins and Montreal Canadiens, have announced a transaction, effective immediately. Forward Paul Crowder has been signed to a PTO by the AHL's Manchester Monarchs.

Crowder, 26, is currently in the midst of his third full season in professional hockey, as well as his second year as a member of the Nailers. After four seasons in the BCHL and three years with the University of Alaska-Anchorage, Paul turned pro, joining the AHL's Hartford Wolf Pack. In 90 games with the Wolf Pack, Crowder recorded 12 goals, 17 assists, and 29 points.

At the start of the 2010-11 season, Crowder joined the Utah Grizzlies, where he stayed for 20 games, before being dealt to Wheeling prior to last season's playoff push. The Victoria, BC native posted 11 points during the regular season with the Nailers, then added 15 points during Wheeling's run to the Eastern Conference Final.

Thus far this season, Paul Crowder has appeared in 37 games, scoring 12 goals, 22 assists, and 34 points as the Nailers' captain.

Crowder could be in the Monarchs' lineup as soon as Friday night, when Manchester travels to Worcester for a game against the Sharks.

Penguins Recall Forward Nick Petersen

2/7/2012

WILKES-BARRE, Pa. - The Wheeling Nailers announce today that Forward Nick Petersen has been reassigned to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins by the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Assigned to Wheeling on January 25, Petersen tallied four goals and five assists for a total of nine points in seven games. The second-year pro has appeared in 28 contests this season for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, compiling six goals and six assists.

Last year during his rookie season, the Wakefield, Quebec native led the Nailers in assists (33) and points (57) and was tied for the team lead in goals (24). He also registered 14 points (5g-9a) in 23 games with the Penguins.

Delmas Named ECHL Goalie of the Week

2/7/2012

PRINCETON, N.J. – Peter Delmas of the Wheeling Nailers is the Reebok Hockey ECHL Goaltender of the Week for Jan. 30-Feb. 5. It is the second time in his career that Delmas has won the weekly award.

The 21-year-old was 2-0-0 with a goals-against average of 1.00 and a save percentage of .967 last week as the Nailers moved into a tie for first place in the Atlantic Division with 55 points.

Delmas, who is under contract to the NHL’s Montreal Canadiens, opened the week with 29 saves in a 4-1 win at Elmira on?Wednesday and followed that up with another 29 saves in a 2-1 win at Trenton on?Saturday.

A native of Bedford, Nova Scotia, Delmas is 11-6-0 in 19 appearances with Wheeling this season and ranks ninth in the league with a 2.51 goals-against average. He also has appeared in one game with Hamilton of the American?Hockey League, where he is 1-0-0 with a 1.00 goals-against average and a .963 save percentage.

A second-round selection (61st overall) by the Colorado Avalanche in the 2008 NHL,Entry Draft,Delmas is 26-12-2 in 43 career appearances with the Nailers with three shutouts, a 2.23 goals-against average and a save percentage of .920.

Prior to turning pro, Delmas appeared in 147 games with Lewiston, Quebec and Halifax of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League posting a record of 69-64-5 with four shutouts, a goals-against average of 3.26 and an .891 save percentage.

Paul & The Peters Push Nailers Past Titans

2/4/2012

TRENTON, NJ- For the second time this week, Peter Delmas gave the Wheeling Nailers a fantastic performance in goal, and for the second time this week, his teammates rewarded him. Peter Lenes broke a 1-1 tie with 9:23 remaining in the third period, as the Nailers picked up a 2-1 victory at Sun National Bank Center.

The Nailers and Titans battled through two periods of scoreless hockey, thanks to magnificent goaltending by Peter Delmas and Dave Caruso. Finally, at the 47-second mark of the third period, Wheeling broke through. Adam Ross kept the puck alive at the right point, sliding the puck down to Chris Barton, who ultimately hooked up with Paul Crowder. Crowder tossed the puck toward the middle from along the goalline, and got a friendly deflection off of a Trenton body, as the visitors took a 1-0 lead. A little less than three minutes later, the Titans tied the score, as Rob Bordson wristed in a shot from low in the slot.

Midway through the third period, the deadlock was broken for good, but it wasn't that way from the start. Peter Lenes cruised down the left side of the ice, and got Dave Caruso out of his crease, before sliding a low wrist shot toward the cage. On the first look, the puck appeared to hit the right post, but the red light came on behind the net. After the whistle blew to conclude the play, a discussion was had, and the Nailers were awarded the go-ahead goal, as they took a 2-1 lead.

Peter Delmas and the defense kept the score that way, as the Nailers picked up their seventh win in nine head-to-head meetings with Trenton. Delmas stopped 29 of the 30 shots he faced, and helped to lead a perfect 4-for-4 effort on the penalty kill. Dave Caruso took the loss, despite making 21 saves on 23 shots for the Titans.

The Nailers return home to WesBanco Arena on Friday night for a 7:35 face-off against the Toledo Walleye. For ticket information or to purchase tickets call 304-234-GOAL (4625) or online at shop.wheelingnailers.com. You can now purchase Nailers game tickets on your smartphone by visiting m.wheelingnailers.com

Nailers Acquire Former NCAA National Champion

2/3/2012

The Wheeling Nailers, AA affiliate for the Pittsburgh Penguins and Montreal Canadiens, have made a trade, with the roster moves taking effect immediately. The Nailers have acquired forward Matt Schepke from the Reading Royals, in exchange for forward Mickael Bedard.

Schepke, 27, is currently in the midst of his third full season of professional hockey, following a three-year collegiate career at Michigan State University, which included a National Championship in 2007. After posting 28 goals, 26 assists, and 54 points in 98 games with the Spartans, Matt turned pro, and immediately registered nine points in 12 games for the ECHL's Charlotte Checkers in the spring of 2009. Schepke spent the majority of the 2009-10 season with the Checkers, and proceeded to score 26 goals, 20 assists, and 46 points, before injuries limited him to 12 points in 15 games with the Greenville Road Warriors last season. So far this season, the Warren, MI native has eight goals, 13 assists, and 21 points, which all came as a member of the Reading Royals.

Bedard, 24, is currently in the midst of his second season in the ECHL, following three seasons of junior hockey, as well as one year each in the LNAH and IHL. As a rookie last season, Mickael recorded 20 goals, 27 assists, and 47 points in 48 regular season games, before adding five goals, four assists, and nine points, during Wheeling's run to the Eastern Conference Final. In 40 games thus far this season, the Quebec, QC native has ten goals, 13 assists, and 23 points.

Schepke is expected to join the Nailers in time for Friday night's home game against the Elmira Jackals at 7:35, and will be wearing uniform number 28.

Torquato, Hotham shootout goals lift Nailers over Jackals

2/3/2012

WHEELING, WV Nick Petersen and Paul Crowder posted two-goal nights, before Zack Torquato and Andrew Hotham scored in the shootout to lead the Nailers to a 4-3 win Friday night, in front of a crowd of 3,059.

Paul Crowder and Andrew Hotham set up Nick Petersen to score his fourth of the season for the Nailers, with a shot from the left circle only 2:35 into the first period. Patrick Killeen stood tall, making two huge saves on Elmira to keep Wheeling ahead. Adam Ross and Rob Bellamy found each other for a scuffle next to the net. After the face-off, Jordan Lane joined in, but was sent to the penalty box for roughing. Ross and Lane dropped the gloves later in the period, after a hit on Petersen. The Nailers had another chance on the power play, thanks to a slashing call on Corey Bellamy, but they were unable to convert.

The Nailers had the first power play opportunity of the second period, as Mario Larocque was called for hooking. While Wheeling failed to score, Killeen put his pad down for a great save. Ben Farrer and Denver Manderson rushed into the Jackals’ zone on the penalty kill, but were unsuccessful. Elmira’s power play kept pressuring the Nailers to lead Jimmy Martin to put the Jackals on the board, with help from Artem Demkov and Dustin Gazley. With under a minute left in the period, Ross put a shot on goal, and Peter Lenes picked up the rebound, giving the Nailers a 2-1 lead. Fourteen seconds later, Wheeling crashed the net, and Zack Torquato put the puck behind Timo Pielmeier to put the Nailers up 3-1. Petersen and Crowder were credited with assists.

The third period started off quietly. Lenes had a huge chance around 11:40, when Pielmeier came out into the right circle. Lenes carried the puck in towards the empty net, but he was beaten back by a Jackals defenseman. By the time Lenes tried to wrap around the net, Pielmeier was back in position, and the puck ended up on the outside of the net. Gazley and Kyle Bushee took offsetting penalties, but Hotham joined Bushee in the box. Elmira’s power play succeeded again to cut the Nailers’ lead to one goal, with Corey Cowick scored his first goal of the season on the 4-on-3, from Jordan Pietrus and Martin. The Nailers earned a man advantage with 1:56 to go in the third. Gazley charged into the Nailers’ zone on a breakaway, but Killeen stopped him at the last second with his right pad, before Jordon Southorn was sent off for slashing. With just under a minute left, Elmira pulled Pielmeier for the extra attacker, and proceeded to score, as a flurry around the net resulted in Matt Campanale sending the puck behind Killeen with help from Pietrus.

Despite several great chances for both teams, five extra minutes were not enough to end the game. Torquato and Pietrus both scored in the fourth round of the shootout, but it was Hotham who scored in the seventh round to give the Nailers a 4-3 victory over the Jackals.

In the last three home games at WesBanco Arena, the Nailers have drawn over 10,000 fans.

The Nailers head to Trenton Saturday night to take on the Titans at 7:00 p.m. before a night off on Sunday. For ticket information or to purchase tickets call 304-234-GOAL (4625) or online at shop.wheelingnailers.com. You can now purchase Nailers game tickets on your smart phone by visiting m.wheelingnailers.com.

Nailers Announce Roster Moves

2/2/2012

WHEELING,WV– The Wheeling Nailers, ECHL Affiliate of the Montreal Canadiens and Pittsburgh Penguins, announced today that forward Ryan Schnell has be recalled to the Wilkes-Barre / Scranton Penguins and center Cody Chupp has been signed to a professional try-out agreement .

Chupp has registered three assists in 10 games over two stints with the Penguins this season. The Big Rapids, MI-native has recorded 11 goals, 11 assists and six penalty minutes in 29 games for the Nailers. A second-year pro, Chupp appeared in 58 matches with the Texas Stars in 2010-11, registering five goals and eight assists.

The Nailers return to WesBanco Arena on Friday February 2nd when they host the Elmira Jackals. Face-off is set for 7:35PM. For ticket information or to purchase tickets call 304-234-GOAL (4625) or online at shop.wheelingnailers.com. You can now purchase Nailers game tickets on your smartphone by visiting m.wheelingnailers.com

Nailers Secure Two Big Points in Elmira

2/1/2012

ELMIRA, NY- Peter Delmas made multiple large saves between the pipes, and Adam Ross helped to set up two goals for the Wheeling Nailers, who picked up two gigantic points on Wednesday night. Wheeling defeated the Elmira Jackals 4-1 at First Arena, bringing them within three points of the Jackals for the top spot in the Atlantic Division.

The latter part of the first period featured a good amount of scoring, starting with the Jackals' first tally at the 12:21 mark. Rob Bellamy intercepted a pass in center ice, and quickly turned the other way. After splitting the defense, Bellamy found the twine, beating Peter Delmas with a quick wrist shot on his stick side. The Nailers were quick to answer, evening the score 46 seconds later. Adam Ross kept the puck in at the left point, and tossed a shot toward the net. Paul Crowder got a deflection on the shot, knocking it in past Brian Stewart. A little less than four minutes later, Ross and his teammates were at it again. After a rush by Peter Lenes, Chris Barton fed Ross at the point, who got a deflection from Zack Torquato to put the visitors on top.

Wheeling added to the lead in the second period. Denver Manderson sped down the left side and took a shot on goal from the bottom of the circle that was turned aside by Stewart. However, the rebound deflected into the slot, where it was flipped in on a backhand shot by Ben Farrer, as the Nailers took a two-goal lead into the third.

Peter Delmas and the defense made that lead stand, as Delmas made a couple of big saves to keep his team on top. With 38 seconds left in the contest, Peter Lenes iced the victory with his tenth goal in a Wheeling uniform, and 17th overall on the season, as the Nailers picked up the 4-1 victory.

Delmas' tenth win of the season was a 29-save effort, while Brian Stewart took the loss, making 35 saves on 38 shots for the Jackals.

The Nailers and Jackals will meet up again on Friday night, with a 7:35 face-off scheduled at WesBanco Arena. For ticket information or to purchase tickets call 304-234-GOAL (4625) or online at shop.wheelingnailers.com. You can now purchase Nailers game tickets on your smartphone by visiting m.wheelingnailers.com

Hotham, Lenes shine in Nailers’ 5-2 victory

1/29/2012

JOHNSTOWN, PA – Andrew Hotham led the Nailers with four points, and Peter Lenes scored two goals in the Nailers 5-2 victory over the Toledo Walleye. Toledo gave up seven consecutive power plays, three of which the Nailers capitalized on.

The Nailers started off the first period quickly with several good chances. Paul Crowder’s shot from the left circle 49 seconds in was knocked away by Toledo goaltender Dustin Carlson, while Zack Torquato nearly scored moments later. A hard hit along the near boards on Cody Chupp by Matt Krug led to Adam Ross stepping in and dropping the gloves with Krug. Zack Torquato was called for boarding, and Toledo’s power play was able to capitalize. Bryan Rufenach sent a wrist shot from the left circle high on Killeen to put the Walleye up 1-0, with help from Joey Martin and Andrej Nestrasil. The Nailers had a 5-on-3 opportunity, where Chris Barton and Jordon Southorn both had great chances, but were stopped by Carlson. Phil Rauch was called for high-sticking with under a minute left to give the Nailers a power play opportunity to start the second.

While the Nailers were unable to score on the lingering penalty from the first period, they were able to take advantage of two consecutive delay of game penalties to Rauch. Chupp started the scoring for the Nailers, with Torquato and Andrew Hotham picking up assists. On the second penalty, Southorn took a shot from the slot that was deflected off Krug for the Nailers’ second goal - Southorn’s first with the Nailers. Hotham notched his second point of the night on the goal with the second assist. A flurry in front of the net with 5:08 remaining in the period nearly resulted in another Nailers goal. Hotham hit the post, while Chupp’s shot was knocked down in front of the net.

Nearly the first five minutes of the third period turned into a goaltending battle, as the two teams exchanged chances. Nestrasil gave the Nailers their seventh consecutive power play at 4:16 on a slashing call. For his third goal in four games, Petersen sent a rocket from the right circle, above Carlson’s shoulder a minute into the penalty to give the Nailers a 3-1 lead. Southorn and Hotham picked up the assists, with Hotham earning his third point of the game. Lombardi was called for slashing at 6:01, giving the Walleye their third power play of the night. However, they were unable to convert, as the Nailers killed Lombardi’s penalty. Peter Lenes scored his 15th of the season, and eighth since coming to Wheeling, unassisted at 8:34 from the left circle. Three minutes later, David Gilbert, recently sent down from Rockford, cut the Nailers lead in half, with assists from Rufenach and Gleason Fournier. Toledo pulled their goaltender for the extra attacker, but Lenes scored his second of the game, with another assist from Hotham, to bring the Nailers back to a three-goal lead to finalize their 5-2 win.

The Nailers head to Elmira Wednesday night to take on the Jackals before coming back to Wheeling on Friday for the second half of a home-and-home against Elmira at 7:35. For ticket information or to purchase tickets call 304-234-GOAL (4625) or online at shop.wheelingnailers.com. You can now purchase Nailers game tickets on your smart phone by visiting m.wheelingnailers.com.

Killeen’s Streak Eclipses 200 minutes

1/28/2012

WHEELING, WV: Two teams that saw each other many times last season locked horns at WesBanco Arena on Saturday night for only the second time this season. After a game earlier in the year that saw the Wings edge the Nailers 6-5, many people were looking forward to an offensive explosion from both teams. However, that was not the case, as defense took center stage in the second meeting of the season. The Kalamazoo Wings left WesBanco Arena with a 2-1 victory over the Wheeling Nailers.

The Nailers headed on the power play and at 4:52, and Nick Petersen found a rebound in front of the net and stuffed it home to make it 1-0 Nailers. Petersen picked up his second of the season, with the helpers going to Zack Torquato and Olivier Dame-Malka. Despite being outshot 9-6, the Nailers took a 1-0 lead into the locker room. Patrick Killeen played a phenomenal first period, and was tested on all nine shots.

Patrick Killeen made what many people will call save of the year in the second period on Kalamazoo's Nick Sirota, and the Nailers came back the other way on a couple of nice chances on Riley Gill. However, Gill was equal to the task. At the end of the second period, the Nailers were outshooting the Wings by a 21-17 count, and a 15-8 count for the second period.

After a Zack Torquato hooking penalty, Patrick Killeen's shutout streak came to an end at 12:37 of the third period on a one-time power play goal by Dustin Cloutier. Cloutier's third goal of the year was assisted by Darren Archibald and Justin Taylor. Darryl Bootland gave the Wings their first lead of the game at 17:28, with his 13th goal of the season, from Nick Sirota to make it 2-1 Wings. The Nailers took a timeout with 1:33 remaining, and then pulled Patrick Killeen on the ensuing faceoff. Former Wheeling Nailer Elgin Reid took a high sticking penalty with 1:19 remaining, giving the Nailers a six-on-four advantage. Peter Lenes tried to take the puck coast-to-coast, and Riley Gill came up with the sprawling glove save. Kalamazoo took at timeout with 18 seconds remaining in the third period. Bodies went flying all over the ice, and the Nailers had a few opportunities. However, they were not able to get the puck past Riley Gill.

Riley Gill was the winning goaltender, stopping 31 of 32 shots. Patrick Killeen took the loss in net for the Nailers, stopping 26 of 28 shots. Gill improved to 15-9-1-2 on the year, while patrick Killeen falls to 13-10-2-1 for the season. Killeen's season-high shutout streak lasted 209:54.
The Nailers will return to action tomorrow night at the Cambria County War Memorial in Johnstown for a 6:05 meeting with the Toledo Walleye.

The Wheeling Nailers play next at WesBanco Arena on Friday, February 3rd , 2012 at 7:35 p.m. when they take on the Elmira Jackals. All Nailers games can be heard live on the MIX 97.3 FM and www.wheelingnailers.com, and all road games can be seen live on RTV 9 and America One Networks at b2livetv.com.

Single game tickets for the 2011-2012 season are available at the Nailers Office in Downtown Wheeling, the WesBanco Arena Box Office, any Ticketmaster Outlet, online at shop.wheelingnailers.com or through charge-by-phone at 304-234-GOAL.

Visit the official website of theWheeling Nailers at www.wheelingnailers.com

Nailers, Royals Split Weekend Series

1/27/2012

The Nailers took charge to start the first period, charging into the Royals’ end. Jordon Southorn put a shot on goal and was blocked by goaltender Michael Hutchinson. Peter Lenes picked up the rebound, but his shot went wide of the goal. Hutchinson made another save on Zack Torquato, and the crossbar stopped Brian Day, before Mickael Bedard was called for holding. Thirty seconds into Bedard’s penalty, Paul Crowder joined him in the box for high-sticking. The Nailers killed both penalties, but the Royals struck first, as Matt Schepke scored his eighth goal of the season on a wrist-shot from the left circle, after a nifty play at the blueline by Casey Haines. Wheeling earned their first power play opportunity of the night at 16:21. Chris Barton tied the game, as his one-timer from the slot sailed past Hutchinson. Crowder and Southorn picked up assists on the goal.

Reading wasted little time pulling ahead by one. Ray Macias picked up a rebound in the right side of the crease, and knocked the puck behind Peter Delmas just under three minutes into the second period. Yannick Tifu and Todd Griffith, two players who play well against Wheeling, picked up assists on the goal. Southorn put the Nailers back on the penalty kill, but the Royals’ power play was unable to convert. Lenes tipped in his 14th of the season shortly after the power play expired, off of a shot by recent Wilkes-Barre re-assignment Nick Petersen, with help from Andrew Hotham. Cody Chupp tried to give the Nailers the go-ahead goal off the face-off with just under ten minutes to go in the period, but Hutchinson made a quick glove save.

Wheeling started the pressure early in the third period, spending much of the first two minutes in the offensive zone. Hutchinson stood strong for Reading, as he stopped three good shots early on. Petersen had another chance with 15:49 left in the period. After the save that drew a whistle, Reading’s Ryan Button and Wheeling’s Ryan Schnell were both sent to the penalty box, with matching roughing penalties for two minutes of 4-on-4 action. Haines gave Reading another lead at 9:58. After fanning on the initial shot, Schepke notched his second point of the night, while Dale Mitchell was credited with the second assist. Schnell racked up 14 minutes in penalties for spearing Olivier Labelle, sending the Nailers on a four-minute penalty kill, and Schnell to the locker room with a ten-minute misconduct. With 1:54 left in the Nailers’ penalty kill, Kenny Ryan was assessed a roughing penalty, negating the rest of the Schnell penalty. The Nailers called their timeout with 1:51 left and pulled Delmas for the extra attacker. Everett Sheen sent the puck down the ice and despite a solid effort, Barton was unable to beat the puck back, giving the Royals their final goal in a 4-2 win.

Penguins Assign Three To Wheeling

1/25/2012

WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers, AA affiliate for the Pittsburgh Penguins and Montreal Canadiens, have announced three transaction, all of which are effective immediately. The Nailers received forward Nick Petersen, Cody Chupp and Defensemen Peter Merth from the AHL's Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.

Petersen led the Nailers in scoring last season with 57 points on 24 goals and 33 assists in just 40 games. He was tied for the team lead in goals (24) and ranked first in assists (33). Now in his second year of professional hockey, Petersen has compiled six goals and six assists in 28 contests for the Penguins.

Chupp totaled three assists in 10 games over two stints with the Penguins this season. The Big Rapids, MI-native has compiled nine goals, 10 assists and six penalty minutes in 24 games for the Nailers. A second-year pro, Chupp appeared in 58 matches with the Texas Stars last season, registering five goals and eight assists.

Also a second year pro, Merth posted two assists and 22 penalty minutes during 10 games this season with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. Originally from New Westminster, British Columbia, Merth has registered three points (1g-2a) and a +13 plus/minus rating in 16 games with Wheeling.

Petersen, Merth, & Chupp will join the Nailers in Reading on Wednesday night, when they take on the Royals at 7:05.

Wheeling's next home game takes place on Friday night, when they take on those same Reading Royals at 7:35, as part of Penguins Weekend at WesBanco Arena. For ticket information or to purchase tickets call 304-234-GOAL (4625) or online at shop.wheelingnailers.com. You can now purchase Nailers game tickets on your smartphone by visiting m.wheelingnailers.com.

Killeen Perfect Again, as Nailers Blank Royals, 5-0

1/25/2012

READING, PA- For the second time in as many starts, Patrick Killeen was perfect in goal for the Wheeling Nailers, as he stopped all 28 shots he faced on Wednesday night at Sovereign Center. On the offensive side, Killeen was helped by Denver Manderson's two goals, as well as a three-point night by Nick Petersen, as the Nailers took care of business, 5-0, against the Reading Royals.

After a scoreless opening period, the Nailers broke the deadlock at the 2:16 mark of the second. Andrew Hotham broke up a centering feed in his own zone, leading to transition the other way. Nick Petersen slid a pass through to Peter Lenes, who skated in and put a shot into the top corner from the bottom of the right circle. A little more than four minutes later, Wheeling added to the lead, while playing on the power play. Nick Petersen tossed a pass out to Denver Manderson, who moved into the slot, and beat Jussi Rynnas with a low wrist shot. With 2:35 left in the middle frame, Manderson netted his second goal of the evening, pouncing on the rebound of Brian Day's initial shot.

Early in the third period, the Nailers added insurance. Cody Chupp's wrist shot from the left circle put Wheeling ahead 4-0 at the 26-second mark of the final stanza, and Nick Petersen gave the contest its 5-0 final score, when his third point of the evening found the twine.

In goal, Patrick Killeen picked up his second straight shutout, turning aside all 28 shots he faced for the Nailers. Jussi Rynnas made his ECHL debut in goal for the Royals, and took the loss, allowing five goals on 29 shots, before turning the crease over to Karel St. Laurent, who made 12 saves in relief.

The Nailers and Royals will meet up again on Friday night, when the two teams travel to WesBanco Arena for a 7:35 face-off. For ticket information or to purchase tickets call 304-234-GOAL (4625) or online at shop.wheelingnailers.com. You can now purchase Nailers game tickets on your smartphone by visiting m.wheelingnailers.com.

Barton Nets Three Points In Johnstown

1/21/2012

JOHNSTOWN, PA- The Nailers blazed out of the gates on Saturday night, getting out to a 2-0 lead, while outshooting the Elmira Jackals 16-5 during the first period of play. Unfortunately, the first place Jackals came storming back, as they erased the early deficit, skating away with a 7-4 victory at Cambria County War Memorial Arena.

Midway through the opening period, the Nailers took the lead on a goal that was so quick that the fans could have missed it if they blinked. The puck went back to Olivier Dame-Malka, who let a slap shot go, beating Timo Pielmeier high over the glove. However, the puck went in and out so quickly, that only referee Ryan Murphy's signal made the goal count. 3:13 later, the Nailers added to the lead, thanks to a power play goal off of a cross checking minor to Craig Rivet. Denver Manderson kept the puck alive at the point, handing off to Kyle Bushee, who sent a shot in on goal. Pielmeier stopped a deflection try by Brian Day, but Chris Barton was there to put back the rebound, giving the home team a 2-0 lead after one.

Early in the second period, the Jackals cut into their deficit, as Dustin Gazley won a face-off back to Nick Schaus, who scored on a wrist shot from the right point. With 9:28 remaining, Elmira pulled even. Craig Rivet sprung Jordan Pietrus down the right side of the ice, and Pietrus wired in a slap shot from the top of the right circle. The Nailers responded 1:49 later, regaining the lead, as Brian Day's dump-in took a funny bounce, allowing Paul Crowder to knock in the goal, while Pielmeier was caught in behind the cage. 2:54 after that, the Jackals tied the score once again, as Artem Demkov fed Maxime Gratchev, who scored on a shot from the slot.

At the 22-second mark of the third period, Elmira took the lead for the first time on the evening, as Louie Caporusso knocked in a loose puck on the right side of the crease, while the visitors were playing with the man advantage. Less than four minutes later, the Jackals added to the lead, as Dustin Gazley slipped a pass through the slot to Josh Brittain, who tapped in a shot from low in the slot. Maxime Gratchev's second tally of the night came 1:23 later, as Elmira opened up a 6-3 lead. Chris Barton and Jordan Pietrus exchanged markers in the final minutes, with Barton's goal counting as his second of the night.

Timo Pielmeier picked up the win for the Jackals, making 30 saves on 34 shots, defeating Peter Delmas, who allowed six goals on 32 shots for the Nailers.

The Nailers will travel to Reading on Wednesday to face the Royals at 7:05, before returning to WesBanco Arena on Friday, when they will play host to those same Reading Royals at 7:35.

Killeen, Maderson lead Nailers over Walleye

1/20/2012

JOHNSTOWN, PA- Denver Manderson led the team with a goal and an assist, while Patrick Killeen made 18 saves, in the Nailers’ first shutout win of the season in Johnstown Friday night.

A whistle blew the play dead to start the first period, as Paul Crowder, back in the lineup after six games out, put a shot on goal that went off the shoulder of Toledo goaltender Dustin Carlson. The Nailers went on the penalty kill, as Ryan Schnell’s big hit in the Walleye’s end was called for interference. Toledo was unable to get a shot off on the man-advantage before the Nailers had their own opportunity on the power play with 1:14 left in the period. Despite a few good chances, the period ended scoreless, but Peter Lenes drew a slashing penalty on Adam Estoclet at the final buzzer.

The Walleye killed the penalties coming into the second period, but the Nailers capitalized on a hooking minor to Nick Oslund. Brian Day picked up his first goal of the season, on a rebound, to put the Nailers up 1-0, from Manderson and Paul Crowder. Manderson put the Nailers another goal ahead just over a minute later, with his second point of the night with a shot from the left circle. Mickael Bedard and Ryan Schnell had the assists. Manderson took a penalty of his own, which the Nailers killed. Schnell’s second penalty of the night, a late hit, earned him two minutes for boarding, two for unsportsmanlike conduct, a ten-minute misconduct, and a game misconduct.

The third period began with 1:29 left on the penalty kill for the Nailers. Adam Ross made a sprawling stick save on a rebound for Killeen, as Toledo was left with what looked like an open net. Crowder brought the puck around the net shortly after, and Carlson made the save on the Nailers’ captain. Carlson headed to the bench to give Toledo a man-advantage, but Lenes came around the back of the goal, and wrapped the puck into the empty net for a three-goal lead. Olivier Dame-Malka was called for interference with under a minute to go, but the man-advantage didn’t last long for Toledo. Oslund took a slashing call twenty seconds later to bring the play to four-on-four for the remainder of the game. Killeen gave the Nailers their first shutout of the year with 18 saves.

The Nailers will stay Johnstown to face the Elmira Jackals on Saturday at 7:05 pm. For ticket information or to purchase tickets call 304-234-GOAL (4625) or online at shop.wheelingnailers.com. You can now purchase Nailers game tickets on your smartphone by visiting m.wheelingnailers.com.

Montreal Assigns Delmas to Wheeling

1/16/2012

HAMILTON, ON - Montreal Canadiens and Hamilton Bulldogs General Manager Pierre Gauthier announced today that goaltender Peter Delmas has been assigned by the Hamilton Bulldogs to the Wheeling Nailers.

Delmas, 21, played in one game for the Bulldogs, a 2-1 victory over the Toronto Marlies last Sunday, January 15th, 2012. He stopped 26 of 27 shots for his first win this season. The goaltender has played in 15 games for the Nailers this season, posting a 9-4-0 record, a 2.43 goals against average and a .909 save percentage. The Bedford, Nova Scotia native was previously recalled to the Hamilton Bulldogs on October 31, 2011 but returned to Wheeling on November 3, 2011 without having played a game. In 24 games with Wheeling in 2010-2011, Delmas recorded 15 wins, 6 losses and 2 overtime losses, with a 2.03 goals against average and a .928 save percentage. He also played two games for Hamilton that season, posting a 1-0-1 record, a 1.92 goals against average and a .933 save percentage.

In the ECHL's 2011 Kelly Cup Playoffs, the 6'12, 190-pound goaltender posted an 8-5-1 record, a 3.13 goals against average and a .903 save percentage playing in 15 of Wheeling's 17 post-season games before the Nailers were eliminated in six games by the Kalamazoo Wings in the Eastern Conference Finals.

The Wheeling Nailers play next on Friday, January 20th, 2012 at 7:35 p.m. when they take on the Toledo Walleye at the Cambria County War Memorial in Johnstown, PA. All Nailers games can be heard live on the MIX 97.3 FM and www.wheelingnailers.com, and all road games can be seen live on RTV 9 and America One Networks at b2livetv.com.

Visit the official website of theWheeling Nailers at www.wheelingnailers.com
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Nailers Come Back Twice To Secure 4-3 Shootout Win

1/15/2012

WHEELING, WV – Peter Lenes and Matt Lombardi led the team with a goal and an assist each, while Patrick Killeen made 32 saves, and stopped four shots in the shootout, to lift the Wheeling Nailers over the Cincinnati Cyclones 4-2 Sunday afternoon at Wesbanco Arena.

Cincinnati’s Anthony Luciani started the period with a bang, as he opened the scoring just under two minutes into the game, picking up his 13th goal of the season, from Mathew Sisca and Dan Eves. The two teams exchanged penalty opportunities halfway through the period, but only Cincinnati was successful on their conversion. Garrett Wilson tipped Luciani’s shot behind Patrick Killeen for a two-goal lead at the tail end of a slashing penalty to Zach Hansen, but newcomer Peter Lenes cut that lead in half at 18:07. Lenes’ 11th goal of the year was his fourth goal and sixth point since the trade that brought him to Wheeling on January 10th. Picking up assists on Lenes’ goal were Matt Lombardi and Adam Ross.

Lenes had a great chance at the beginning of the second period, as he nearly stole the puck from Cincinnati goaltender Brad Fogal near the middle of the circles. Fogal made the save, however, and stole the rebound from Lombardi. A few minutes later, Lenes notched his second point of the night with an assist on Lombardi’s tying goal at 7:03 of the second period. The second assist on the goal went to Zack Torquato. Cincinnati answered back only forty seconds later. Jonathan Hazen’s shot from the circle flew past Killeen, and the Cyclones regained a one-goal lead. Mathieu Aubin earned his second assist of the game, while Michael Pelech was credited with the second assist. With 26 seconds left in the period, Killeen made a huge cover to prevent the Cyclones from taking another two-goal lead.

Wheeling went almost directly to the penalty kill to start the third, when Brian Day took an elbowing penalty 37 seconds in. Wheeling’s penalty kill unit kept Killeen in the clear, before Olivier Dame-Malka sent a blast unassisted behind Fogal to tie the game at three. Denver Manderson’s tripping minor at 10:16 was negated almost immediately, as Pelech took a tripping penalty of his own off the faceoff. Cincinnati and Wheeling weren’t done with the matching penalties. Aubin and Mickael Bedard found one another after the whistle and were sent off for slashing penalties. With just over two minutes to go, Dame-Malka was called for delay of game. The penalty was killed, but the game went to overtime.

The Nailers and Cyclones both had great opportunities in the extra period, before Wheeling received a man-advantage with Eves in the box for boarding. Wheeling spent the rest of the period on the power play, but Fogal stood tall for Cincinnati.

Lombardi and Chris Barton both scored against Fogal in the shootout, and Killeen allowed only Aubin’s goal. Hazen took the final shot for Cincinnati, but Killeen poke checked him away to secure a 4-3 win.

The Nailers are off to Johnstown this weekend to face the Toledo Walleye on Friday at 7:35 p.m. and the Elmira Jackals on Saturday at 7:05. For ticket information or to purchase tickets call 304-234-GOAL (4625) or online at shop.wheelingnailers.com. You can now purchase Nailers game tickets on your smartphone by visiting m.wheelingnailers.com.

Lenes Scores Four Points in Third Game With Wheeling

1/14/2012

CINCINNATI, OH- Earlier in the week, the Wheeling Nailers acquired forward Peter Lenes in a trade with the Trenton Titans. Playing in just his third game with his new team on Saturday, Lenes looks as though he is fitting in just fine, as he picked up two goals and two assists, as the Nailers took on the Cincinnati Cyclones at U.S. Bank Arena. Unfortunately for Wheeling, Robert Slaney's second marker of the night was the difference, as Cincinnati won 5-4 in overtime.

The Nailers came bursting out of the gates at the start of the contest, and cashed in with a goal at the 2:20 mark of the opening period. Joe Tolles took a feed from Peter Lenes in the slot, and snapped a wrist shot into the right side of the net. Later in the frame, Wheeling extended the lead, thanks to a power play goal. Zach Hansen slipped the puck down the right wing wall to Mickael Bedard, who stepped into the right circle, and lit the lamp with a low wrist shot.

Early in the second period, the Cyclones began to turn the tables on Wheeling, starting with a tally at the 1:21 mark of the middle frame. Mathew Sisca drove a slap shot on goal that was stopped by Patrick Killeen, but the rebound dropped out to Anthony Luciani, who put it back in. A little more than five minutes later, the home team tied the score, as Cincinnati had the Nailers' defense scrambling, allowing Michael Pelech to score on the left side of the ice. Later in the period, the two squads exchanged goals, with Garrett Wilson giving the Cyclones a brief lead with a goal on a one-timer from the right circle, before Peter Lenes answered for Wheeling with a backhanded wraparound on the power play, leaving the game tied at three after 40 minutes of play.

Cincinnati retook the lead at the 6:37 mark of the third period, Chris Clark tripped and fell in the corner, allowing Dan Eves to find Robert Slaney for a goal from the right circle. However, the Nailers came back to tie the score with 3:26 left in regulation. Olivier Dame-Malka sent a long pass ahead to Peter Lenes, who rocketed in a slap shot from the left circle.

Lenes' fourth point of the night sent the game into overtime, and at the 2:36 mark of the extra session, Robert Slaney put home the rebound of his initial shot on the right side of the crease.

Chet Pickard picked up the win for the Cyclones, making 25 saves on 29 shots. Patrick Killeen made a few phenomenal saves for the Nailers, but came up short, despite a 32-save effort.

The Wheeling Nailers return to WesBanco Arena on Sunday Janaury 15th at 4 p.m. when they host the Cincinnati Cyclones. Fans can purchase the Sunday Family Four Pack for just $54. The Four pack includes four game tickets, hotdogs, sodas and large popcorn. Following the game fans can skate with the team.

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Nolan, Walleye Swim Past Nailers

1/13/2012

TOLEDO, OH- The Wheeling Nailers made their first road trip to the state of Ohio on Friday night, when they visited the Toledo Walleye at Huntington Center. Unfortunately for the Nailers, goaltender Rob Nolan wasn't exactly a hospitable host, as he turned aside 19 shots, leading Toledo to a 3-0 victory.

With 7:56 remaining in the first period, the Walleye opened the scoring, as they found the twine with a power play goal. Kyle Rogers took the puck in the left corner, and set up Joey Martin, who scored on a one-timer from the left face-off dot.

Late in the second period, Toledo added to the lead with a pair of goals. With 4:43 remaining, Kyle Rogers took a feed from Andrej Nestrasil, and snapped in a wrist shot from the right circle. 3:31 later, Kyle Bushee's clearing attempt was kept in the offensive zone by Matt Krug. After Phil Rauch's shot was kicked aside by Patrick Killeen, Joey Martin pounced on the reboud, knocking it back for a 3-0 score at the end of 40 minutes of play.

Neither team was able to light the lamp in the third period, as the Walleye were able to hold on for the 3-0 victory.

Rob Nolan picked up his first win with Toledo, after being traded to the Walleye from the Chicago Express, stopping all 19 shots he faced. Patrick Killeen made 30 saves for the Nailers, but ended up on the short end of the decision.

The Nailers will face the other Ohio team on Saturday night, when they visit the Cincinnati Cyclones at 7:35. Wheeling's next home game is also against Cincinnati, as the team returns to WesBanco Arena on Sunday afternoon at 4:05.

The Wheeling Nailers play next on Saturday, January 14th, 2012 at 7 p.m. when they take on the Cincinnati Cyclones at the US Bank Arena. All Nailers road games can be heard live on the MIX 97.3 FM and www.wheelingnailers.com, or seen live on RTV 9 and America One Networks at b2livetv.com.

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Penguins Assign Killeen to Wheeling

1/12/2012

WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers, AA affiliate for the Pittsburgh Penguins and Montreal Canadiens, have announced a transaction, as goaltender Patrick Killeen has been returned to the Nailers from the AHL's Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. The move is effective immediately.

Killeen, 21, is playing in his second season of professional hockey, as well as his second season with the Nailers. In 21 appearances thus far this season, the 6-foot-4 netminder has posted a 10-8-2 record, a 2.86 GAA, and an .880 Sv%, giving him a total of 29 wins in two seasons with Wheeling. Killeen's best stretch this season came in October, when he rattled off five consecutive victories, as the Nailers kicked off the 2011-12 campaign with a perfect 5-0 record. Patrick then faced his busiest stretch in December, when he appeared in 12 of the team's 14 games that month, going 5-5-2, while maintaining a goals against average under 3.00, and a save percentage over .900. Although he has yet to appear in a game with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton this season, Killeen did appear in two games at the AHL level last season.

Prior to turning pro, Killeen spent parts of four season in the OHL with the Brampton Battalion. The Carp, ON native's workload increased during each of his four years, as he ended up playing in 63 games during his final season of junior hockey in 2009-10. That was also Patrick's best season with the Battalion, as he posted 23 wins, a 2.42 GAA, and a .913 Sv%, while also playing in eleven postseason contests.

The Wheeling Nailers play next on Friday, January 13th, 2012 at 7 p.m. when they take on the Toledo Walleye at the Huntington Center. All Nailers road games can be heard live on the MIX 97.3 FM and www.wheelingnailers.com, or seen live on RTV 9 and America One Networks at b2livetv.com.

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Hamilton Recalls Peter Delmas

1/12/2012

WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers, AA Affiliate for the Pittsburgh Penguins and Montreal Canadiens, have announced a transaction, as goaltender Peter Delmas has been recalled by the AHL's Hamilton Bulldogs. The move is effective immediately.

Delmas, 21, is playing in his second season of professional hockey, as well as his second season with the Nailers. In 15 appearances thus far this season, the 6-foot-3 netminder has posted a 9-4-0 record, a 2.43 GAA, and a .909 Sv%, giving him a total of 24 wins in two seasons with Wheeling. After missing three weeks with an injury, Delmas returned to the crease last weekend, and played in four consecutive games, earning wins in three of them. On Sunday afternoon, Peter made a season-high 40 saves, as he helped to lead the Nailers past the Greenville Road Warriors. Delmas has yet to appear in a game with Hamilton this season, but went 1-0-1 in two games with the Bulldogs last season.

Prior to turning pro, Delmas spent four full seasons in the QMJHL with Lewiston, Quebec, and Halifax. During his rookie season of 2006-07, the Bedford, NS native won a President's Cup with the Lewiston MAINEiacs, playing under current Hamilton Bulldogs head coach Clement Jodoin.

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Nailers Slip Past Walleye in Overtime

1/11/2012

WHEELING, WV- After playing one season in Toledo, Zack Torquato gave his former teammates an unpleasant welcome to WesBanco Arena. At the 23-second mark of overtime, Torquato knocked in the rebound of Chris Barton's initial shot, lifting the Wheeling Nailers to a 3-2 victory over the Walleye.

After a scoreless first period, the Walleye opened the scoring at the 6:55 mark of the second. Joey Martin entered on the left side of the offensive zone, and slid a pass across to Paul Zanette, who drilled a one-timer into the back of the cage from the right circle. With 8:46 remaining in the middle frame, the Nailers drew even, capitalizing on a bad line change by Toledo. Mickael Bedard led Matt Lombardi into the right circle, prior to Lombardi snapping a wrist shot high on the stick side of Rob Nolan.

Midway through the third period, Toledo regained the lead, courtesy of a hard bounce off of the end wall. Paul Zanette fired a shot wide from the right side of the ice, and the rebound bounced out to Joey Martin, who was able to slip the puck through two Wheeling defenders and in. However, that lead was short-lived, as the Nailers tied the score just 28 seconds later. Zack Torquato sent a pass across to Peter Lenes, who buried a shot from the bottom of the right circle, lighting the lamp in his first game with the home team.

The game remained tied into overtime, and in the extra session, Wheeling wasted little time in giving the game a verdict. Chris Barton rushed the puck forward, but had his shot blocked. However, the blocked shot deflected right to Zack Torquato, who scored glove side to defeat his former team, lifting the Nailers to a 3-2 victory.

Peter Delmas earned the win for Wheeling, making 24 saves on 26 shots, defeating Rob Nolan took the overtime loss for Toledo, stopping 29 of the 32 shots he faced.

The Nailers and Walleye will face each other once again on Friday night, with that game taking place at Huntington Center at 7:00. Wheeling's next home game takes place on Sunday at 4:00, when they play host to the Cincinnati Cyclones. For ticket information or to purchase tickets call 304-234-GOAL (4625) or online at shop.wheelingnailers.com. You can now purchase Nailers game tickets on your smartphone by visiting m.wheelingnailers.com.

Nailers Acquire Two From Trenton

1/11/2012

The Wheeling Nailers, AA affiliate for the Pittsburgh Penguins and Montreal Canadiens, have announced a trade with the Trenton Titans, effective immediately. Trenton has sent defenseman Jordon Southorn and forward Peter Lenes to Wheeling, in exchange for future considerations.

Southorn, 21, is in the midst of his second professional season, with both seasons taking place in the ECHL. The former fourth round draft pick of the Buffalo Sabres played in 258 career games in junior hockey with the QMJHL's PEI Rocket, scoring 27 goals, 78 assists, and 105 points, while accumulating 279 penalty minutes. Last season, the Montreal, QC native turned pro, picking up nine assists and 38 penalty minutes in 35 games with the Trenton Devils. So far this season, Southorn has played in 28 games with the Titans, recording six goals, ten assists, 16 points, and 29 penalty minutes, while also earning a two-game stint in the AHL with the Providence Bruins.

"We are fortunate to get Jordon here," said head coach Clark Donatelli. "He is a really solid defenseman, he's good on the puck, and will be good to have on the power play."

Lenes, 25, is also in the midst of his second professional season in North America, with both seasons taking place in the ECHL. Before turning pro, Lenes spent four seasons at the University of Vermont, scoring 46 goals, 46 assists, and 92 points in 148 games. In 2009-10, the Shelburne, VT native joined the Ontario Reign, picking up 13 goals and 23 points in 58 games. He then went across the ocean, playing one season for Graz EC in Austria, where he had ten goals and 20 points in 49 contests. Thus far this season, Lenes has appeared in 32 games with the Titans, scoring seven goals, five assists, and 12 points.

"Peter is going to bring a lot of energy and excitement to this team," Donatelli said. "He is a hard worker, and we are excited to get a player of his calibur," he said.

Southorn and Lenes will both join the Nailers immediately, and will both likely be in the lineup for Wednesday night's game against Toledo at 7:00. Both players will be wearing the same uniform numbers that they did in Trenton, with Southorn wearing #10, and Lenes wearing #13.

Brian Day Assigned to Wheeling

1/10/2012

WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers, AA affiliate for the Pittsburgh Penguins and Montreal Canadiens, are announcing a pair of roster moves, with both being effective immediately. Forward Cody Chupp has been loaned to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, while forward Brian Day has been assigned to the Nailers from the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.

Chupp, 26, joined the Nailers on November 9th, after registering two assists in six games with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins to begin the season. The Ferris State University graduate had an immediate impact on Wheeling, as he netted a goal in three of his first four games, and five of eight games in November. Chupp currently has the third highest point-per-game average on the roster, as his 0.79 trails only Chris Barton (1.17) and Paul Crowder (0.93). In 24 games with the Nailers thus far, Cody has nine goals, ten assists, 19 points, and a plus-8 rating.

Day, 23, is entering his first full season of professional hockey, after spending the previous four years at Colgate University. In four seasons with the Raiders, the Danvers, MA native appeared frequently on the scoresheet, scoring 54 goals, 56 assists, and 110 points in 161 games. Day's junior season was his most productive, as he posted 21 goals (team-high) and 36 points in 34 contests. Prior to attending college, Day entered the 2006 NHL Entry Draft, and was selected in the sixth round by the New York Islanders. After graduating, he played in ten games with the Islanders' AHL affiliate (Bridgeport), scoring two goals, three assists, and five points.

The Nailers will be back in action on Wednesday night, when they play host to the Toledo Walleye at WesBanco Arena, with opening face-off scheduled for 7:00. For ticket information or to purchase tickets call 304-234-GOAL (4625) or online at shop.wheelingnailers.com. You can now purchase Nailers game tickets on your smartphone by visiting m.wheelingnailers.com

Bushee, Barton lead the Nailers to Victory

1/8/2012

WHEELING, WV- Peter Delmas made 40 saves on 43 shots, while Kyle Bushee and Chris Barton both posted three-point games to lead the Wheeling Nailers to a 5-3 victory Sunday afternoon against the Greenville Road Warriors.

Penalties for both clubs set the tone for the first period, as both tallies came on the power play. Chris Barton scored his 18th goal of the season on a slap shot from the high slot, with assists from Denver Manderson and Kyle Bushee. A 51-second 5-on-3 opportunity passed by for the Road Warriors, with Adam Ross and Zack Torquato in the box, but Greenville pulled through at the end of Torquato’s penalty to tie the game at one. Connor Shields tipped the shot past Peter Delmas, with Jeff Caister and Francis Meilleur picking up assists on the play.

Barton wasted no time pulling the Nailers to a 2-1 lead with his second goal of the afternoon only eight seconds into the second period. Hansen earned his 16th assist of the season, while Bushee picked up his second of the game, bringing his season total to seven. The Nailers killed two penalties before Torquato sent the puck from behind the net to Mickael Bedard. Bedard gave Wheeling a two-goal lead at 14:59, from the bottom of the left circle with Bushee notching his third point through two periods.

Lombardi picked up his ninth goal of the season less than a minute into the final period to push the Nailers to a 4-1 lead. Barton earned an assist to bring his point total to three. Greenville started in on a slow comeback, as their power play brought them within one. Brett Robinson and Connor Shields notched the tallies on penalties to Barton and Dame-Malka. Jason Missiaen headed to the bench for the extra attacker, but Cody Chupp put the puck into the empty net from center ice to cap off the Nailers’ 5-3 win.

In a last attempt from Greenville, Brendan Connolly took a run into the Wheeling net at Delmas, causing a mass scrum against the boards. Connolly was assessed a game misconduct, as well as two minutes for tripping, and a five minute slashing major. Greenville’s Marc-Olivier Vallerand, as well as Wheeling’s Manderson and Chris Clark all finished with ten-minute misconducts. A fight broke out after the final whistle, between Jeremy Gouchie and David Brownschidle, while T.J. Reynolds took a game misconduct for physical abuse of officials.

The Nailers will once again be home at WesBanco Arena again on Wednesday night, when they welcome the Toledo Walleye at 7:00. For ticket information or to purchase tickets call 304-234-GOAL (4625) or online at shop.wheelingnailers.com. You can now purchase Nailers game tickets on your smartphone by visiting m.wheelingnailers.com

Nailers Entertain Big Crowd at WesBanco Arena

1/7/2012

WHEELING, WV- 3,391 fans packed their way into WesBanco Arena on Saturday night, and watched Mickael Bedard stake the Wheeling Nailers to a 1-0 lead at the end of two periods of play. Unfortunately, the South Carolina Stingrays prevailed in the third, scoring three times, erasing the deficit for a 3-1 victory.

After a scoreless first period, the Nailers wasted little time in opening the scoring at the 30-second mark of the middle frame. Mickael Bedard took the puck in behind the South Carolina net, before sending it toward the slot. On its way, the puck bounced off of goaltender Philipp Grubauer, trickling in over the line for a 1-0 Wheeling lead. Zack Torquato and Christiaan Minella picked up the assists on Bedard's eighth tally of the season.

Early in the third period, the Stingrays tied the game. Danick Paquette took a shot from the right point that got deflected in front to Chris Doyle, who was able to sneak a shot through Peter Delmas. Less than three minutes later, South Carolina took the lead, as Pierre-Luc O'Brien forced a turnover in behind the net, and ultimately cashed in on a feed from Maxime Lacroix. Trent Campbell banked in a shot on the right side of the crease with 7:12 left in the third period, giving the Stingrays an insurance goal in their 3-1 victory.

Philipp Grubauer earned the win in goal for South Carolina, stopping 28 of the 29 shots he faced. Peter Delmas suffered the loss for Wheeling, making 23 saves on 26 shots.

The Nailers will be home at WesBanco Arena again on Sunday, when they play host to the Greenville Road Warriors at 2:00. For ticket information or to purchase tickets call 304-234-GOAL (4625) or online at shop.wheelingnailers.com. You can now purchase Nailers game tickets on your smartphone by visiting m.wheelingnailers.com

Delmas Returns to Lineup, Backstopping Nailers to Victory

1/6/2012

WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers greeted the 2012 calendar year with a bang, as they welcomed the Cincinnati Cyclones to WesBanco Arena. Chris Barton and Paul Crowder each posted three-point nights, while Peter Delmas made 29 saves, leading the Nailers to a 5-2 victory.

The contest got off to a blazing start in the opening period, as the two teams combined to put five goals on the board. Wheeling opened the scoring just 1:25 into the game, as Chris Barton took a drop pass from Paul Crowder, and beat Brad Fogal on his stick side. Less than five minutes later, the Nailers added to the lead. Scooter Vaughan took a cross-ice pass from Barton, and sent a backhander into the net for his first professional goal. Chris Cahill's shot from the right circle brought the Cyclones within one at the midway mark of the period, before Barton netted his second of the period, sliding in a shot from the left wing wall. With less than one minute remaining in the frame, Matt Pelech connected on a cross-crease pass from Jonathan Hazen, making the score 3-2 in favor of the home team.

After a scoreless second period, the Nailers added to their lead with 7:40 remaining in regulation. Paul Crowder won an offensive zone face-off to Cody Chupp, who wired in a wrist shot from the outside of the left circle. Matt Lombardi put the exclamation point on Wheeling's victory at the 18:15 mark of the third, as his empty net marker was assisted by Adam Ross.

Peter Delmas earned the win in his first appearance since December 16th, making 29 saves on 31 shots. Brad Fogal took the loss for Cincinnati, stopping 38 of the 42 shots he faced.

Nailers Announce Game Time Change For Sunday

1/5/2012

WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers, AA affiliate for the Pittsburgh Penguins and Montreal Canadiens, are announcing a change to Sunday's game, effective immediately.

Sunday afternoon's game, originally scheduled for 4:05 between the Wheeling Nailers and Greenville Road Warriors has been moved to 2:00, as a way to help accomodate those fans wanting to watch the Pittsburgh Steelers playoff game against the Denver Broncos. The Nailers apologize for any inconveniences this may cause, and look forward to seeing you at WesBanco Arena this weekend.

The Nailers will be back in action on Friday night, when they play host to the Cincinnati Cyclones at WesBanco Arena, with opening face-off scheduled for 7:35. For ticket information or to purchase tickets call 304-234-GOAL (4625) or online at shop.wheelingnailers.com. You can now purchase Nailers game tickets on your smartphone by visiting m.wheelingnailers.com

Former US National Team Coach Joins Nailers Staff

1/4/2012

WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers, AA affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins and Montreal Canadiens, are excited to announce an addition to the organization. The Nailers have hired Cole Bassett as their new assistant coach, effective immediately.

"I would like to thank Jim and Rob Brooks, as well as the entire Wheeling Nailers organization for giving me this opportunity to join their team," Bassett said. "I am grateful for this opportunity, and I look forward to working with Clark Donatelli on the bench," he said.

Bassett, 29, began his playing career in 1998, skating with the U.S. National Under-18 Team for parts of two seasons, while spending one year with the U.S. Junior National Team. When it came time to decide on a college, Bassett chose Minnesota State University, where he played four seasons for the Mavericks. His best collegiate season came during his junior year, when he recorded 14 goals, 16 assists, and 30 points in 39 games, while helping to lead Minnesota State into the national tournament. After graduating, Cole turned pro, suiting up in the United Hockey League for parts of two seasons.

"We pride ourselves on our commitment to developing players in a winning culture, and feel its important we have the correct coaching staff to do that," commented Jim Brooks, Nailers co-owner. "Cole brings valuable experience in both playing and coaching, has been highly recommended to us, and should complement Clark well."

When his playing career came to an end, Bassett immediately joined the coaching ranks, going back to where it all started for him, with the U.S. National Development Team. While there, Cole worked under current Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins head coach John Hynes, as well as former Nailers assistant coach and current Gwinnett Gladiators head coach John Wroblewski.

"Cole has a vast experience, coming from the U.S. National Development Program, working under the likes of John Hynes and John Wroblewski," said Nailers head coach Clark Donatelli. "He will be a great addition to the organization, and I look forward to working with him," he said.

Cole Bassett is expected to join the Wheeling Nailers this weekend, when the team is home for three games at WesBanco Arena.

Nailers Week in Review

1/3/2012

Last Week
Mon. 12/26 - WHEELING NAILERS 1 @ Elmira Jackals 2 (SO)
Wed. 12/28 - WHEELING NAILERS 5 @ Trenton Titans 4
Fri. 12/30 - WHEELING NAILERS 2 @ Elmira Jackals 3
Sat. 12/31 - Reading Royals 3 @ WHEELING NAILERS 2

Last week, the Wheeling Nailers concluded the 2011 portion of their schedule with a busy week, playing four games in six days, with all four contests taking place against the Atlantic Division. The Nailers were able to pick up three points, turning the calendar five games above .500, at 16-11-1-1, which is good for 34 points, second place in the division, and seventh place in the conference.

The week began on Monday in Elmira, with a goaltending showdown between the Patrick Killeen and Nick Niedert. During regulation, Kevin Harvey and Peter Merth were the only two players able to find the twine, as the game headed to overtime, and eventually a shootout, tied at one. In the shootout, one goal was scored on nine shots, as the Jackals' Mike Radja picked the top corner in the second round, lifting his team to victory. Killeen received the tough luck shootout loss in goal for Wheeling, despite a 30-save performance.

On Wednesday night, the Nailers continued their road trip in Trenton, and this time, offense was the name of the game. The Titans got out to a 2-0 lead, before Wheeling answered with four consecutive tallies. Matt Lombardi and Kyle Bushee both netted power play goals, Denver Manderson scored his second shorthanded goal of the year, and Ben Farrer put in an even strength goal, lifting the visitors to a 4-2 advantage. Trenton tied the game in the third period, but the Nailers ended up with the final say, as Christiaan Minella's power play goal with 1:45 remaining clinched the two points. Patrick Killeen made 29 saves for his tenth win of the season.

Elmira marked both the first and last destination on the trip, as the Nailers returned to First Arena on Friday. After a scoreless first period, Zack Torquato and Paul Crowder put Wheeling ahead 2-0 after 40 minutes of play. Unfortunately, the Jackals turned the contest around in the third, scoring three times in a span of 7:05, before holding off the Nailers' red hot power play in the final two minutes of the game. Kyle Bushee had two helpers in the game for Wheeling, while Patrick Killeen stopped 22 of 25 shots in goal.

The week and the calendar year both came to an end on Saturday, as Wheeling returned to WesBanco Arena to take on the Reading Royals. The game was knotted at one after the first period as Matt Lombardi had a quick answer for Yannick Riendeau's opening goal. Denver Manderson gave the Nailers their lone lead of the game at the 46-second mark of the second, before the Royals tied the game less than three minutes later. With 3:43 left in the middle frame, Ryan Cruthers scored what proved to be the game winning goal in a 3-2 victory for Reading. Wheeling peppered the net with 48 shots, but ran into a strong goaltending performance by Mark Owuya, who made 46 saves. Patrick Killeen made 23 saves on 26 shots for the Nailers.

Notable Statistics
- Zack Torquato concluded the month of December by scoring at least one point in 11 of 14 games.
- Denver Manderson scored two goals in the first minute of a period last week, while also scoring his second shorthanded goal of the season.
- Patrick Killeen started all four games last week, and made 12 appearances in 14 December games, going 5-5-2, with a 2.58 GAA, and a .901 Sv%.
- David Brownschidle made his ECHL debut on Saturday, and received a five-minute major for fighting Reading's Todd Griffith.
- The Nailers have successfully killed off 25 consecutive penalties, dating back to December 17th, moving up to a tie for sixth place in the league.
- After playing 13 of 14 games against the Atlantic Division, Wheeling will start January with eight straight games against the North and South.

This Week
Fri. 1/6 - Cincinnati Cyclones @ WHEELING NAILERS 7:35 PM at WesBanco Arena
Sat. 1/7 - South Carolina Stingrays @ WHEELING NAILERS 7:35 PM at WesBanco Arena
Sun. 1/8 - Greenville Road Warriors @ WHEELING NAILERS 4:05 PM at WesBanco Arena

This week, the Nailers will hit the ice three times, taking on three teams that will be making their season debuts at WesBanco Arena.

On Friday night, Wheeling welcomes in their former divisional rivals, as the Cincinnati Cyclones come to town. Cincinnati has played by far the fewest games in the ECHL thus far, only taking the ice 25 times, while the next closest teams (Wheeling & Toledo) have played in 29 games. Despite that, the Cyclones are playing good hockey as of late, having won five straight games and eight of their last ten. Overall, Cincinnati's record is 13-9-0-3, which is good for 29 points, and third place in the North Division. Mathieu Aubin is the Cyclones' offensive leader, having scored 14 goals and 26 points in 23 games. Anthony Luciani and Michael Pelech are tied for second with 22 points each, while Maury Edwards and David Leaderer have both contributed ten points from the blueline. Chet Pickard has appeared in 13 games between the pipes for Cincinnati, but Brian Foster has had more success, going 7-1 in eight games.

On Saturday night, the Nailers see a team headed in the opposite direction, as the South Carolina Stingrays have lost four straight games, and seven of their last ten. Wheeling and South Carolina met up on October 15th, with the Nailers picking up a 4-1 win at North Charleston Coliseum. Despite their recent struggles, the Stingrays currently own a 15-15-1-1 record, which is good for 32 points, and the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Defense and goaltending are South Carolina's biggest strengths, led by rookie netminder Philipp Grubauer, who has a 10-7-2 record, a 2.35 GAA, and a .917 Sv% in 19 games. Offensively, Pierre-Luc O'Brien leads the way with 12 goals and 20 points, along with Sean Dolan, who has 13 assists and 20 points. Zach Tarkir is South Carolina's top offensive defenseman, as he has 13 points in 32 contests.

Finally, on Sunday afternoon, Wheeling will have a rematch from opening night, when they turn their attention to the Greenville Road Warriors, who they defeated 6-1 on October 14th at BI-LO Center. Despite being tied for second place in the South Division, the Road Warriors have the second best points percentage in the Eastern Conference, at .633. Greenville's record currently stands at 18-10-1-1, which is good for 38 points. Brendan Connolly has been the Road Warriors' most productive offensive player this season, as he has 18 goals and 35 points in 27 games. He is followed by Justin Bowers, who hasn't been shy with the helpers, as 26 of his 32 points have been via assists. Wes Cunningham's 13 assists and 14 points are the most among Greenville defensemen, leading the way in front of goaltenders Nic Riopel and Jason Missiaen. Riopel has more wins, with 11, but three of Missiaen's six victories have been shutouts.

Atlantic Division Standings
1- Elmira Jackals 20-11-0-0, 40 pts
2- WHEELING NAILERS 16-11-1-1, 34 pts
3- Reading Royals 13-13-3-3, 32 pts
4- Trenton Titans 11-15-2-3, 27 pts

Nailers Penalty Kill Completes Perfect Week

12/31/2011

WHEELING, WV- On Saturday night, the Wheeling Nailers peppered the Reading Royals, directing 48 shots on goal. Unfortunately for the home team, Reading's Mark Owuya stood on his head, stopping 46 shots, leading his team to a 3-2 victory in front of 3,256 fans at WesBanco Arena.

A little more than halfway through the opening period, the Royals started the scoring. Yannick Tifu dangled in toward the net from the left circle, but had his shot stopped by Patrick Killeen. However, the the puck deflected out to Yannick Riendeau, who knocked in the rebound. The Nailers had a quick answer, evening the score 1:43 later. Paul Crowder took the puck behind the net, and found Matt Lombardi at the bottom of the right circle. Lombardi immediately took his shot, snapping his seventh goal of the season glove side on Mark Owuya.

Wheeling took its first lead of the game just 46 seconds into the middle frame. Ben Farrer handed the puck to Denver Manderson, who dribbled a wrist shot through Owuya's pads from the middle of the slot. The Royals answered at the 3:07 mark, tying the game at two, as Todd Griffith scored on an odd-man rush with Ryan Cruthers. Cruthers netted a goal of his own with 3:43 to go in the second period, capitalizing on a loose puck in the slot, putting the visitors ahead at the end of two.

Neither team was able to find the twine in the third period, despite 17 shots on goal by the Nailers, as Reading escaped with a 3-2 victory.

Mark Owuya earned the win for the Royals, stopping 46 of the 48 shots he faced. Patrick Killeen was saddled with the loss, despite making 23 saves on 26 shots.

Bushee Post Two Point Night in Elmira

12/30/2011

ELMIRA, NY- The Wheeling Nailers got off to a strong start on Friday night, as they held a 2-0 lead after 40 minutes of play. Unfortunately, the Elmira Jackals came to life in the final period, scoring three times, as they came back to defeat Wheeling 3-2, in front of 4,174 fans at First Arena.

After a scoreless first period, the Nailers opened the scoring at the 3:48 mark of the second. Zack Torquato and Chris Barton broke out of their own zone, and rushed the other way on a 2-on-1. Torquato started the rush with a pass to Barton on his left, before Barton returned the favor, setting up Torquato with an empty net in front of him. Later in the frame, Wheeling cashed in on a power play, as Mike Devin received two minutes for delay of game. Cody Chupp entered the offensive zone on the right side, and slipped a pass low to Paul Crowder, who lifted a shot into the top part of the goal.

In the third period, the Jackals turned the game around, starting with Dustin Gazley's goal from the right side of the net at the 1:21 mark of the frame. A little more than six minutes later, Elmira pulled even, as Mike Radja picked up the puck in the right circle, skated toward the middle, and slipped a shot under Patrick Killeen's right pad. 55 seconds after that, the home team took the lead for the first time on the evening, as Jordan Pietrus snapped in a high wrist shot, shortly after gaining the offensive blueline.

The Nailers put on a surge in the final two minutes of the contest, while playing with the man advantage, but were unable to get the equalizer, as the Jackals snuck away with a 3-2 victory.

Brian Stewart earned the win for Elmira, stopping 32 of the 34 shots he faced. Patrick Killeen came up short for Wheeling, despite making 22 saves on 25 shots.

The Nailers return home to WesBanco Arena on Saturday night for a 7:35 face-off against the Reading Royals. For ticket information or to purchase tickets call 304-234-GOAL (4625) or online at shop.wheelingnailers.com. You can now purchase Nailers game tickets on your smartphone by visiting m.wheelingnailers.com.

Nailers Beat Titans in a Special (Teams) Kind of Way

12/28/2011

TRENTON, NJ- Wednesday night's divisional showdown between the Wheeling Nailers and Trenton Titans had excitement written all over it, and in the end, it was the Nailers who provided the exclamation point. Christiaan Minella's power play tally with 1:45 left in the third period broke a 4-4 tie, and gave Wheeling a big two points in front of 4,321 fans at Sun National Bank Center.

Less than one minute into the contest, the Titans opened the scoring. Steve Silva skated the puck down the right side of the ice, and ripped in a wrist shot on the far side of the net from the right circle. At the 7:08 mark of the first, Trenton added to the lead, as Steve Silva slipped a pass into the middle for Dustin Cameron, who deflected the puck in through Patrick Killeen.

A little more than halfway through the opening period, the Nailers began to turn the game their way. Dave Caruso's unsportsmanlike conduct penalty at the 11:43 mark gave Wheeling a power play, and the visitors capitalized, as Mickael Bedard found Matt Lombardi for a one-timer from the bottom of the right circle.

Early in the second period, the Nailers evened the score, as Denver Manderson broke down the left side of the ice, and snapped in a shorthanded wrist shot. A little less than six minutes later, Wheeling took their first lead of the game. Paul Crowder won an offensive zone face-off while on the man advantage, and Denver Manderson found Kyle Bushee, who fired in a shot from the top of the left circle. The visiting team wasn't done in the middle frame, as Ben Farrer scored off of Christiaan Minella's centering feed with 6:54 remaining, putting the Nailers ahead 4-2.

Trenton battled back in the third period, starting with Matt Germain's deflection goal off of a pass by Chase Langeraap at the 8:33 mark. Corey Syvret then tied the game at four, taking advantage of a delayed penalty against the Nailers. However, it was Wheeling who had the last laugh on this night, as Christiaan Minella's backhand try found paydirt with 1:45 left in regulation, giving the Nailers a 5-4 victory, while also completing a perfect night on special teams.

Wheeling's power play and penalty kill were both 3-for-3 in the contest, while also producing a shorthanded goal.

Patrick Killeen snagged his tenth win of the season for the Nailers, making 31 saves on 35 shots. Brad Phillips took the loss for Trenton, allowing two goals on 22 shots, after replacing Dave Caruso, who let in three goals on 16 shots.

The Nailers will conclude their three-game road trip in Elmira on Friday at 7:35, before returning home to WesBanco Arena to face the Reading Royals on Saturday night at 7:35. For ticket information or to purchase tickets call 304-234-GOAL (4625) or online at shop.wheelingnailers.com. You can now purchase Nailers game tickets on your smartphone by visiting m.wheelingnailers.com.

Killeen Stops 30, Earning Nailers a Point

12/26/2011

ELMIRA, NY- With Peter Delmas on the shelf due to injury, Patrick Killeen is making the most of his opportunity to get the Wheeling Nailers as many points as possible. On Monday night, Killeen made 30 saves on 31 shots, and Peter Merth picked up his first goal in over a year. Unfortunately, those performances fell just short, as the Elmira Jackals snuck away with a 2-1 shootout victory in front of 4,193 fans at First Arena.

After a scoreless first period, the Jackals opened the scoring at the 7:22 mark of the second. Rob Bellamy took a shot from the right point that got deflected in the slot by Kevin Harvey, sending it bouncing past Patrick Killeen. Benjamin Dieude-Fauvel had the other assist on the lone marker during the first 40 minutes of play.

The Nailers evened the score 5:39 into the third period. Zack Torquato spotted Peter Merth in center ice, just after Merth had stepped out of the penalty box. The Wheeling blueliner took the pass from Torquato, and was off to the races, beating Nick Niedert with a wrist shot from the inside of the right circle.

Neither team could find the twine in the remainder of regulation or overtime, sending the contest into a shootout. Mike Radja's tally in the second round was the lone marker of the shootout, as Elmira improved to 8-0 in games decided after regulation this season.

Nick Niedert picked up his second straight win for the Jackals, making 22 saves on 23 shots. Patrick Killeen received the shootout loss for the Nailers, despite stopping 30 of the 31 shots he faced.

Wheeling's next game takes place on Wednesday night, when they visit the Trenton Titans at 7:00. The Nailers will return to WesBanco Arena on Saturday night at 7:35, when they take on the Reading Royals. For ticket information or to purchase tickets call 304-234-GOAL (4625) or online at shop.wheelingnailers.com. You can now purchase Nailers game tickets on your smartphone by visiting m.wheelingnailers.com.

Nailers And Ronald McDonald House Team Up

12/22/2011

The Wheeling Nailers, AA affiliate for the Pittsburgh Penguins and Montreal Canadiens, are excited to announce that they have teamed up with the Ronald McDonald House in Morgantown,WV to help raise funds to support families in the Ohio Valley who use Ronald McDonald House Services.

On Friday, January 6th, when the Nailers face the Cincinnati Cyclones at WesBanco Arena, they will be wearing special red jerseys that will be auctioned off following the game. The one and only Ronald McDonald will be on hand that night as well, and all fans are encouraged to collect pop tabs off of soda cans, so that they may be donated that night to help raise money for the Ronald McDonald House.

Founded in 1990, the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Morgantown, WV (RMHC) was created to find and support programs that make an immediate and positive impact on the health and well-being of children. Guided by our core values, RMHC provides a “home-away-from-home” without the financial burden of a hotel for parents of critically-ill or injured children. Yet, RMHC is more than just a roof overhead. During this emotional time, the house offers the comforts of home while also providing support and encouragement. Annually serving over 1,800 families traveling from West Virginia and surrounding states as well as internationally, RMHC has impacted the lives of over 30,000.

The Nailers' next home game is on Wednesday night, December 21st, when they play host to the Elmira Jackals at 7:05 PM. For ticket information or to purchase tickets call 304-234-GOAL (4625) or online at shop.wheelingnailers.com. You can now purchase Nailers game tickets on your smartphone by visiting m.wheelingnailers.com.

Nailers Secure Divisional Point in Overtime Setback

12/21/2011

WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers took home another divisional point on Wednesday night, but it was the Elmira Jackals who ended up with the bonus point. Riley Armstrong broke a 2-2 tie with 1:48 remaining in overtime, lifting the Jackals to a 3-2 victory in front of 2,325 fans at WesBanco Arena.

Both teams found the twine in an opening period with eight shots on goal per squad. Elmira started the scoring at the 3:54 mark, when Louie Caporusso took a feed from Dustin Gazley, and scored on a wrist shot from the left face-off circle. The Nailers answered quickly, evening the score 2:39 later. After a quick give-and-go with Olivier Dame-Malka, Zack Torquato skated the puck into the right circle, and buried a power play goal with a wrist shot from the dot.

Midway through the second period, Wheeling took the lead, with their second power play marker of the evening. Zack Torquato setup Olivier Dame-Malka, who drilled in a one-timer from the middle of the blueline. The Jackals tied the score later in the frame, when Louie Caporusso sent a pass through the crease to Mike Radja, who knocked the puck in past Patrick Killeen.

After a scoreless third period, Elmira escaped with the victory at the 3:12 mark of overtime. Riley Armstrong made a rush from his own blueline, into the offensive zone, before snapping in a wrist shot from high in the slot.

Nick Niedert picked up his first career win in goal for the Jackals, after making 24 saves on 26 shots. Patrick Killeen received the overtime loss, despite stopping 20 of the 23 shots he faced.

The Nailers will be off until Monday night, when they travel to Elmira for a rematch against the Jackals at 7:05. Wheeling's next home game takes place on December 31st at 7:35, when they welcome the Reading Royals to WesBanco Arena. For ticket information or to purchase tickets call 304-234-GOAL (4625) or online at shop.wheelingnailers.com. You can now purchase Nailers game tickets on your smartphone by visiting m.wheelingnailers.com.

Nailers Announce Roster Moves

12/20/2011

WHEELING, WV - The Wheeling Nailers, 'AA' Affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins and Montreal Canadiens announced today that Forward Chris Barton and Defensemen Peter Merth have been returned to the team from the Wilkes-Barre / Scranton Penguins.

The reigning ECHL Rookie of the Month, Barton has registered 26 points (15g-11a) over 21 games during his rookie season with the Nailers. Barton compiled seven goals and eight assists in 10 games during the month of November.

During his four games in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, Merth picked up an assist for his first AHL point. Now in his second year as a pro, Merth has posted two assists and 11 penalty minutes in 13 games with the Nailers.

The Nailers will play on home ice again on Wednesday night, when they welcome the Elmira Jackals to town for a 7:05 face-off at WesBanco Arena. For ticket information or to purchase tickets call 304-234-GOAL (4625) or online at shop.wheelingnailers.com. You can now purchase Nailers game tickets on your smartphone by visiting m.wheelingnailers.com.

Nailers Make Express Delivery into Win Column

12/18/2011

WHEELING, WV- On Sunday afternoon, the Wheeling Nailers moved the puck effectively and efficiently, and at the end of the day, had two points to show for their efforts. Four different players had multiple point nights, as the Nailers picked up a 4-1 victory over the Chicago Express, in front of 2,203 fans at WesBanco Arena.

After a scoreless first period, the Nailers took the lead at the 4:38 mark of the middle frame. Zack Torquato took the puck along the left side of the goal line, before slipping a puck through the low part of the slot to Mickael Bedard, who knocked in his seventh goal of the season from the right side of the crease. Chicago evened the score 1:11 later, when on a delayed penalty against the Nailers, Kyle Ostrow found a loose puck in the crease, and batted in the rebound of Joe Cucci's initial opportunity. Later in the period, Wheeling regained the lead, on another gorgeous passing display. Tim Priamo took a feed from Cody Chupp, hesitated momentarily, then hooked up with Paul Crowder, who had no problem depositing his ninth tally of the season into the left side of the cage.

Midway through the third period, the Nailers added to their lead. Paul Crowder won an offensive zone face-off back to Denver Manderson, who let a slap shot go from the right point. Cody Chupp got a deflection on the shot in the slot, tipping it in past Allen York for the home team's third goal of the evening. With less than one minute to go, Denver Manderson put the victory away for Wheeling, lofting in an empty net goal from Ben Farrer and Olivier Dame-Malka.

Patrick Killeen earned first star honors in the game for the Nailers, making 26 saves on 27 shots for his ninth win of the season. Allen York took the loss for the Express, stopping 31 of the 34 shots he faced.

The Nailers will play on home ice again on Wednesday night, when they welcome the Elmira Jackals to town for a 7:05 face-off at WesBanco Arena. For ticket information or to purchase tickets call 304-234-GOAL (4625) or online at shop.wheelingnailers.com. You can now purchase Nailers game tickets on your smartphone by visiting m.wheelingnailers.com.

Thompson Assigned To Nailers

12/17/2011

The Wheeling Nailers, AA affiliate for the Pittsburgh Penguins and Montreal Canadiens, have announced a player transaction effective immediately. Forward Paul Thompson had been assigned to Wheeling by the Pittsburgh Penguins, from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.

Thompson, 23, is currently in the midst of his first full season of professional hockey, following a four-year collegiate career at the University of New Hampshire. In his senior year with the Wildcats last season, Thompson set career highs, scoring 28 goals and 52 points in 39 games. At the end of the year, he joined the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, with whom he picked up one goal and two assists in six regular season games. Thus far this season, the Methuen, MA native has appeared in 20 games, recording three goals, four assists, and seven points.

The Nailers return to WesBanco Arena on Sunday at 4:05, when they welcome the Chicago Express to WesBanco Arena. For tickets call 304-234-GOAL.

Royals Double up Nailers, 6-3

12/17/2011

READING, PA- The location might have changed, but for the second night in a row, the final score was the same, thanks to another strong second period by the Reading Royals. Reading lit the lamp three times in the middle frame, en route to a 6-3 victory over the Wheeling Nailers, in front of 4,327 fans at Sovereign Center.

The first period was loaded with excitement, as the two teams combined for four goals, 23 shots and 44 penalty minutes. The Royals scored first, as Dale Mitchell took a feed from Ray Macias, skated hard down the left side of the ice, and beat Patrick Killeen with a wrist shot high over the glove. A little more than five minutes later, the Nailers evened the score. Paul Crowder handed the puck to Paul Thompson, who ripped a wrist shot into the top right corner of the goal. 18 seconds after that, Wheeling took their first lead of the night on an odd man rush. Mickael Bedard dashed in on the left side of the offensive zone, and delivered a pass to Matt Lombardi, who beat Mark Owuya going against the grain. With 5:05 to go in the opening stanza, Reading tied the game, as Yannick Tifu batted in a loose puck off of a rebound, created by Denny Urban's initial shot from the point.

In the second period, the Royals jumped out to a significant advantage, as they picked up three straight goals. Todd Griffith put the home team on top at the 3:10 mark on a goal setup by Andrew Favot and Dale Mitchell. Mitchell added to the lead himself later on, as the Royals broke in on an odd man rush, with he and Yannick Riendeau exchanging passes before the goal. With 6:14 remaining, Reading connected again on an odd man rush, as Yannick Tifu finished off a 3-on-1 break with Yannick Riendeau and Olivier Labelle. The Nailers got within two in the final minute of the frame, as Paul Crowder flipped in the rebound of Denver Manderson's power play shot from the right point.

Andrew Favot's unassisted goal on a 2-on-1 rush at the 8:09 mark of the third period was the lone goal in the final frame, as the Royals picked up the 6-3 victory.

Mark Owuya secured the win for Reading, stopping 34 of the 37 shots he faced. Patrick Killeen took the loss for Wheeling, allowing six goals on 24 shots.

The Nailers return to WesBanco Arena on Sunday at 4:05, when they welcome the Chicago Express to WesBanco Arena. For tickets call 304-234-GOAL.

Palmer Stymies Nailers in 6-3 Royals Win

12/16/2011

JOHNSTOWN, PA- For the second straight Friday, the Nailers put more than 50 shots on goal against the Reading Royals. Unfortunately, they ran into a red hot goaltender for the second week in a row, as Joe Palmer stopped 51 of the 54 shots he faced, helping his squad to a 6-3 victory over the Nailers at Cambria County War Memorial Arena.

The two teams battled to a scoreless tie for most of the opening period, until the Royals broke the deadlock with 1:47 remaining. Justin Kemmerer broke in on the left side of the offensive zone, and slipped a pass through the slot to Todd Griffith, who tipped the puck in on the right side of the crease.

Early in the second period, Reading added to the lead. At the 4:40 mark of the frame, Griffith connected for his second of the night, off of a give-and-go with Andrew Favot. 17 seconds later, the visitors found the twine again, as Louis Liotti hammered in a slap shot from the right point. At that point, Peter Delmas exited the contest, giving way to Patrick Killeen. Unfortunately, Killeen wasn't greeted in the kindest of fashions, as the first shot he faced was Yannick Tifu's penalty shot goal. Olivier Labelle gave the Royals a five-goal advantage with 9:48 left in the period, when he deflected in Denny Urban's power play shot from the blueline. With 6:55 left in the middle frame, the Nailers got on the scoreboard, as Paul Crowder banked in a backhand shot from the bottom of the right circle.

At the 1:48 mark of the third period, the Nailers cut into the deficit with their second goal of the evening, as Adam Ross set up Denver Manderson, who drilled in a one-timer from the left circle. With 3:07 remaining, the home team lit the lamp again, with Paul Crowder ripping in a wrist shot from high in the slot. Unfortunately, the Nailers were unable to get any closer, as Yannick Tifu's empty netter put the punctuation on a 6-3 victory for the Royals.

Joe Palmer earned the win in goal for Reading, making 51 saves on 54 shots. Patrick Killeen ended up suffering the loss, after allowing two goals on 11 shots, in relief of Peter Delmas, who left the game after allowing three goals on 11 shots.

The Nailers and Royals will meet up again on Saturday night at Sovereign Center, with puck drop scheduled for 7:05. The next home game for the Nailers will take place on Sunday at 4:05, when they welcome the Chicago Express to WesBanco Arena.

Ten Days of Christmas Deal of the Day

12/14/2011

On the 10th day of Christmas the Nailers gave to me....

On Friday, December 23rd, any fan who spends $100 or more online at shop.wheelingnailers.com will receive a free Nailers affiliation back pack. This offer is good online only.

Chris Barton Recalled to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton

12/13/2011

The Wheeling Nailers, AA affiliate for the Pittsburgh Penguins and Montreal Canadiens, have announced a transaction, effective immediately. Forward Chris Barton has been recalled by the AHL's Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.

Barton, 24, who was just signed to a two-way contract by Wilkes-Barre/Scranton last week, joins the Penguins, after spending the first two-plus months of his professional career with the Wheeling Nailers. In 21 games with the Nailers, Barton had 15 goals, 11 assists, and 26 points, leading the ECHL in goals and points by a rookie.

After a scoreless opening game in Greenville, Barton netted two goals in his second game at South Carolina, including a shorthanded goal, which stood as the winning goal in a 4-1 triumph for the Nailers over the Stingrays. Later in October, the Calgary, AB native netted a hat trick against the Trenton Titans, giving him the lone three-goal game by a Wheeling player this season.

Barton's success continued into November, when he picked up a point in nine of the Nailers' ten games, scoring seven goals, eight assists, and 15 points. That performance earned him November's ECHL Rookie of the Month Award, and also helped him win the ECHL's Player of the Week Award for the week of November 14-20, when he had six points in three games.

This is Barton's first season of professional hockey, following a four-year career at Merrimack College. In 141 career games as a Warrior, the 5-foot-11 forward had 48 goals, 71 assists, and 119 points.

Barton could make his AHL debut as early as Tuesday night, when the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins play host to the Binghamton Senators.

The Nailers return to the ice on Friday night December 16th, at Cambria County War Memorial Arena in Johnstown. Face-off is scheduled for 7:35. It is Teddy bear toss night. Bring a new or unused Teddy Bear to toss on the ice after the Nailers 1st goal. For ticket information call the Nailers office at 304-234-GOAL or online at shop.wheelingnailers.com.

Nailers Snag Comeback Win in Reading

12/11/2011

READING, PA- The Wheeling Nailers had alternated wins and losses for their nine previous games, entering Sunday afternoon's contest with the Reading Royals at Sovereign Center. That streak is now over, as the Nailers erased a 2-1 deficit with three unanswered the goals, doubling up the Royals 4-2 in front of 3,823 fans.

Exactly one minute into the contest, the Royals opened the scoring. Denny Urban took a wrist shot from the left point, and Dennis McCauley got a deflection on the puck in the slot, sending it into the back of the net. The Nailers answered 2:33 later. Paul Crowder handed the puck to Chris Barton, as Wheeling entered the offensive zone. Upon receiving the pass, Barton dropped the puck off for Kyle Bushee, who scored through Mark Owuya's legs for his first ECHL goal of the season. With 2:29 left in the period, Reading regained the lead, shortly after killing off a Nailers' power play. Everett Sheen found Dale Mitchell cutting toward the net on the right side. Mitchell gathered in the pass, and lifted a shot into the top part of the goal.

In the second period, the Nailers turned the scoreboard around on the Royals, starting with a shorthanded goal. Patrick Johnson turned the puck around the boards to Olivier Dame-Malka at the left point. Dame-Malka let a slap shot go, keeping it along the ice to tie the score at two. A little more than halfway through the middle frame, Wheeling took their first lead of the contest. Chris Barton took a shot from the right circle that was stopped in awkward fashion by Owuya. That awkward save led to a rebound in the crease, which was tapped in by Paul Crowder.

Wheeling doubled the lead at the 8:50 mark of the third period. Zach Hansen took a shot on goal from the right side that was stopped by Owuya. However, the rebound kicked out on the left side to Ben Farrer, who hammered back in, giving the Nailers a 4-2 victory.

Patrick Killeen picked up the win in goal for the Nailers, making 19 saves on 21 shots. Mark Owuya took the loss for the Royals, allowing four goals on 39 shots.

The Nailers and Royals will meet up again on Friday night December 16th, at Cambria County War Memorial Arena in Johnstown. Face-off is scheduled for 7:35. It is Teddy bear toss night. Bring a new or unused Teddy Bear to toss on the ice after the Nailers 1st goal. For ticket information call the Nailers office at 304-234-GOAL or online at shop.wheelingnailers.com.

Wilkes-Barre Signs Merth to PTO

12/10/2011

The Wheeling Nailers, AA affiliate for the Pittsburgh Penguins and Montreal Canadiens, have announced a transaction, effective immediately. Defenseman Peter Merth has been signed to a professional tryout contract by the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.

Merth, 24, is currently playing in his second season of professional hockey, following a four-year collegiate career at R.P.I. During his time at R.P.I., Merth earned three individual honors, being named the team's Most Outstanding Freshman in 2006-07, while also taking home the Best Defensive Player award in 2006-07 and 2007-08. Also, during his junior and senior seasons, he was an alternate captain for the Engineers. Over the course of his four years of college hockey, the New Westminster, BC native scored four goals, 27 assists, and 31 points in 151 games.

Prior to last season, Merth turned pro, joining the Wheeling Nailers. In 69 games as a rookie, the blueliner had one goal, 11 assists, 12 points, and 90 penalty minutes, while posting a plus-5 rating. This season, Peter's strong defensive play has continued, as he joins Wilkes-Barre/Scranton after leading the Nailers with a plus-12 rating. He has also chipped in with two assists, while totaling 11 penalty minutes.

On Saturday night the Nailers will host the Trenton Titans at WesBanco Arena. The first 2,000 fans will receive a free Nailers T-Shirt courtesy of WesBanco Bank, The McLure Hotel, Panhandle Cleaning, and Generations Pub. For ticket information or to order tickets call 304-234-GOAL or online at shop.wheelingnailers.com.

Delmas Shines in Goaltending Duel Against Trenton

12/10/2011

WHEELING, WV- For the second night in a row, goaltending was the story, as the Wheeling Nailers played host to the Trenton Titans on Saturday at WesBanco Arena. Peter Delmas made 33 saves to get the upper hand in the goaltending battle, and was helped by goals from Zack Torquato and Patrick Johnson, as the Nailers edged the Titans 2-1 in front of 3,795 fans.

Picking up where they left off on Friday, the Nailers continued to pepper the opposition goal, firing 21 shots on goal in the opening period of play. One of those shots found the back of the twine, as Mickael Bedard slid a pass through the crease to Zack Torquato, who knocked in a shot from the left side.

Wheeling doubled the lead with 4:04 left in the second period, while playing on the man advantage. Olivier Dame-Malka slid the pass across the blueline to Zach Hansen, who let a shot go from the right point. Patrick Johnson got a piece of the puck in the slot, deflecting it into the goal for his sixth marker of the season. A little less than three minutes later, the Titans got on the board. Adam Presizniuk steered a shot on goal from the right circle that was stopped by Peter Delmas. However, the rebound deflected out to Corey Syvret, who reacted quickly to put it back, cutting the Nailers' lead in half.

Neither team was able to light the lamp in the third period, as both goaltenders were brilliant. Peter Delmas led the Nailers to the 2-1 victory, as he stopped 33 of the 34 shots he faced. Dave Caruso was saddled with the loss for the Titans, despite making 40 saves on 42 shots.

The Nailers will conclude their stretch of four games in five nights on Sunday at 4:05, when they visit the Reading Royals. Their next home game takes place in Johnstown on December 16th, also against Reading, and their next game in Wheeling is on December 18th against the Chicago Express.

Montreal Assigns Malka to Wheeling

12/9/2011

The Wheeling Nailers, AA affiliate for the Pittsburgh Penguins and Montreal Canadiens, are announcing a transaction, effective immediately. The Hamilton Bulldogs have reassigned defenseman Olivier Dame-Malka to the Wheeling Nailers.

Dame-Malka, 21, is currently playing in his first season of professional hockey, after spending four seasons in the QMJHL with Cape Breton, Acadie-Bathurst, and Lewiston. Last season with the MAINEiacs was his most productive season in junior hockey, as he recorded 16 goals, 39 assists, and 55 points in 64 regular season games. During the playoffs, Dame-Malka's offensive production continued, as he picked up 19 points in 15 games, including a four-goal game, which helped the team to a victory in the second round.

Thus far this season, Dame-Malka has played in seven games with the Nailers, recording one goal, six assists, seven points, and 17 penalty minutes, and enters this weekend on a six-game point streak at the ECHL level. The Montreal, QC native has also appeared in eight games with the AHL's Hamilton Bulldogs, picking up one assist and two penalty minutes.

On Saturday night the Nailers will host the Trenton Titans at WesBanco Arena. The first 2,000 fans will receive a free Nailers T-Shirt courtesy of WesBanco Bank, The McLure Hotel, Panhandle Cleaning, and Generations Pub. For ticket information or to order tickets call 304-234-GOAL or online at shop.wheelingnailers.com.

Owuya, Royals Halt Nailers, 4-2

12/9/2011

WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers fired 57 shots on goal against the Reading Royals on Friday night, but it was the visiting Royals who walked away with the two points. Dale Mitchell had two goals and two assists, while Mark Owuya made 55 saves, leading Reading past Wheeling 4-2 in front of 2,625 fans at WesBanco Arena.

The Nailers came out of the gates flying, as they outshot the Royals 17-8, while putting two goals on the board. The first goal came at the 5:55 mark of the opening stanza. Zack Torquato fired a shot on goal that was stopped by Mark Owuya, but the rebound kicked out to Patrick Johnson, who had little trouble hammering in his fifth goal of the season. A little less than five minutes later, Wheeling extended the lead. Patrick Johnson dished a pass out to Mickael Bedard, who snapped a shot into the top left corner of the goal from the inside of the right circle.

Reading picked up the lone goal of the second period, lighting the lamp with 8:21 remaining. Ray Macias gobbled up a loose puck on the left side of the net from Dale Mitchell's initial shot, and beat Patrick Killeen high over the glove. Wheeling had the shots advantage in the middle frame as well, outshooting the Royals 14-11.

The host Nailers continued to put on the pressure in the third period, firing 26 shots on Mark Owuya, raising their game total to 57. However, it was the Royals who connected for three goals, erasing the deficit for a comeback win. Dale Mitchell tied the score with 7:39 remaining, when he deflected in Ray Macias' shot from the right point. 4:38 later, Reading took the lead, as Dennis McCauley picked up the rebound of Rob Kwiet's shot, and scored on his backhand for a power play goal. With nine seconds remaining, Dale Mitchell added the insurance marker into an empty net, giving the Royals a 4-2 win.

Mark Owuya stood on his head for Reading, stopping 55 of the 57 shots he faced in the win. Patrick Killeen suffered the loss for Wheeling, despite making 27 saves on 30 shots.

On Saturday night the Nailers will host the Trenton Titans at WesBanco Arena. The first 2,000 fans will receive a free Nailers T-Shirt courtesy of WesBanco Bank, The McLure Hotel, Panhandle Cleaning, and Generations Pub. For ticket information or to order tickets call 304-234-GOAL or online at shop.wheelingnailers.com.

Kyle Bushee Assigned to Nailers

12/8/2011

The Wheeling Nailers, AA affiliate for the Pittsburgh Penguins and Montreal Canadiens, are announcing a transaction, effective immediately. The AHL's St. John's IceCaps have re-assigned defenseman Kyle Bushee to the Nailers.

Bushee, 26, is currently in the midst of his fourth full season of professional hockey, following a collegiate career at Western Michigan University and Canisius College. Kyle spent parts of two seasons with the Johnstown Chiefs, before being dealt to the Nailers early in the 2009-10 season. Bushee has played in 131 career games with Wheeling, recording 13 goals, 34 assists, and 47 points. Five of those games took place this season, when he picked up one assist, while posting a plus-6 rating.

Recently, Bushee played in eight games in the AHL with the St. John's IceCaps, in which he had one goal, two assists, three points, six penalty minutes, and a plus-1 rating. The goal and the first assist both came on November 13th, when the IceCaps played host to the Connecticut Whale at Mile One Stadium. Both were career firsts for Kyle, who has now played in 12 career games at the AHL level.

Bushee now returns to Wheeling, where he joins a defensive group that has allowed the fewest goals in the ECHL's Eastern Conference. He and the Nailers will take the ice three times this weekend, beginning on Friday night at 7:35, with a home game against the Reading Royals.

The Nailers return to WesBanco Arena on Friday night to battle the Reading Royals. Face-off is set for 7:35PM. Friday night will feature $1 draft beer and the inaugural Nailers Wing Fest. Fans will be able to sample local vendor's wings and help select a grand champion.

Nailers Win Donatelli's Debut in Trenton

12/7/2011

TRENTON, NJ- On Wednesday night, Clark Donatelli made his debut as the Wheeling Nailers' head coach, and his team answered with a solid effort on the ice. Patrick Killeen made 35 saves, and three different Nailers lit the lamp, as Wheeling picked up a 3-1 win over the Trenton Titans in front of 1,555 fans at Sun National Bank Center.

The Nailers opened the scoring with 6:42 remaining in the first period, building off of a power play in which they were able to generate some pressure in the Trenton zone. Scooter Vaughan took a pass from Cody Chupp, and skated in on the left side of the offensive zone. He then slipped a pass through the slot to Zack Torquato, who flipped in a shot from the bottom of the right circle.

Midway through the second period, Wheeling added to the lead. Zack Torquato turned a wrist shot on goal from the right circle that was stopped, but bobbled into the slot by goaltender Dave Caruso. Mickael Bedard took advantage of the opportunity, slipping a backhander through Caruso for a 2-0 advantage. Cody Chupp also assisted on Bedard's tally, giving him two points in the game.

The score remained that way until the final minutes of regulation. With 1:04 remaining, the Titans foiled Wheeling's shutout bid, as Jean-Sebastien Berube fed Randy Rowe from behind the net. Rowe took a shot from the top of the crease that snuck through, bringing the home team within one. 22 seconds later, Chris Barton destroyed Trenton's hope of a comeback, as he nailed an empty net from inside of his own blueline, giving him his 15th goal of the season, and giving the Nailers a 3-1 victory.

Patrick Killeen had one of his best games of the season for Wheeling, stopping 35 of 36 shots in the win. Dave Caruso made 31 saves on 33 shots in a losing effort for Trenton.

The Nailers return to WesBanco Arena on Friday night to battle the Reading Royals. Face-off is set for 7:35PM. Friday night will feature $1 draft beer and the inaugural Nailers Wing Fest. Fans will be able to sample local vendor's wings and help select a grand champion.

Donatelli Takes Helm for Nailers

12/5/2011

The Wheeling Nailers, AA affiliate for the Pittsburgh Penguins and Montreal Canadiens, announced today that Clark Donatelli has been named the team’s interim head coach. Donatelli replaces Stan Drulia, who was named the assistant coach of the AHL’s Milwaukee Admirals today.

Clark Donatelli, 44, takes over for Drulia, after serving as the team’s assistant coach this season. During his time as assistant coach, the team has the conference’s 2nd best winning percentage at .647 (11 wins, 6 losses). Donatelli has had an extensive playing career, most notably playing on two United States Olympic teams in 1988 and 1992 (when he was captain of the select team). The Providence, RI native also played seven seasons of professional hockey, skating in 35 games at the NHL level with the Minnesota North Stars and Boston Bruins.

Prior to joining the Nailers staff, Donatelli served as the assistant coach at Providence College, under head coach Tim Army, who is currently a member of the Colorado Avalanche coaching staff.

Donatelli will begin his tenure on Wednesday night, when the Nailers visit the Trenton Titans.
Drulia, 43, joined the Nailers staff at the beginning of the last season (2010-11), and led the team to a 38-29-5 record during the regular season. The team went on to the Eastern Conference Finals in Stan’s 1st season of coaching in the ECHL.

The Nailers’ assistant coach from last season, John Wroblewski, is currently the head coach of the ECHL’s Gwinnett Gladiators. In his 1st season as a head coach, Wroblewski has the Gladiators in 1st place in the South Division.

The Nailers return to WesBanco Arena on Friday night to battle the Reading Royals. Face-off is set for 7:35PM. Friday night will feature $1 draft beer and the inaugural Nailers Wing Fest. Fans will be able to sample local vendor's wings and help select a grand champion.

Nailers Week In Review 12/5

12/5/2011

Last Week
Fri. 12/2 - WHEELING NAILERS 5 @ Reading Royals 1
Sat. 12/3 - Trenton Titans 5 @ WHEELING NAILERS 3

Last weekend, the Wheeling Nailers began the month of December with a pair of divisonal contests against the Reading Royals and Trenton Titans. Wheeling started the weekend strong, taking out the Royals, 5-1 on Friday night, before coming up short in Saturday's 5-3 loss to the Titans.

On Friday night, the Nailers were in control from start to finish. Chris Barton and Patrick Johnson gave the visitors a 2-0 lead in the first period, when they scored 24 seconds apart from each other midway through the frame. Early in the second period, Barton continued the offensive attack, netting his second of the game and 14th of the season, knocking Reading goaltender Joe Palmer out of the game. Barton's college roommate, Adam Ross, greeted backup netminder Karel St. Laurent, ripping in a shorthanded tally for his first professional goal, making it 4-0 in favor of the Nailers. Christiaan Minella completed Wheeling's scoring with his third goal of the season, as the Nailers cruised to a 5-1 victory. Patrick Killeen picked up his sixth win of the year, making 20 saves on 21 shots.

One night later, the visiting Trenton Titans got off to the fast start, as Jean-Sebastien Berube started the scoring just 13 seconds into the evening. Christiaan Minella evened the score midway through the first, before Rob Bordson put Trenton back on top later in the frame. Denver Manderson tied the game at the 10:10 mark of the second period, but once again, the Titans answered, as Berube notched his second of the game with 4:46 left in the frame. Adam Presizniuk and Mitch Versteeg tallied in the third for the visitors, before Manderson added his second of the night, giving the game a 5-3 final score in favor of Trenton. Dave Caruso made 41 saves in the win, beating Peter Delmas, who made 15 in the defeat.

Notable Statistics
- Chris Barton netted two goals this weekend, raising his season totals to 14 goals and 23 points - the most for a rookie in the ECHL.
- Adam Ross became the third Nailer (Plastino, Manderson) to score a shorthanded goal for his first professional goal this season, when he lit the lamp on Friday night.
- Denver Manderson set career highs on Saturday night with two goals and three points.
- The Nailers have the second best goals against average in the Eastern Conference (2.76).
- Wheeling's power play has scored at least one goal in three of the last four games, improving to 16.4% on the season.

This Week
Wed. 12/7 - WHEELING NAILERS @ Trenton Titans 7:05 PM at Sun National Bank Center
Fri. 12/9 - Reading Royals @ WHEELING NAILERS 7:35 PM at WesBanco Arena
Sat. 12/10 - Trenton Titans @ WHEELING NAILERS 7:35 PM at WesBanco Arena
Sun. 12/11 - WHEELING NAILERS @ Reading Royals 4:05 PM at Sovereign Center

For the second week in a row, the opposition will be the same, as the Nailers will take on the Reading Royals and Trenton Titans. Wheeling will face both teams twice this week, with one meeting taking place at WesBanco Arena, and the other meeting taking place on the road.

The first matchup takes place on Wednesday night, when Wheeling visits the Trenton Titans, who they will also play host to on Saturday night. Thanks to a weekend in which they were able to accumulate four out of six possible points, the Titans have climbed into third place in the Atlantic Division. Trenton has earned at least one point in seven of their last ten games, and enter the week with an 8-10-1-2 record overall, which is good for 19 points. Rob Bordson saw an eight-game point streak come to an end on Sunday against Elmira, but not before he passed Andy Bohmbach for the team's scoring lead, having recorded 21 points in 16 contests. Bohmbach trails his teammate by one point, picking up 12 goals and 20 points in 17 games. Dave Caruso has continued to see the majority of the action in the Trenton crease, as he is now 6-6-2, with a 3.48 GAA, and an .893 Sv% in 14 games.

After a day off on Thursday, the Nailers will take the ice again on Friday, when they welcome the Reading Royals to WesBanco Arena. Wheeling will also travel to Reading on Sunday afternoon. Because of an eight-game losing streak, the Royals have fallen into the basement of the Atlantic Division, as they currently have a record of 7-11-2-2, which is good for 18 points. Reading was able to pick up one point last week, thanks to a shootout loss to Elmira, before losing back-to-back games in regulation to the Nailers and Jackals. Despite scoring just one point in his last four games, Olivier Labelle continues to lead the Royals with 11 goals and 19 points in 22 games this season. Reading's captain and fourth-leading scorer, Ryan Cruthers, will miss both games this week, as he received a six-game suspension from last Friday's meeting between the two clubs. Joe Palmer has made 14 appearances in goal, going 4-5-3, with a 3.10 GAA, and a .915 Sv%.

Atlantic Division Standings
1- Elmira Jackals 12-9-0-0, 24 pts
2- WHEELING NAILERS 11-6-0-0, 22 pts
3- Trenton Titans 8-10-1-2, 19 pts
4- Reading Royals 7-11-2-2, 18 pts

Titans Upend Nailers 5-3

12/3/2011

WHEELING, WV- Denver Manderson netted two goals and added an assist for the Wheeling Nailers on Saturday night, but he and his teammates were unable to overcome the Trenton Titans. Despite firing just 20 shots on goal, the Titans cashed in for five goals, knocking off the hometown Nailers, 5-3 in front of 2,967 fans at WesBanco Arena.

Just 13 seconds into the contest, the Titans opened the scoring. Ryan Hayes took a wrist shot from the right side that was stopped by Peter Delmas. However, the rebound popped up into the air, then down into the crease, where it was deposited into the net by Jean-Sebastien Berube. The Nailers answered that tally midway through the first period. Denver Manderson fed Christiaan Minella low in the zone, and Minella forced a shot through Dave Caruso, sending loads of stuffed animals onto the ice on Teddy Bear Toss Night. Trenton regained the lead later in the frame, as Rob Bordson found the twine on an unassisted goal from the outside of the left circle.

Midway through the second period, the Nailers pulled even. Patrick Johnson tapped the puck to Denver Manderson, who curled around the back of the net, and flipped in a backhander for his third goal of the season. Unfortunately, the Titans responded, taking advantage of a power play. Jordon Southorn took a shot from the point that got blocked in front of the goal. Jean-Sebastien Berube pounced on the loose puck, and lifted the rebound into the top of the cage.

Adam Presizniuk added to the Trenton lead early in the third period, as Peter Delmas lost control of the puck behind the net. Mitch Versteeg iced the victory for the visitors with an empty net goal, before Denver Manderson netted his second goal of the game on a one-time feed from Tim Priamo, giving the game a 5-3 final score.

Dave Caruso earned the win for the Titans, making 41 saves on 44 shots. Peter Delmas took the loss for the Nailers, allowing four goals on 19 shots.

The Nailers and Titans will meet again on Wednesday night in Trenton, before Wheeling returns home to WesBanco Arena to face the Reading Royals on Friday night at 7:35.

Nailers Punish Royals, 5-1

12/2/2011

READING, PA- The Wheeling Nailers and Reading Royals began their season series on Friday night with an emotional contest. Wheeling jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the opening period, and never looked back, ultimately building a 5-0 lead, which they turned into a 5-1 victory. Chris Barton tallied twice, Adam Ross netted his first professional goal, and Patrick Killeen made 20 saves for the visitors, in front of 4,913 fans at Sovereign Center.

The Nailers jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first period, scoring two quick goals in the middle portion of the frame. At the 9:44 mark of the period, Cody Chupp steered a shot on goal that was stopped by Joe Palmer. The Reading netminder was unable to secure the puck, allowing Chris Barton to dig the rebound free, before lifting a shot into the top of the cage. 24 seconds later, Wheeling added to the lead, as Zack Torquato set up Patrick Johnson on the outside of the left circle. Johnson found room on Palmer, squeezing a shot through his equipment.

Wheeling continued to control play in the second period, netting their third goal of the evening just 44 seconds into the stanza. While on the power play, Chris Barton tossed the puck toward the goal from the right side of the net, and got a friendly deflection to send the puck in past Palmer, knocking him out of the game. Karel St. Laurent took over between the pipes, and was greeted by newest Nailer Adam Ross, who ripped in a wrist shot for his first professional goal. Ross' marker came with his team playing shorthanded. Later in the period, Christiaan Minella tallied Wheeling's fifth goal of the game, capitalizing on a loose puck on the left side of the net.

Early in the third period, the Royals broke up Wheeling's shutout bid, as Dale Mitchell took a drop pass from Olivier Labelle, and scored over Patrick Killeen's left shoulder. However, that was the Nailers' lone blemish, as they cruised to the 5-1 victory.

Patrick Killeen earned the win in goal for Wheeling, making 20 saves on 21 shots. Joe Palmer took the loss for Reading, allowing three goals on 14 shots, before giving way to Karel St. Laurent, who stopped 22 of 24 shots in relief.

The Nailers return home to WesBanco Arena on Saturday night for a 7:35 face-off against the Trenton Titans. Saturday is team poster giveaway night. The 1st 2,000 fans through the gates at WesBanco Arena will receive a free team poster courtesy of WesBanco Bank, the McLure Hotel, Panhandle Cleaning, and Generations Pub. Following the game the entire Nailers team will be signing autographs for fans in the lobby of WesBanco Arena. Tor order tickets call 304-234-GOAL or online at shop.wheelingnailers.com. You can also order game tickets on your smartphone at m.wheelingnailers.com.

Barton Named ECHL Rookie of the Month

12/2/2011

PRINCETON, N.J. – Wheeling Nailers forward Chris Barton is the Reebok Hockey ECHL Rookie of the Month for November.

The 24-year-old scored seven goals, added eight assists assists and was a +6 in 10 games during the month. Barton scored at least one point in all but one game during November.

Barton notched mulitiple-point games five times during the month, including a three points (2g-1a) in a 5-3 win against Elmira on Nov. 15. That game was the third in a four-game stretch where Barton tallied nine points (4g-5a) and went +5. He was named ECHL Player of the Week for the week ending Nov. 21 when he scored four goals, had two assists and was +4 in three games.

A native of Calgary, Alberta, Barton leads ECHL rookies, and is third overall in the league, with 12 goals while his 21 points are tied for tied for second among first-year players and tied for sixth in the league.

Prior to this season, Barton played in 141 career games at Merrimack College, where he scored 48 goals and 71 assists for 119 points. He also skated in one game in the AHL for the Bridgeport Sound Tigers last season.

Wheeling will play a pair of games this weekend, starting on Friday night, when they visit the Reading Royals at 7:05. Then, on Saturday night, the Nailers will return to WesBanco Arena for a 7:35 face-off against the Trenton Titans.

Nailers Acquire Ross From Bakersfield

12/1/2011

The Wheeling Nailers, AA affiliate for the Pittsburgh Penguins and Montreal Canadiens, have made a transaction, which is effective immediately. Wheeling has traded forward Chris Kushneriuk to the Bakersfield Condors, in exchange for defenseman Adam Ross.

Ross, 25, is currently playing in his first full season of professional hockey, following three years in the AJHL with the Olds Grizzlys, and four seasons at Merrimack College, where he was teammates and roommates with current Nailer Chris Barton. In 139 career games with Merrimack, Ross accumulated seven goals, 23 assists, 30 points, and 209 penalty minutes. The Red Deer, AB native has experience in being a leader, as he was an alternate captain for the Warriors in his junior season, and a co-captain in his senior season. After playing in two games last season with the now defunct Victoria Salmon Kings, Ross has appeared in 13 games this season with the Condors, registering 33 penalty minutes, while having an even plus-minus.

"Adam is a great character player," said head coach Stan Drulia. "He is a big body, as well as a left-handed shot, who we will look to as a shutdown defenseman on our penalty kill," he said.

Kushneriuk, 24, is also still considered a rookie, after having played in just eight regular season games last spring. Following one year at Wayne State University and three years at Robert Morris University, Kushneriuk turned pro, joining the Wheeling Nailers. The Ottawa, ON native had seven points in eight regular season games, before recording nine points in 15 playoff games, including the overtime winning goal in game seven of Wheeling's second round playoff series win against Greenville. Thus far this season, Kushneriuk has appeared in 14 games with the Nailers, picking up one goal, one assist, and six penalty minutes.

"On behalf of the organization, we would like to thank Chris for everything he did here in Wheeling, and we wish him the best of luck in Bakersfield," Drulia said.

Ross will wear uniform number 25, and will join the Nailers this weekend.

Wheeling will play a pair of games this weekend, starting on Friday night, when they visit the Reading Royals at 7:05. Then, on Saturday night, the Nailers will return to WesBanco Arena for a 7:35 face-off against the Trenton Titans.

Nailers Week In Review

11/28/2011

Last Week
Thu. 11/24 - WHEELING NAILERS 5 @ Gwinnett Gladiators 1
Fri. 11/25 - WHEELING NAILERS 1 @ Gwinnett Gladiators 3

The Wheeling Nailers completed their three-game season series against the Gwinnett Gladiators on Thanksgiving weekend with a two-game set at The Arena at Gwinnett Center. Both teams picked up one victory, giving Wheeling a 2-1 edge in the season series, and a 4-3 road record against the South Division.

On Thursday night, the Nailers controlled the game, thanks to a dominant performance by their special teams. Ben Farrer's power play goal put the visitors ahead with 4:29 left in the first period, before Cody Chupp and Andrew Hotham scored on both ends of Spencer Bennett's double-minor early in the second. Tyler Murovich trimmed the Wheeling lead to two early in the third, but Chris Barton and Andrew Hotham didn't let that slow them down, icing the Nailers' 5-1 victory with a pair of goals. Barton's marker was his 12th of the year, and also extended his point streak to ten games. Meanwhile, Hotham had a career-high four points (two goals, two assists) in the contest. Peter Delmas earned his fifth win of the season, making 15 saves, defeating Billy Sauer, who stopped 24 in the loss.

Wheeling picked up right where they left off early in Friday's game, as Cody Chupp started the scoring just 54 seconds into the battle. Unfortunately, the Nailers failed to light the lamp after that. Pat Galivan evened the score with a power play goal in the first, and Colin Vock and Tyler Murovich tallied in the third, giving the host Gladiators a 3-1 win. Billy Sauer needed just 16 saves for the win, holding off Peter Delmas, who turned aside 29 shots. Friday's tilt was the first time in 15 games that Wheeling was outshot this season.

Notable Statistics
- Chris Barton leads all rookies with 12 goals.
- Andrew Hotham had a career-high four points in Thursday's win.
- Peter Delmas has had at least a .900 save percentage in seven of his eight appearances this season.
- The Nailers have allowed the fewest goals in the Eastern Conference (41).
- Wheeling has finished playing on the road against the South Division this season, going 4-3 in seven games.
- Each of the Nailers next eight games are against Reading and Trenton, and all but one game in the month of December is against the Atlantic Division.

This Week
Fri. 12/2 - WHEELING NAILERS @ Reading Royals 7:05 PM at Sovereign Center
Sat. 12/3 - Trenton Titans @ WHEELING NAILERS 7:35 PM at WesBanco Arena

For the next eight games, the opposition will look very familiar, as the Nailers will only see two teams - the Reading Royals and the Trenton Titans.

This weekend's slate begins on Friday night, when Wheeling will travel to Reading for the first time in the 2011-12 campaign. The Royals are currently in second place in the Atlantic Division, trailing the Nailers by three points, despite having played in four more games than Wheeling. Interestingly enough, Reading will play once more before seeing the Nailers this weekend, as they will play host to the Elmira Jackals on Wednesday night. The Royals are currently on a five-game losing streak, with their last win coming on November 13th. Olivier Labelle leads Reading's offensive attack with 11 goals and 18 points in 19 games, and is followed by Yannick Riendeau (6 goals, 9 assists) and Chad Painchaud (2 goals, 13 assists). Rookie Denny Urban leads their blueliners with three goals and nine assists. In goal, Joe Palmer has appeared in 12 games, going 4-4-2, with a 3.04 GAA, and a .917 Sv%.

Then, on Saturday, the Nailers will meet up with the Trenton Titans, who they will face for the fifth time this season. Wheeling picked up victories in each of the first three games in the season series, winning by scores of 6-4, 5-1, and 3-2 (OT), before dropping the most recent game, 3-2. After getting off to a slow start, the Titans have rebounded, winning three of their last four games. Two of those victories came this past weekend, when they knocked off Elmira and Chicago on Friday and Saturday, before falling to the Express on Sunday. Andy Bohmbach has 11 goals and 18 points to lead Trenton in scoring, while Rob Bordson follows closely behind with 11 assists and 17 points. Jordon Southorn is the Titans' leading defensive scorer with eight points. Dave Caruso has seen the majority of the action in goal, appearing in 12 games, going 5-6-1, with a 3.50 GAA, and an .888 Sv%.

Atlantic Division Standings
1- WHEELING NAILERS 10-5-0-0, 20 pts
2- Reading Royals 7-9-2-1, 17 pts
3- Elmira Jackals 8-9-0-0, 16 pts
4- Trenton Titans 7-10-1-0, 15 pts

Gladiators Take Season Series Finale, 3-1

11/25/2011

DULUTH, GA- With the score tied at one after two periods of play, the Gwinnett Gladiators netted a pair of goals in the third, picking up their lone win of the season series against the Wheeling Nailers. Gwinnett's 3-1 victory came in front of 4,661 fans.

The Nailers wasted little time in opening the scoring, as they took the lead just 54 seconds into the contest. Zach Hansen put a shot on goal from the right wing wall that was steered away by Billy Sauer. However, the rebound kicked out to Cody Chupp, who had little trouble depositing his fifth goal of the season. At the 7:43 mark of the first period, the Gladiators evened the score. Shane Sims fired a one-timer on goal from the point, and Pat Galivan got a deflection in front, sending the puck in past Peter Delmas for the power play goal.

After a scoreless second period, the Gladiators went on top at the 4:20 mark of the third. Colin Vock dangled low into the bottom of the left circle, then lifted a wrist shot into the top of the net from a tough angle. With 4:31 left in the game, Gwinnett added to the lead, as Tyler Murovich tipped in Will Colbert's shot from the left point, lifting his team to a 3-1 victory.

Billy Sauer got the win for the Gladiators, making 16 saves on 17 shots. Peter Delmas suffered the loss for the Nailers, despite stopping 29 of the 32 shots he faced.

This was the first time that Wheeling has been outshot all season.

The Nailers will conclude their road trip next Friday, when they visit the Reading Royals at 7:05. Wheeling's next home game takes place on December 3rd at 7:35, when they take on the Trenton Titans.

Nailer Holiday Packs On Sale Now

11/25/2011

The Wheeling Nailers, AA affiliate for the Pittsburgh Penguins and Montreal Canadiens, are excited to announce holiday ticket packages that are available for purchase now. There are three packages - the Elf Package, the Reindeer Package, and the Santa Sack.

With the Elf Package, fans get four ticket vouchers, as well as a hat or t-shirt for $49.99. With the Reindeer Package, fans get four ticket vouchers, as well as a hat or t-shirt, and an autographed item for $59.00. With the Santa Sack, fans get four ticket vouchers, a Nailers sweatshirt, and an autographed item for $75.00.

Holiday packs can be purchased by calling the Nailers at (304)-234-GOAL, or by logging on to shop.wheelingnailers.com.

The Nailers return to the ice on Thanksgiving Day when they travel to Duluth, Georgia to battle the Gladiators.Catch the game live on RTV 9 and the MIX 97.3FM.

The team will return to WesBanco Arena on Saturday December 3rd when they battle the Trenton Titans. The first 2,000 fans will receive a free team poster courtesy of WesBanco Bank, The McLure Hotel, Generations Pub, and Panhandle Cleaning. Following the game, the entire Nailers team will be signing autographs for fans.For tickets call the Nailers office at 304-234-GOAL or online at shop.wheelingnailers.com. Fans can now order game tickets on their smart phone at m.wheelingnailers.com.

Hotham, Nailers Feast on Gladiators

11/24/2011

DULUTH, GA- Andrew Hotham and the Wheeling Nailers celebrated Thanksgiving with a feast of points on Thursday night at The Arena at Gwinnett Center. Hotham had two goals and two assists, leading his team to a 5-1 victory over the Gwinnett Gladiators in front of 4,170 fans.

With 4:29 left in the first period, the Nailers broke through with the first goal of the contest. Tim Priamo turned and fired a shot on goal that got deflected into the left corner. Denver Manderson picked up the rebound, and dished a pass into the slot for Ben Farrer, who scored on a one-timer for his fourth goal in as many games.

37 seconds into the second period, Spencer Bennett was given a double-minor for high sticking, putting Wheeling on the power play for four minutes. Despite struggling on the man advantage to begin the season, the visitors capitalized for their second and third power play tallies in the game. The first goal came as Andrew Hotham rushed down the left side of the ice. He steered a shot on goal that was stopped, but Cody Chupp was there to score on the rebound, slipping in a backhander. 1:27 later, Hotham added to the lead himself, dancing into the slot, before ripping a wrist shot stick side on Billy Sauer.

Early in the third period, the Gladiators cut into Wheeling's lead. Joey Haddad stole the puck in center, and set up Tyler Murovich for a redirect in the slot. Murovich's goal was his third of the year. However, that was the lone celebrating of the night for the home team, as the visiting Nailers connected for two more goals in the third. Andrew Hotham centered a pass to Chris Barton at the 8:31 mark, as Barton netted his 12th goal of the year, while extending his point streak to ten games. Finally, with 44 seconds to go, Hotham completed his memorable night with his second goal, giving him four points in the game.

Peter Delmas picked up the win for the Nailers, stopping 15 of the 16 shots he faced. Billy Sauer was the losing goaltender for the Gladiators, as he allowed four goals on 28 shots.

The Nailers and Gladiators will meet up again on Friday at 6:05 at The Arena at Gwinnett Center. Wheeling's next home game takes place on December 3rd, when they welcome the Trenton Titans to WesBanco Arena for a 7:35 face-off.

Nailers To Honor Everyday Heroes

11/23/2011

New in 2011, the Wheeling Nailers, AA Affiliate for the Pittsburgh Penguins and Montreal Canadiens, are excited to launch an initiative aimed at recognizing those in the community that go above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of others. These "Everyday Heroes" might be your neighbor, your teacher, or a family member. Day in and day out, they strive to make the community a better place; knowing that a little can mean a whole lot.

There is no true definition of an Everyday Hero, but you know when you are lucky enough to have one in your life. This person might volunteer their free time to a soup kitchen, an animal shelter, or homeless shelter. They might work around the clock as a firefighter, an EMT, or a police officer, ensuring the safety of all. They might take care of an elderly parent or a small child because nobody else can. What separates everyday heroes from ordinary people is their selflessness and the sacrifices they make for something bigger than oneself.

The Nailers are dedicated to the Greater Wheeling area and are focusing their efforts on programs that assist in the development of the community and its youth, using the sport of hockey to touch as many lives as possible. The Wheeling Nailers will be recognizing three everyday heroes in the community. You can submit yourself as a candidate, or you can submit someone that you believe deserves the credit for all of the hard work they put in on a daily basis. It's up to you.

Everyday heroes winners will be honored with a prize pack that the Nailers believe is worthy of all that person does, and one that aims to spread the act of giving back to the community.

Honorees will receive:
- 10 tickets good for any game during the 2011-2012 Nailers season
- Wheeling Nailers Autograph Stick
- Wheeling Nailers Merchandise
- Dinner for two at River City
- On-Ice Recognition
- Sit on Nailers bench during pre-game warm-ups (good for two)
- Two seats in sky box for Everyday Hero game

The Nailers will be honoring Everyday Heroes three times this season, starting with the December 10th game against the Trenton Titans at 7:35. Winners will be notified one week prior to the game night when they will be honored.

Other Everyday Hero Nights will take place on:
-Friday, February 10th vs. Toledo Walleye
-Friday, March 23rd vs. Cincinnati Cyclones

There are three ways to submit your story for yourself or someone you know:
- Become a friend of the Nailers on Facebook, and send a message with your name, phone number, and email address, as well as the reason you or someone you know should be recognized as an Everyday Hero. If you are submitting on someone else's behalf, please include their name, phone number, and email as well.
- Send an email to frontoffice@wheelingnailers.com with all of the same information listed above
- Print out the official submission form which can be found online at www.wheelingnailers.com in the "community" section, and mail it to
Wheeling Nailers
Attn: Everyday Heroes
1315 Main Street
Wheeling, WV, 26003

All finalists may be asked to give at least two references, and additional information can be requested at the discretion of the Wheeling Nailers. Also note, if you are not selected for one month, you may resubmit in the following months, but your application will not automatically roll over from one month to the next.

The Wheeling Nailers look forward to your participation in this exciting new initiative, and can't wait to learn more about some of the Everyday Heroes among us!

The Nailers return to the ice on Thanksgiving Day when they travel to Duluth, Georgia to battle the Gladiators.Catch the game live on RTV 9 and the MIX 97.3FM.

Nailers Announce Two New Promotions

11/23/2011

The Wheeling Nailers, AA Affiliate for the Pittsburgh Penguins and Montreal Canadiens, are excited to announce a pair of promotions that will take place during the weekend of December 9th-11th, when the team plays two home games at WesBanco Arena.

The first promotion is the Wheeling Soup Kitchen Food Drive, which will take place on both Friday, December 9th and Saturday, December 10th. The Nailers and the Wheeling Soup Kitchen are partnering to assist in raising money, as well as food donations. All fans that bring in a bag of food to the donation table in the main concourse at either game will receive a special gift from the Nailers. In addition, five dollars from each ticket sold by the Wheeling Soup Kitchen will go back to their organization.

The second promotion is the first annual Nailers Wing Fest, which will take place on Friday, December 9th. Starting at 6:30, and running until the end of the first intermission, fans will be able to sample wings from local participating restaurants. After sampling the wings, fans will have the opportunity to vote on the most popular wings, the hottest wings, and the most unique wings. One wing ticket only costs one dollar, and is good for three wings at one restaurant's table. Also, during the first intermission of the game, there will also be a wing eating contest, in which the winner will receive prizes from all participating restaurants.

As always, because the December 9th game takes place on a Friday, it will be a Frosty Friday, in which fans can purchase discounted beverages up until the end of the first intermission.

The Nailers return to the ice on Thanksgiving Day when they travel to Duluth, Georgia to battle the Gladiators.Catch the game live on RTV 9 and the MIX 97.3FM.

Barton Named Player of the Week

11/22/2011

WHEELING,WV - The Wheeling Nailers, AA affiliate for the Pittsburgh Penguins and Montreal Canadiens, are excited to announce that Chris Barton has been named the Sher-Wood Hockey ECHL Player of the Week for Nov. 14-20, becoming the first Nailer to take home the honor during the 2011-12 season.

In three games last week for the Nailers, Barton, 24, netted four goals, and added two assists, while also posting a plus-4 rating, as Wheeling picked up two wins against Elmira and Trenton.

Barton's week began on Tuesday against Elmira, when he scored two of his goals, and also picked up an assist on Cody Chupp's winning goal, helping the Nailers to a 5-3 victory over Elmira. On Friday, Barton continued his success, recording one goal and one assist in Friday's 3-2 overtime win over Trenton. The goal came with 1:55 left in the second period, to tie the game at two, and ultimately force overtime. Finally, on Sunday, Barton lit the lamp one more time in a 3-2 setback against the Titans.

A native of Calgary, Alberta, Barton is tied for second in the ECHL with 11 goals and is fourth with 20 points. He also leads all rookies in points and goals, and is tied for third among rookies with nine assists. Barton is currently on a nine-game point streak, the second longest in the ECHL this season, during which he has recorded 17 of his 20 points.

Prior to this season, Barton played in 141 career games at Merrimack College, where he scored 48 goals and 71 assists for 119 points. He also skated in one game in the AHL for the Bridgeport Sound Tigers last season.

On behalf of Chris Barton, a case of pucks will be donated to a Wheeling youth hockey organization by Sher-Wood Hockey, the exclusive puck supplier of the ECHL. Since beginning its sponsorship of the award in 2000-01, Sher-Wood Hockey has donated more than 25,000 pucks to youth hockey organizations in ECHL cities.

The Nailers return to the ice on Thanksgiving Day when they travel to Duluth, Georgia to battle the Gladiators.Catch the game live on RTV 9 and the MIX 97.3FM.

The team will return to WesBanco Arena on Friday December 3rd when they battle the Trenton Titans. The first 2,000 fans will receive a free team poster courtesy of WesBanco Bank, The McLure Hotel, Generations Pub, and Panhandle Cleaning. Following the game, the entire Nailers team will be signing autographs for fans.For tickets call the Nailers office at 304-234-GOAL or online at shop.wheelingnailers.com. Fans can now order game tickets on their smart phone at m.wheelingnailers.com.

Nailers Week In Review

11/21/2011

Last Week
Tue. 11/15 - Elmira Jackals 3 @ WHEELING NAILERS 5
Fri. 11/18 - Trenton Titans 2 @ WHEELING NAILERS 3 (OT)
Sun. 11/20 - Trenton Titans 3 @ WHEELING NAILERS 2

The Wheeling Nailers took the ice three times this past week, and came away with four out of six possible points, as they posted a 2-1 record against the Elmira Jackals and Trenton Titans.

The week began on Tuesday, when the Nailers took on the Elmira Jackals in the lone morning game of the year at WesBanco Arena. After falling behind 1-0, Tuesday's game became a special one for a certain player, as Ben Farrer tied the score with his first professional goal. In the second period, Wheeling broke out to a 3-1 lead, as Chris Barton and Christiaan Minella scored 21 seconds apart. Maxime Gratchev brought Elmira within one at the four-second mark of the third, before Cody Chupp answered, as the Nailers regained their two-goal edge. Kyle Reeds followed by making it a 4-3 score for the Jackals, but the visitors couldn't get any closer, as Barton iced the game with an empty netter. Patrick Killeen made 32 saves in the victory, defeating Timo Pielmeier, who stopped 31.

On Friday, the Nailers continued their winning ways, as they played host to the Trenton Titans at Cambria County War Memorial Arena in Johnstown. Peter Lenes put the Titans ahead with a power play goal in the first, but the Nailers answered quickly on Paul Crowder's deflection goal 1:32 later. Trenton regained the lead 4:36 into the second on Andy Bohmbach's power play tally, but once again, Wheeling responded, as Chris Barton lit the lamp with 1:55 left in the frame. After a scoreless third period, Ben Farrer provided the heroics, netting the overtime winner with 51 seconds to play. Farrer's second goal in as many games made a winner out of Peter Delmas, who turned aside 27 shots. Dave Caruso took the loss, despite a 38-save effort.

Unfortunately, the Nailers were unable to make it a perfect week, as the Titans exacted revenge on Sunday. Wheeling started the scoring late in the first period, as Ben Farrer produced his third marker of the week. Late in the second period, Trenton evened the score, as Rob Bordson connected on a 2-on-1 with Chase Langeraap. Those two hooked up again in the third, this time with Langeraap getting the goal, as the Titans took the lead. However, Chris Barton had an answer, tying the game 1:09 later on his 11th goal of the season. With 4:15 left in regulation, Adam Presizniuk broke the deadlock, giving Trenton their first win against the Nailers in four tries this season. Brad Phillips made 31 saves for the win, defeating Patrick Killeen, who turned away 11.

Notable Statistics
- Chris Barton has at least one point in nine straight games, and 11 of 13 games on the season.
- Peter Delmas has won four of five decisions this season, and has allowed two-or-fewer goals in five of six appearances.
- Ben Farrer has one goal in each of the last three games - the first three tallies of his professional career.
- Peter Merth has assisted on each of the last three Nailers goals, earning his first three points of the season.
- The Nailers have outshot the opposition in all 13 games this season.

This Week
Thu. 11/24 - WHEELING NAILERS @ Gwinnett Gladiators 7:05 PM at Gwinnett Center
Fri. 11/25 - WHEELING NAILERS @ Gwinnett Gladiators 6:05 PM at Gwinnett Center

This week, the Nailers will play a pair of games in Georgia, as they will face the Gwinnett Gladiators on Thursday and Friday. Wheeling and Gwinnett have met once thus far this season, with the Nailers picking up a 3-2 overtime win back on October 28th. The two sides alternated goals throughout the contest, with Chris Kushneriuk, Andrew Hotham, and Zack Torquato scoring for Wheeling, while Corey Fienhage and Chris Clackson scored for Gwinnett. The Gladiators enter this week with an 8-5-2-2 record, which is good for 20 points, and a second place ranking behind the South Carolina Stingrays in the South Division. After going unbeaten in regulation in five straight games, Gwinnett lost two straight tilts in regulation against South Carolina this past weekend at North Charleston Coliseum. The Gladiators are led offensively by former Nailer Joey Haddad, who has seven goals, nine assists, and 16 points in 17 games. In goal, Marc Cheverie and Jeff Jakaitis are both on recall, leaving the crease to Billy Sauer, who is 1-3.

Atlantic Division Standings
1- WHEELING NAILERS 9-4-0-0, 18 pts
2- Reading Royals 7-7-1-1, 16 pts
3- Elmira Jackals 7-8-0-0, 14 pts
4- Trenton Titans 5-9-1-0, 11 pts

Titans Edge Nailers, 3-2

11/20/2011

JOHNSTOWN, PA- For the first time in four meetings this season, the Trenton Titans got the best of the Wheeling Nailers. Adam Presizniuk broke a 2-2 tie with 4:15 left in the third period, lifting the Titans to a 3-2 win at Cambria County War Memorial Arena.

With 3:38 remaining in the first period, the Nailers started the scoring. Denver Manderson took the puck behind the net, and fed a pass to Ben Farrer at the bottom of the left circle. Farrer found room on Brad Phillips' short side, lighting the lamp for the third time in as many games.

Late in the second period, the Titans evened the score. Chase Langeraap got a step on his man at center ice, and skated into the offensive zone on a 2-on-1 rush. He then slipped a pass through the slot to Rob Bordson on the right side of the crease. Bordson deposited his shot past a sliding Patrick Killeen, sending the game into the third period tied at one.

At the 4:39 mark of the third period, Trenton took the lead. Rob Bordson turned and fired a shot that got deflected on goal by Chase Langeraap. Patrick Killeen made the initial stop on Langeraap's tip, but the Titans' forward was quick to pounce on the rebound, putting his team ahead. The lead last for just 1:09, as the Nailers answered. Chris Barton took a feed from Peter Merth, and wired in a wrist shot from the left circle for his 11th goal of the season. Barton now has at least one point in nine straight games.

Unfortunately for the host Nailers, the game did not go their way, as the Titans picked up the go-ahead goal with 4:15 remaining in regulation. Dustin Cameron's wraparound shot got blocked, but the rebound kicked out to Adam Presizniuk, who deposited a backhander for a 3-2 Trenton win.

Brad Phillips played a strong game in goal for Trenton, stopping 29 of the 31 shots he faced for the win. Patrick Killeen took the loss for the Nailers, making 11 saves on 14 shots.

Nailers Edge Titans, 3-2 in Overtime

11/18/2011

JOHNSTOWN, PA- For the second time this season, the Nailers went to overtime, and for the second time this season, they came out on top. Ben Farrer's second tally of the season lifted the Nailers to a 3-2 victory over the Trenton Titans in front of 2,653 fans at Cambria County War Memorial Arena.

The two teams exchanged goals in a span of 1:32 in the opening period. The first goal was scored by the visitng Titans, as Adam Presizniuk set up Peter Lenes, who drilled in a one-timer from the right side of the slot. Lenes' goal came while Trenton was playing on the power play. Shortly after that, the Nailers answered. Chris Barton twirled a shot towards the goal from the right circle that got deflected in by Paul Crowder for his fourth tally of the season.

The second period followed a similar script to the first, with the exception of significantly more time between goals. Once again, the Titans took the lead with the first tally of the frame. Randy Rowe found Andy Bohmbach in the right circle, and despite having little room to work with, Bohmbach was able to lift a shot over Peter Delmas' glove. Later in the frame, Paul Crowder won a face-off back to Scooter Vaughan at the right point. Vaughan took a shot that got deflected down and in by Chris Barton, who became the third player in the league to reach the ten-goal plateau this season.

After a scoreless third period, the game headed to overtime. With 51 seconds left in the extra session, the Nailers came out victorious. Ben Farrer's wrist shot from the left side beat Dave Caruso, and gave the Nailers their second overtime win of the year.

Peter Delmas picked up the win in goal for the Nailers, turning aside 24 of the 26 shots he faced. Dave Caruso took the overtime loss for the Titans, making 34 saves on 37 shots.

The Nailers next home game will be Sunday afternoon in Johnstown whern they host the Trenton Titans. Face-off is set for 4:05PM. Fans will be able to skate with the team following the game.For tickets call the Nailers office at 800-745-3000.

Nailers' Report Card Reads "W" in Tuesday Morning Contest

11/15/2011

WHEELING, WV- Tuesday's game was an early start between the Wheeling Nailers and Elmira Jackals, and with lots of youngsters in attendance, the host Nailers brought attendance into an already jumping WesBanco Arena. Wheeling scored twice in a span of 21 seconds in the middle period, and ended up beating the Jackals, 5-3 in front of 3,865.

The Jackals opened the scoring midway through the first period, while playing with a two-man advantage. The visitors moved the puck around from Riley Armstrong to Craig Rivet, who set up Mario Larocque at the right point. The former Wheeling blueliner hammered a shot through for the power play tally. Late in the period, the Nailers evened the score. Zack Torquato centered a pass to Ben Farrer, who drilled in a one-timer from the left circle.

In the second period, the Nailers grabbed the lead, scoring two goals in a span of 21 seconds. The first goal came off of Chris Barton's stick, as he took a feed from Cody Chupp, and ripped a wrist shot high over Timo Pielmeier's glove for his team-leading eighth marker of the season. Shortly after that, newcomer Scooter Vaughan took a wrist shot from the left point that got deflected through and into the net by Christiaan Minella.

Just four seconds into the third period, the Jackals got within one, as Riley Armstrong sent Maxime Gratchev in alone, and Gratchev sniped his shot just underneath the crossbar. 2:14 later, Wheeling answered. Paul Crowder fed a pass to Cody Chupp in the right circle, and Chupp beat Pielmeier on his stick side. Kyle Reeds' rebound goal brought Elmira within one with 11:58 to go, but Chris Barton iced the win for the home team with an empty net tally in the final minute.

Patrick Killeen made 32 saves on 35 shots in the victory for the Nailers, defeating Timo Pielmeier, who stopped 31 of 35 shots for the Jackals.

The Nailers next home game will be Friday night in Johnstown whern they host the Trenton Titans. Face-off is set for 7:35PM. For tickets call the Nailers office at 304-234-GOAL.

Crowder Keys Three-Goal 3rd in Nailers Victory

11/12/2011

ESTERO, FL- The Wheeling Nailers saved their best for last in the final game of a three-game series against the Florida Everblades. With the score tied at one at the end of two periods of play, the visiting Nailers exploded for three in the third, as they picked up a 4-1 victory in front of 5,118 fans at Germain Arena.

After a scoreless first period, the Everblades got on the scoreboard first at the 1:41 mark of the second. Scott Fletcher sent a shot towards the goal from the right circle. His shot was stopped by Peter Delmas, but the rebound kicked out to Trevor Bruess, who tapped a pass over to Rylan Galiardi for a tap-in on the left side of the crease. With 2:35 remaining in the frame, the Nailers evened the score. Cody Chupp got a step on his defender on the left side of the ice, cut to the middle, and slid a shot in past John Muse for the equalizer.

Entering the third period tied at one, Wheeling took control. At the 7:38 mark, Chris Barton set up Paul Crowder, who lifted a wrist shot in from the left side of the crease. Later in the frame, the Nailers doubled their lead. Matt Lombardi fired a shot wide of the net, but the rebound bounced out to Andrew Hotham, who banked a shot in off of Muse from the bottom of the right circle. Chris Barton provided the exclamation point with an empty net goal with eight seconds left, as he, Hotham, and Crowder all enjoyed multi-point nights.

Peter Delmas snagged the win for the Nailers, denying 16 of the 17 shots he faced. John Muse suffered the loss for the Everblades, despite making 41 saves on 44 shots.

Hutchings' Hat Trick Leads Everblades Past Nailers

11/11/2011

ESTERO, FL- Alex Hutchings' hat trick led an offensive attack for the Florida Everblades, that saw them find the back of the twine seven times on Friday night. Nick Plastino and Cody Chupp scored for the Wheeling Nailers, who fell 7-2 in front of 4,122 fans at Germain Arena.

The Everblades opened the scoring at the 11:45 mark of the first period. The puck found its way to David Rutherford, who backhanded a shot through Patrick Killeen from low in the slot. 5:02 later, Florida added to the lead. Philip-Michael Devos chipped the puck ahead to Robby Dee, who ripped a wrist shot past Killeen, while gliding down the left side of the ice. With 1:23 left in the period, the Nailers got on the scoreboard with a power play goal. Nick Plastino sent a shot through a screen, beating John Muse for his fourth tally of the season, assisted by Paul Crowder and Chris Barton.

Both teams exchanged goals early in the second period. 33 seconds in, Patrick Killeen made a splendid stop off of a cross-ice pass. However, the rebound kicked out to Alex Hutchings, who buried a shot, before the Nailers could recover. A little less than two minutes later, Wheeling answered. Chris Barton sent the puck into the middle of the ice for Cody Chupp, who picked the top corner over John Muse's glove. The Nailers trailed by one until the 11:08 mark of the frame, when the home team added to the lead. Leigh Salters started in on the right side, before hesitating his way over to the left. With Killeen moving from side to side, Salters found an opening up top, putting Florida ahead 4-2 after two.

The Everblades iced their victory in the third, lighting the lamp three times. Alex Hutchings had two of the goals, completing his hat trick, while Matt Beca had the other, taking advantage of the rebound of Leigh Salters' initial shot.

John Muse earned the win for Florida, stopping 32 of the 34 shots he faced. Patrick Killeen was saddled with the loss for Wheeling, allowing seven goals on 23 shots.

The Nailers return to WesBanco Arena for an 11:05 face-off on November 15th against the Elmira Jackals for a Business Person special. Tickets start at just $10 per seat. For more information or to order tickets call 304-234-GOAL or online at shop.wheelingnailers.com. Order tickets on your smartphone at m.wheelingnailers.com

Four-Goal First Lifts Everblades Past Nailers

11/9/2011

ESTERO, FL- The Wheeling Nailers limited the Florida Everblades to just 16 shots on goal in Wednesday night's contest, but the Everblades were able to capitalize on their limited chances. Florida lit the lamp four times in a span of 6:30 in the first period, and proceeded to defeat Wheeling 4-1 in front of 3,546 fans at Germain Arena.

Playing in their first home game since October 15th, the Everblades came out flying in the first period, jumping out to a 4-0 lead with four goals in a span of 6:30. Florida's first goal was a deflection by Luc Tardif, as he knocked David Rutherford's centering feed over Peter Delmas' glove. 3:22 later, Leigh Salters skated down the left side, and beat Delmas with a wrist shot from the left circle. 1:07 after that, Trevor Bruess added to the scoring, lifting in a backhander from the slot. Chris Murray completed the first period scoring, connecting on a wrist shot from the right point, with his team playing on the power play.

In the second period, the Nailers got one goal back. Olivier Dame-Malka took a shot from the left point that got deflected in front by both Patrick Johnson and Chris Barton. Barton's tip ended up changing the direction of the shot enough, as the puck went trickling through John Muse's legs.

Neither team could find the twine in the third period, as the Everblades skated away with the 4-1 victory.

John Muse earned the win in goal for Florida, stopping 27 of the 28 shots he faced. Peter Delmas took the loss for Wheeling, after allowing four goals on eleven shots in the opening period. Patrick Killeen only needed to steer away five shots in the final two frames, as he received a no-decision.

The Nailers return to WesBanco Arena on Tuesday November 15th for their annual Youth Education Day and Business Person Special. Seats start at just $10. For more information or to order tickets call 304-234-GOAL or online at shop.wheelingnailers.com. You can order tickets on your smartphone by visiting m.wheelingnailers.com

Nailers Announce Roster Moves

11/9/2011

The Wheeling Nailers, ECHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins and Montreal Canadiens, announced today that forward Matt Rust has been signed by the team. In addition, left winger Ryan Schnell has been loaned to the team from the Wilkes-Barre / Scranton Penguins of the American Hockey League.

Rust, 22, was signed to an ATO by Wilkes-Barre/Scranton on October 11 and appeared in two games. A rookie this season, the 5’ 10”, 194-lb center totaled 41 goals and 70 assists in 164 games over a four-year career at the University of Michigan.

Schnell skated in three games with the WBS Penguins, amassing six penalty minutes. The 22-year old third-year pro has played 96 games with the Nailers over the past two seasons, totaling five goals, six assists and 331 PIM.

The Nailers battle the Florida Everblades tonight at 7:30 PM. Catch all the action on RTV 9 or the MIX 97.3 FM. The Nailers return to WesBanco Arena on Tuesday November 15th for their annual Youth Education Day and Business Person Special. Seats start at just $10. For more information or to order tickets call 304-234-GOAL or online at shop.wheelingnailers.com. You can order tickets on your smartphone by visiting m.wheelingnailers.com

Penguins Return Forward Chupp to Nailers

11/8/2011

The Wheeling Nailers, ECHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins and Montreal Canadiens, announced today that forward Cody Chupp has been returned to the team from the Wilkes-Barre / Scranton Penguins (AHL).

In his second year as a professional, Chupp posted two assists in six games for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. The Big Rapids, MI native played with the Texas Stars in 2010-11, registering 14 points (5g-9a) in 58 games.

The Nailers will now play three straight games on the road against the Florida Everblades on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday this week. Catch all the action Live on RTV 9 or on the MIX 97.3FM. The Nailers return to WesBanco Arena for an 11:05 face-off on November 15th against the Elmira Jackals for a Business Person special. Tickets start at just $10 per seat. For more information or to order tickets call 304-234-GOAL or online at shop.wheelingnailers.com. Order tickets on your smartphone at m.wheelingnailers.com.

Nailers Week in Review for Nov 4 & 5

11/7/2011

Last Week
Fri. 11/4 - Kalamazoo Wings 6 @ WHEELING NAILERS 5
Sat. 11/5 - WHEELING NAILERS 5 @ Trenton Titans 1

Wheeling Nailers' shooters saw lots of red lights this past weekend, as they found the back of the net ten times in two games. Wheeling's record for the week was 1-1, as they fell 6-5 to the Kalamazoo Wings on Friday, before rebounding for a 5-1 road win against the Trenton Titans on Saturday.

Friday night's playoff rematch with the Wings was the highest scoring game of the young season, as the two teams combined for eleven goals. The first two minutes of the contest gave fans a hint of what they were in for, as the two sides exchanged goals by Dean Strong and Nick Plastino. Kalamazoo built a 3-1 lead midway through the first period, before Zack Torquato brought the Nailers back within one. The second period was all about the Wings' power play, as they found the twine three times, while allowing a shorthanded goal to Denver Manderson - the first goal of Manderson's professional career. Trailing by three, Wheeling battled hard in the third, as Nick Plastino and Mickael Bedard cut the deficit to 6-5 with 10:02 remaining. Unfortunately, the Nailers were unable to get the equalizer, and Kalamazoo escaped with the 6-5 win. Riley Gill defeated Patrick Killeen in goal.

On Saturday night, the Nailers wasted little time in putting Friday night behind them, as they jumped out to a 2-0 advantage in the first 2:02 of their tilt with the Titans. Patrick Johnson and Zack Torquato potted the two goals to put their side on top. Paul Crowder added to the lead in the second period, before Olivier Dame-Malka's first professional goal and Denver Manderson's second goal in as many nights iced the victory for visiting Wheeling. Denny Kearney broke up the shutout bid with one minute remaining, in an otherwise stellar night in goal for Peter Delmas, who stopped 23 of 24 shots for his second win of the campaign. Brad Phillips took the loss for Trenton.

Notable Statistics
- Olivier Dame-Malka and Denver Manderson both netted their first professional goals.
- Peter Delmas stopped 32 of 33 shots in 80 minutes of action this weekend, bringing his season totals to 2-0, 1.25 GAA, .946 Sv%.
- With points in both games this weekend, Patrick Johnson (3g, 6a), Matt Lombardi (4g, 4a), and Zach Hansen (0g, 9a) have all recorded at least one point in six of the team's seven games this season.
- The Nailers have outshot the opposition in all seven games this season, and have registered at least 30 shots on goal in six of the seven contests.
- Denver Manderson's shorthanded goal on Friday was Wheeling's third of the season, which is tied for the league lead. It was also the second time this season that a Nailer scored shorthanded for his first career goal (Plastino on 10/14 at GRN).

This Week
Wed. 11/9 - WHEELING NAILERS @ Florida Everblades 7:30 PM at Germain Arena
Fri. 11/11 - WHEELING NAILERS @ Florida Everblades 7:30 PM at Germain Arena
Sat. 11/12 - WHEELING NAILERS @ Florida Everblades 7:00 PM at Germain Arena

This week, the Nailers will take the ice three times, with all three games taking place on the road against the Florida Everblades. After opening the season with a 3-2 victory over Gwinnett, the Everblades fell into a rut, dropping seven of their next eight contests. Last weekend, Florida began to turn the ship around, picking up back-to-back wins at South Carolina and Greenville, as they concluded their nine-game road trip. Wednesday night will be the Everblades' first home game since October 15th, when they were edged 2-1 in a shootout by Gwinnett. Offensively, Florida is led by Alex Hutchings, as well as reigning QMJHL scoring champion Philip-Michael Devos, who each have four goals and nine points. Chris Murray leads the Everblades' blueline with nine points, registering two goals and seven assists. Pat Nagle, John Muse, and Scott Darling have all appeared in goal for Florida. Nagle has seen the most action, going 2-4, with a 4.22 GAA, and an .840 Sv%, while Muse has posted the more impressive numbers, going 2-1-1, with a 1.72 GAA, and a .940 Sv%.

Atlantic Division Standings
1- WHEELING NAILERS 6-1-0-0, 12 pts
2- Reading Royals 5-4-1-0, 11 pts
3- Elmira Jackals 4-4-0-0, 8 pts
4- Trenton Titans 2-7-0-0, 4 pts

Delmas, Nailers Bounce Titans, 5-1

11/5/2011

TRENTON, NJ- Peter Delmas came just one minute away from shutting out the Trenton Titans, but ended up helping his team to the two points just the same. Delmas made 23 saves, and five different Nailers found the back of the net, as Wheeling defeated Trenton 5-1 in front of 2,382 fans at Sun National Bank Center on Saturday night.

The Nailers came out flying in the first period, scoring twice in the first 2:02 of play. At the 52-second mark, Tim Crowder won a face-off back to Tim Priamo, who took a shot on goal from the point. Brad Phillips made the save on the initial shot, but Patrick Johnson gobbled up the rebound on the right side of the crease, and lifted it into the top part of the net. 1:10 later, Wheeling added to the lead. Zach Hansen found Zack Torquato in the left circle, and Torquato proceeded to rip a wrist shot underneath the crossbar and in for a 2-0 advantage on the scoreboard.

Wheeling added to the lead with one goal in the second period. Chris Barton steered the puck around the boards to Nick Plastino for a shot from the left point. Plastino's shot was stopped, but the rebound kicked out to Paul Crowder, who capitalized by flipping a shot over Phillips' glove.

In the third period, the Nailers put two more goals on the board, as they extended their lead. The first goal came off of Olivier Dame-Malka's stick, as he sent a fluttering shot through from the left point. 1:07 later, Denver Manderson got into the act, deflecting in Zach Hansen's shot from the right point. Denny Kearney broke the shutout bid with one minute remaining for the Titans, but that was a mere blemish on a 5-1 victory for the Nailers.

Peter Delmas earned his second win of the year for Wheeling, stopping 23 of the 24 shots he faced. Brad Phillips took the loss for Trenton, allowing five goals on 30 shots.

The Nailers will now play three straight games on the road against the Florida Everblades on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, before returning home to WesBanco Arena for an 11:05 face-off on November 15th against the Elmira Jackals.

Wings Edge Nailers 6-5

11/4/2011

WHEELING, WV- The Kalamazoo Wings earned nine power plays on Friday night, and took advantage of the chances, capitalizing four times. Those tallies helped the visitors hold off the Wheeling Nailers, as the home team suffered its first setback of the season, 6-5, in front of 2,686 fans at WesBanco Arena.

Offense was the name of the game in the first period, as the two teams combined to light the lamp five times. Dean Strong opened the scoring 1:17 into the game for the Wings, knocking in the rebound of Sam Ftorek's initial shot. The Nailers had an answer 28 seconds later. Chris Barton won an offensive zone face-off, and Olivier Dame-Malka set up Nick Plastino, who rifled in a slap shot from the point, beating Riley Gill stick side.

Later in the period, Kalamazoo scored twice in a matter of 13 seconds. While on the power play, Sam Ftorek netted the first goal, finishing off a cross-crease feed from Brandon Svendsen. The second tally came off the stick of Kory Karlander, who dribbled in the rebound of Darryl Bootland's initial shot. Wheeling was able to get back within one before the buzzer sounded, as Zack Torquato scored off the rebound of Zach Hansen's shot from the blueline.

The scoring continued in the second period, as the Wings extended their lead. Patrick Asselin scored Kalamazoo's fourth goal of the game, finishing off a very quick passing play with Trent Daavettila and Sam Ftorek, while the visitors were playing with a two-man advantage. Less than a minute later, the Nailers cut into the deficit, as Denver Manderson buried his first professional goal on a shorthanded breakaway.

Before the middle frame came to an end, Kalamazoo potted two more goals, with both coming on the power play. Brandon Svendson scored the first one, depositing Patrick Asselin's pass at the side of the crease. 30 seconds later, Trent Daavettila got into the act, deflecting in Asselin's initial shot on a rush into the offensive zone.

In the third period, the Nailers battled back, and ultimately got within a goal. Nick Plastino started the third period scoring by netting a wrist shot from the point for his second marker of the evening. Then, at the 9:58 mark of the stanza, Matt Lombardi backhanded the puck through the slot to Mickael Bedard, who tapped in a shot at the side of the crease. Unfortunately, Wheeling was unable to get any closer, as Kalamazoo escaped on top, 6-5.

Riley Gill got the win, stopping 28 of the 33 shots he faced for the Wings. Patrick Killeen took the loss for the Nailers, allowing six goals on 16 shots in two periods. Peter Delmas was perfect on nine shots in relief during the third period.

The Nailers will head to Trenton on Saturday for a 7:00 face-off against the Titans, opening up a four-game road trip. Wheeling's next home game takes place on November 15th at 11:05 against the Elmira Jackals.

Delmas Recalled to Hamilton

11/1/2011

The Wheeling Nailers, 'AA' Affiliate for the Pittsburgh Penguins and Montreal Canadiens, announced today that goaltender Peter Delmas has been recalled by the AHL's Hamilton Bulldogs.

Delmas, 21, has played in one game for the Nailers this season where he recorded a win while making 21 saves. Last season, the Bedford, Nova Scotia native played in two games with the Hamilton Bulldogs, posting a 1-0-1 record, a 1.92 goals against average and a .933 save percentage. In 24 games with the Nailers in 2010-2011, Delmas recorded 15 wins, 6 losses and 2 overtime losses, a 2.03 goals against average and a .928 save percentage.

In the ECHL’s 2011 Kelly Cup Playoffs, Delmas posted an 8-5-1 record, a 3.13 goals against average and a .903 save percentage playing in 15 of Wheeling’s 17 post-season games before the Nailers were eliminated in six games by the Kalamazoo Wings in the Eastern Conference Finals. The 6’2’’, 190-pound goaltender finished the playoffs ranked second in the league in playoff games (15) and saves (391), and third in wins (8).

The left-handed-catching netminder played in 149 career regular season games in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) between 2006 and 2010 with Lewiston MAINEiacs, Quebec Remparts and Halifax Mooseheads.

The Nailers return to WesBanco Arena this Friday night when they host the Kalamazoo Wings. Face-off is set for 7:35pm. Friday night marks the return of Frosty Friday's. $1 drafts will be served untilt he end of the 1st intermission. For more information or to order tickets call 304-234-GOAL or 877-NAILTIX. Order tickets online at shop.wheelingnailers.com or on your smartphone at m.wheelingnailers.com.

Nailers Reach Win #800

10/31/2011

On Saturday night, the Wheeling Nailers made ECHL history, becoming the first franchise in the 24-year history of the league to reach 800 wins, as they defeated the Trenton Titans 6-4 at WesBanco Arena.

The ECHL began play in the fall of 1988, with five teams. One of those teams was the Carolina Thunderbirds, who won a thrilling seven-game series over the Johnstown Chiefs in the first ever Riley Cup Final. The following year, the Carolina Thunderbirds became the Winston-Salem Thunderbirds, which lasted for three seasons. During their time in Carolina/Winston-Salem, the Thunderbirds posted a 121-113-14 record.

In the summer of 1992, the Thunderbirds relocated to Wheeling, and had immediate success, going 40-16-8 during their first season in the Ohio Valley. The Thunderbirds name lasted for a total of four seasons in Wheeling, before the Nailers we know today were introduced. Since the 93 wins by the Wheeling Thunderbirds, the Nailers have won 586 times in 15-plus seasons, including five in their first five games this season.

In honor of the franchise's 800th win, the Nailers will be celebrating this coming Friday night, when they welcome the Kalamazoo Wings to town. The 800th fan to enter the gates at WesBanco Arena will win the following items:
- Upgraded seats to a skybox for Friday night's game
- A gift certificate to the concession stand for Friday night's game
- "The Ultimate Hockey Experience" for a game of their choice, which includes a free dinner for two prior to the game at River City Ale Works, two seats on the bench during warmups, one period in the penalty box, and two seats in a sky box for the game, subject to availability.

For more information, or to order tickets to upcoming Nailers home games call 304-234-GOAL or 877-NAIL.TIX. Order tickets online at shop.wheelingnailers.com or on your smartphone at m.wheelingnailers.com.

Nailers Week in Review for Oct 28 & 29

10/30/2011

Last Week
Fri. 10/28 - Gwinnett Gladiators 2 @ WHEELING NAILERS 3 (OT)
Sat. 10/29 - Trenton Titans 4 @ WHEELING NAILERS 6

Fans at WesBanco Arena were treated to a pair of victories this past weekend, as the Wheeling Nailers took care of business against the Gwinnett Gladiators and Trenton Titans.

On Friday night, the Nailers hosted the Gladiators, in a battle of division leaders. Chris Kushneriuk opened the scoring late in the first period, deflecting in Olivier Dame-Malka's shot from the left point for his first goal of the season. Corey Fienhage evened the score early in the second with a shorthanded goal, before Andrew Hotham regained the lead for Wheeling with his first professional goal. Chris Clackson's goal for Gwinnett sent the tilt into overtime, but in the extra session, the Nailers had the final say. With 42 seconds left in overtime, Zack Torquato netted a power play goal, giving the home team the 3-2 victory. Peter Delmas picked up the win with 21 saves in his first start of the year.

Saturday night's game against the Titans had more of an offensive flavor, despite another 1-0 Wheeling lead after one period of play on Chris Barton's goal. Matt Lombardi extended the lead early in the second, before Trenton battled back with power play goals by Tyler Hostetter and Andy Bombach. Lombardi's second of the night put the Nailers back on top late in the middle frame, giving them momentum into the third. In the final stanza, Barton added two more tallies to the board, grabbing his first career hat trick, while giving his squad a 5-2 advantage. Jordan Pietrus brought the Titans within two, before Devin DiDiomete and Eric Baier exchanged markers in the final two minutes for the 6-4 final. Patrick Killeen notched his fourth win of the season, stopping 18 shots.

Notable Statistics
Chris Barton picked up the Nailers' first hat trick of the season with his three goals on Saturday night.
Andrew Hotham netted his first professional goal in the second period of Friday's game.
Olivier Dame-Malka (assist on Friday) and Joe Tolles (assist on Saturday) each recorded their first professional points this weekend.
Patrick Killeen improved his season record to 4-0 on Saturday, and has won six straight games, dating back to last season.
Zack Torquato, Patrick Johnson, Matt Lombardi, Zach Hansen, and Mickael Bedard all have points in four of Wheeling's five games.
The Nailers have outshot all five of their opponents this season, averaging 37.8 shots for and 20.6 shots against.
After starting the season 1-for-23 on the power play, the Nailers have scored on three of their five most recent opportunities, starting with Zack Torquato's overtime winner on Friday.

This Week
Fri. 11/4 - Kalamazoo Wings @ WHEELING NAILERS 7:35 PM at WesBanco Arena
Sat. 11/5 - WHEELING NAILERS @ Trenton Titans 7:00 PM at Sun National Bank Arena
The Nailers will conclude their four-game homestand on Friday night, when they welcome the Kalamazoo Wings to town for a rematch of last season's Eastern Conference Final. The Wings are off to a strong start this season, as they currently lead the North Division with four wins in their first five games. Kalamazoo has a perfect 3-0 record at home, and a 1-1 mark on the road, after splitting a pair of games in Chicago. Patrick Asselin (5g, 2a), Brandon Svendsen (4g, 3a), and Trent Daavettila (0g, 7a) have paced the Wings' offense with seven points each, while Sam Ftorek (0g, 5a) has chipped in with five points to lead their blueliners. Riley Gill has been the starting netminder in all five games for Kalamazoo, going 4-1, with a 2.60 GAA, and a .919 Sv%.

On Saturday night, Wheeling will play their first road game in three weeks, when they visit the Trenton Titans. This will be the second meeting in as many weeks for the Nailers and Titans, as Wheeling knocked off Trenton 6-4 this past Saturday at WesBanco Arena. The Titans have gotten off to a tough start this season, dropping six of their seven games, with the lone win coming on October 22nd against Florida. Despite the club's record, Randy Rowe (3g, 4a) and Dustin Cameron (1g, 6a) both have seven points for Trenton, while Andy Bombach is tied for the lead in the Eastern Conference with six goals. In goal, Dave Caruso is 1-3, with a 5.31 GAA, and an .828 Sv%, while Brad Phillips is 0-3, with a 3.40 GAA, and an .894 Sv%.

Atlantic Division Standings
1- WHEELING NAILERS 5-0-0-0, 10 pts
2- Reading Royals 3-3-1-0, 7 pts
3- Elmira Jackals 3-3-0-0, 6 pts
4- Trenton Titans 1-6-0-0, 2 pts

Barton's Trick is Treat on Halloween Night

10/29/2011

WHEELING, WV- Chris Barton gave the 2,260 fans in attendance at WesBanco Arena an early Halloween treat on Saturday night. The rookie forward found the back of the net three times, as the Wheeling Nailers held off the Trenton Titans 6-4, for their fifth consecutive victory.

With 6:38 remaining in the first period, the Nailers opened the scoring with a power play goal. Chris Barton took a feed from Patrick Johnson in the right circle. He then moved in toward the net, letting a shot go that beat Dave Caruso for a 1-0 lead. Wheeling extended their lead a little more than one minute into the second. Zack Torquato took a shot from the left side of the goal that ended up sitting against the post. Matt Lombardi noticed the loose puck, and took advantage, poking it through Caruso.

Trenton battled back to even the score at two, thanks to a pair of power play tallies. At the 5:41 mark, Tyler Hostetter pulled the puck out from behind the goal, cut toward the middle, and beat Patrick Killeen against the grain on his stick side. Less than five minutes later, Andy Bombach picked up the equalizer, finishing off a quick passing play from Dustin Cameron.

With 2:54 remaining in the middle frame, the Nailers regained their lead. Joe Tolles worked the puck along the blueline to Matt Lombardi in the middle. Despite being high in the zone, Lombardi let a hard wrist shot go, beating Caruso high over the blocker for his second goal of the night. For Tolles, the assist was his first professional point.

The Nailers added to their lead in the early stages of the third period. At the 6:58 mark, Chris Barton rifled home a slap shot from left circle for his second of the night. 3:06 later, Barton completed his hat trick on a power play, netting the rebound of Patrick Johnson's initial shot. Jordan Pietrus' one-time goal with 3:27 remaining brought the Titans within two, but that's as close as they got, as Wheeling's Devin DiDiomete and Trenton's Eric Baier exchanged goals in the final two minutes of the battle.

Patrick Killeen picked up his fourth straight win for the Nailers, making 18 saves on 22 shots. He defeated Dave Caruso, who allowed five goals on 23 shots for the Titans.

The Nailers will conclude their four-game homestand on Friday night, when they play host to the Kalamazoo Wings at 7:35.

Nailers Edge Gladiators in Overtime, 3-2

10/28/2011

WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers and Gwinnett Gladiators played a game on Friday night that needed a bit of extra time to be decided. When it was finally decided, it was the Nailers who came out victorious. 4:18 into overtime, Zack Torquato snapped home a power play goal, lifting his team to a 3-2 win in front of 2,034 excited fans at WesBanco Arena.

The first period of the game featured very few whistles, leading to a lot of open play. Late in the frame, the Nailers took one of those whistles to open the scoring. Wheeling was controlling the play, after an icing call forced the Gladiators into having tired players on the ice. Two shifts later, Christiaan Minella swung the puck around the left boards back to Olivier Dame-Malka at the left point. Dame-Malka sent a shot in toward the net that got deflected in by Chris Kushneriuk for his first tally of the season.

Early in the second period, the Gladiators evened the score. While playing shorthanded, Joey Haddad led an odd-man rush up the left side of the ice. As he got close to the goal, Haddad slipped a pass through the slot to Corey Fienhage, who tapped the puck in on the right side of the net. Later in the stanza, Wheeling regained the lead. After buzzing around the zone for a significant period of time, Matt Lombardi tossed a pass out to Andrew Hotham at the left point. Hotham kept his wrist shot along the ice, finding the twine through Marc Cheverie's pads for his first professional goal.

A little less than eight minutes into the third period, Gwinnett drew even once again. Shane Sims took a shot from the right point that got deflected down and into the goal by Chris Clackson. Clackson's first of the year ended up sending the two clubs into overtime.

3:45 into the extra session, Zach Hansen's rush toward the net forced a penalty against the Gladiators' Tyler Helfrich. On the ensuing power play, the Nailers cashed in, as Zack Torquato beat Cheverie with a wrist shot through the leg pads from the left face-off circle.

Torquato's first goal of the season made a winner out of Peter Delmas, who stopped 21 of the 23 shots he faced in his first start of the year for the Nailers. Marc Cheverie took the overtime loss for the Gladiators, making 33 saves on 36 shots.

The Nailers will continue their homestand on Saturday night at 7:35, when they play host to the Trenton Titans.

Nailers Sign Forward Devin DiDiomete

10/26/2011

The Wheeling Nailers, AA Affiliate for the Pittsburgh Penguins and Montreal Canadiens, are pleased to announce that they have signed forward Devin DiDiomete to an ECHL Standard Players Contract.

DiDiomete, 23, was originally drafted in the seventh round (187th overall) by the Calgary Flames in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft. After playing four years of junior hockey in the Ontario Hockey League with Sudbury and Sarnia, DiDiomete turned pro at the beginning of the 2008-09 season, signing on as a free agent with the New York Rangers.

The Stratford, ON native spent each of his first three seasons of professional hockey in the Rangers' organization, playing for the Hartford Wolf Pack, Connecticut Whale, and Charlotte Checkers. During those three years, DiDiomete accumulated 10 goals, 11 assists, 21 points, and 661 penalty minutes in 170 AHL games. In his 15 games with Charlotte, who was a member of the ECHL at the time, the 5-foot-11 forward recorded two goals, two assists, four points, and 128 penalty minutes.
Thus far this season, DiDiomete has appeared in two games with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, picking up two penalty minutes.

"Devin brings some sandpaper to our group along with some pretty good hands," said head coach Stan Drulia. "He plays with passion and energy, while bringing some experience to our young team," he said.

The Nailers will be home for a pair of games next weekend, when they welcome the Gwinnett Gladiators and Trenton Titans to town on Friday and Saturday night. Both games will begin at 7:35 at WesBanco Arena.

Nailers Week in Review for Oct 22

10/24/2011

Last Week
Sat. 10/22 - Elmira Jackals 2 @ WHEELING NAILERS 3

The Wheeling Nailers took the ice just once this past week, but made the most of that one game, as they defeated their new division rivals, the Elmira Jackals, 3-2 at WesBanco Arena. Although the final score was close, the Nailers controlled the pace of play during the contest, outshooting the Jackals, 56-20. Elmira opened the scoring on Jean Bourbeau's tally at the 4:24 mark of the first period, and extended that lead 1:22 into the second on a power play marker by Mike Ratchuk. The Nailers had a pair of answers in the middle stanza. Tim Priamo's first professional goal cut the Jackals' lead in half at the 3:45 mark, and 2:38 later, Mickael Bedard evened the score with his third goal of the season. The score stayed tied until the 2:12 mark of the third period, when Patrick Johnson's wrist shot slipped through Brian Stewart's legs and in, giving Wheeling a 3-2 lead. Patrick Killeen's 18 saves preserved the victory, as the Nailers rode the 3-2 score into the win column.

Notable Statistics
Paul Crowder and Zach Hansen both have at least one point in all three games thus far this season.
Tim Priamo netted his first professional goal to open the team's scoring on Saturday night.
Patrick Killeen improved his season record to 3-0, and has won five straight games, dating back to last season.
The Nailers have allowed 20 or fewer shots on goal in all three games that they have played.
Wheeling has outscored the opposition 10-1 this season when the teams are playing at even strength.

This Week
Fri. 10/27 - Gwinnett Gladiators @ WHEELING NAILERS 7:35 PM at WesBanco Arena
Sat. 10/28 - Trenton Titans @ WHEELING NAILERS 7:35 PM at WesBanco Arena

The Nailers' four-game homestand at WesBanco Arena continues this coming weekend, when Wheeling welcomes Gwinnett and Trenton to town for their first meetings of the season.

Friday night will be the lone visit of the season to West Virginia for the Gladiators, who are coached by former Wheeling assistant coach John Wroblewski. The Nailers and Gladiators will meet three times overall this season, with the other two matches taking place in Georgia on Thanksgiving weekend. Gwinnett currently has a 2-2-0-0 record, which is good for second place in the South Division. The Peach State's lone ECHL team began the season by splitting two-game weekends with Florida and Greenville. Offensively, Tyler Helfrich and Nikita Kashirsky lead the Gladiators with four points each, while Marc Cheverie and Jeff Jakaitis are both 1-1 between the pipes.

Saturday night will be the first of many visits to town for the Trenton Titans, who are now divisional rivals with the Nailers. Trenton comes into 2011-12 with a new look, as they switched affiliates from New Jersey to Philadelphia, while also changing their team name from "Devils" to "Titans." The Titans currently have a 1-3-0-0 record, which places them fourth in the Atlantic Division. Trenton was swept on opening weekend by Elmira 7-3 and 3-1, but split a pair of games this past weekend, knocking off Florida 8-5, before falling 3-0 to Cincinnati. Dustin Cameron leads the Titans with five points, while Andy Bohmbach has lit the lamp three times. Despite a 2.55 GAA, Brad Phillips is 0-2 in goal, while Dave Caruso is 1-1 with a GAA of 6.

The Gladiators and Titans will meet on Wednesday night at Sun Bank National Center.

Atlantic Division Standings
1- WHEELING NAILERS 3-0-0-0, 6 pts
2- Elmira Jackals 3-1-0-0, 6 pts
3- Reading Royals 2-1-1-0, 5 pts
4- Trenton Titans 1-3-0-0, 2 pts

Promotions
Saturday- Halloween Night

Nailers Treat Fans to Home Opening Victory

10/22/2011

WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers started their home season at WesBanco Arena on Saturday night, as they welcomed former head coach Pat Bingham and the Elmira Jackals to town. The Nailers fell behind 2-0, but battled back with goals by Tim Priamo, Mickael Bedard, and Patrick Johnson to send 3,855 fans home happy with a 3-2 victory.

The Nailers controlled the play in the first period, outshooting the Jackals, 22-5. However, Elmira scored the lone goal of the frame at the 4:24 mark. Martin Moucha received a pass from Mario Larocque, as he skated down the left side of the ice. Moucha then sent a pass through the slot to Jean Bourbeau, who slammed the puck into the bottom part of the net.

Early in the second period, the Jackals added to their lead, as Mike Ratchuk needed only five seconds of power play time to score with a wrist shot from the top of the left circle. After that, Wheeling took control for the second period in a row, outshooting Elmira, 19-6. Two of those 19 shots found the back of the twine, as the home team drew even. 3:45 into the frame, Chris Barton snapped a pass through the slot to Tim Priamo, who rifled home his first professional goal. 2:38 later, Zach Hansen carried the puck down the middle of the offensive zone, and tried a shot that got blocked. However, Mikael Bedard followed his teammate, picking the top corner of the goal with a shot over Brian Stewart's glove.

Less than three minutes into the third period, the Nailers broke the tie. Patrick Johnson took a drop pass from Zach Hansen, and slipped a wrist shot that Stewart got a piece of, before it trickled through his legs and in over the line. Wheeling continued to keep the pressure on Elmira in the third period, finishing the game with a 56-20 advantage in shots, while taking a 3-2 score into the win column.

Patrick Killeen won his third game in as many starts, denying 18 of the 20 shots he faced for the Nailers. The Jackals' Brian Stewart put forth a 53-save effort on the other side of the ice, but came up short.

The Nailers will be home for a pair of games next weekend, when they welcome the Gwinnett Gladiators and Trenton Titans to town on Friday and Saturday night. Both games will begin at 7:35 at WesBanco Arena.

Montreal Assigns Two to Nailers

10/18/2011

The Wheeling Nailers, AA Affiliate for the Pittsburgh Penguins and Montreal Canadiens, are pleased to announce the Montreal Canadiens have assigned two players from the Hamilton Bulldogs to the Nailers. The Nailers have received goaltender Peter Delmas and defenseman Olivier Dame-Malka effective immediately.

Delmas, 21, returns to the Nailers, after helping to lead the club to an appearance in the Eastern Conference Final last season. In 24 regular season games with Wheeling, Delmas posted a 15-6-2 record, a 2.03 GAA, and a .928 Sv%, before turning in an 8-6 performance in the Kelly Cup Playoffs. Prior to turning pro, the Bedford, NS native spent four years in the QMJHL, taking home a President's Cup in his rookie year with Lewiston.

Dame-Malka, 21, is currently playing in his first season of professional hockey, after spending four seasons in the QMJHL with Cape Breton, Acadie-Bathurst, and Lewiston. Last season with the MAINEiacs was his most productive season in junior hockey, as he recorded 16 goals, 39 assists, and 55 points in 64 regular season games. During the playoffs, Dame-Malka's offensive production continued, as he picked up 19 points in 15 games, including a four-goal game, which helped the team to a victory in the second round. The Montreal, PQ native has appeared in one game with the Hamilton Bulldogs this season.

Delmas and Dame-Malka will both join the Nailers this week, as the team prepares for the home opener on Saturday night against the Elmira Jackals.

The Nailers will now have four straight home games at WesBanco Arena, beginning on Saturday night at 7:35, when they face the division rival Elmira Jackals.

Nailers Week in Review for Oct 14 & 15

10/17/2011

The Wheeling Nailers started the 2011-12 season by making some noise in the state of South Carolina. The Nailers won both of their games over the weekend, smoking the Greenville Road Warriors 6-1 on Friday night, before continuing their strong play with a 4-1 win over the South Carolina Stingrays on Saturday.

On Friday, the Nailers had a rough first minute, as they took a minor penalty, which ultimately led to a power play goal. However, the final 59 minutes of the contest belonged to the visitors, as Wheeling scored the game's final six goals. Second year forward Mickael Bedard paced the offensive attack with a two-goal effort, while rookie defenseman Nick Plastino chipped in with a shorthanded goal and an assist. Plastino's goal was the first of his professional career, after spending the past four seasons in Italy. Patrick Killeen backstopped the victory, stopping 19 consecutive shots.

On Saturday, the strong play from the rookies continued, as Chris Barton recorded his first professional goal midway through the first period. South Carolina evened the score with a 5-on-3 goal at the 9:33 mark of the second, but the tie was short-lived, as the Nailers answered with two goals in 1:58. Barton's second goal of the contest (which came shorthanded) put Wheeling back on top, while Patrick Johnson's first career marker gave the visitors some insurance. With 5:14 remaining in the game, Matt Lombardi salted away the victory with the club's first power play goal of the campaign. Patrick Killeen made 17 saves for his second win in a row.

Key Performances:
23-F-Chris Barton: 2 goals (1 GWG), 2 points
12-F-Matt Lombardi: 2 goals, 2 points
19-F-Mickael Bedard: 2 goals, 2 points
10-F-Patrick Johnson: 1 goal, 1 assist, 2 points
8-D-Nick Plastino: 1 goal, 1 assist, 2 points
15-D-Zach Hansen: 2 assists, 2 points
1-G-Patrick Killeen: 2-0 record, 36 saves on 38 shots

Nailers Sweep Through South Carolina

10/15/2011

CHARLESTON, SC- The Wheeling Nailers made their lone trip to South Carolina count, sweeping through the Greenville Road Warriors and South Carolina Stingrays. On Saturday night, the rookies made their mark on the big stage, as Chris Barton scored twice, and Patrick Johnson tallied once, as the Nailers knocked off the Stingrays, 4-1 at the North Charleston Coliseum.

Midway through the opening stanza, the Nailers drew first blood. Chris Barton stole the puck away from a South Carolina defender back behind the net. He immediately brought the puck to the top of the crease, before sliding a backhand shot through Daren Machesney, who was caught off guard on the play.

The Stingrays evened the score at the 9:33 mark of the second period, while enjoying a two-man advantage. Chris Higgins had his initial shot from the left circle stopped. However, Patrick Killeen lost control of the rebound, allowing Matt Pope to pot the rebound. However, the tied score didn't last long, as Wheeling answered with a shorthanded goal 1:17 later. Chris Barton picked up a loose puck at center ice and was off to the races. Barton faked to the backhand, slipping a goal underneath Machesney's pads. A little less than two minutes after that, the Nailers doubled their lead. Ben Winnett dropped a pass off to Patrick Johnson, who skated deep into the slot, before snapping a wrist shot glove side on Machesney.

The third period was controlled by the visiting Nailers, who outshot South Carolina 16-3. One of those 16 shots found the back of the net, as Wheeling converted on the power play for the first time. Tim Crowder slid a pass through the slot to Matt Lombardi, who hammered a one-timer past Machesney for a 4-1 final score.

For the second night in a row, Patrick Killeen was the winning goaltender, as he stopped 17 of the 18 shots he faced for the Nailers. Daren Machesney took the loos for the Stingrays, making 30 saves on 34 shots.

The Nailers will now have four straight home games at WesBanco Arena, beginning on Saturday night at 7:35, when they face the division rival Elmira Jackals.

Nailers Open Season in Style

10/14/2011

GREENVILLE, SC- The 2011-12 season got off to a fantastic start for the Wheeling Nailers, as they visited the Greenville Road Warriors on Friday night. After surrendering the game's first goal in the first minute, Wheeling scored the next six, silencing the Bi-Lo Center crowd with a 6-1 thumping. Mickael Bedard tallied twice for the Nailers, while Patrick Killeen stopped 19 shots in the win.

In the first period, the Road Warriors jumped out to a quick lead, as the Nailers were assessed a penalty just 25 seconds into the contest. Greenville's Jeff Prough intercepted a pass in the middle of the offensive zone, before snapping a wrist shot against the grain on Wheeling netminder Patrick Killeen. The Nailers had a pair of answers for Greenville in the opening stanza, turning the 1-0 deficit into a 2-1 lead. Paul Crowder flipped what appeared to be an innocent shot on goal that was stopped by Jerry Kuhn. However, Kuhn's attempt to clear the puck deflected off of one of his defenseman, trickling into the net for the equalizer. A little more than four minutes later, Wheeling added their second goal of the frame. Christiaan Minella tried sending a pass through the middle that got blocked. However, the block ended up working to Minella's advantage, as he got the puck back, catching Kuhn off guard for the go-ahead tally.

The Nailers picked up right where they left off, netting a pair of goals in the second. Zack Torquato chipped the puck out of his own zone, creating a 2-on-1 rush with Matt Lombardi. Torquato ultimately tapped a pass through the defender to Lombardi, who skated in alone and beat Kuhn glove side. With 3:41 left in the period, Wheeling extended the lead to three. Zach Hansen sent a pass across the ice to Mickael Bedard, who put a wrist shot just underneath the crossbar and inside of the left post for a 4-1 lead at the intermission.

The visitors completed their victory in the third period. Mickael Bedard extended Wheeling's lead to four, when he finished off a quick passing play with Nick Plastino and Christiaan Minella. Finally, with 1:56 to go, Nick Plastino skated hard from his own end of the ice in on goal, where he faked to the backhand, and lifted a shot into the top part of the goal, giving the Nailers a 6-1 win. Patrick Killeen made 19 saves on 20 shots in the win for Wheeling, defeating Jerry Kuhn, who allowed six goals on 36 shots for Greenville.

The Nailers will play the second half of their road trip on Saturday against the South Carolina Stingrays at 7:05, before returning to WesBanco Arena for their home opener on October 22nd against the Elmira Jackals.

Paul Crowder Named Nailers Captain

10/14/2011

The Wheeling Nailers, the ECHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins and Montreal Canadiens, are proud to announce the 2011-12 team captains. Paul Crowder will wear the “C” as the team’s captain, while Peter Merth will wear the “A” as the alternate captain. A second alternate captain letter will rotate among other team leaders.

Crowder enters his forth season of professional hockey as the team’s oldest player at 26 years old. The Victoria, BC native played three seasons at the University of Alaska- Anchorage from 2006-09. During his final season with the UAA Seawolves, Paul served as one of the club's alternate captains. After finishing his collegiate career, Crowder joined the AHL's Hartford Wolf Pack, where he played in eleven games to conclude the 2008-09 campaign. He then returned with the Wolf Pack for then entire following season, appearing in 79 of the team’s 80 games. Last season, the 6-foot-3 forward started the season playing for the Utah Grizzlies of the ECHL, until being acquired by the Nailers (along with his brother Tim) right before the League’s trade deadline. Splitting time between the Nailers and Utah Grizzlies, Crowder scored 8 goals and 16 assists for 24 points in just 36 regular season games. Crowder would then go on to be the Nailers top scorer in the playoffs, leading the Nailers to the Eastern Conference Finals. During the Kelly Cup Playoffs, Crowder picked up 15 points in 17 postseason matches.

"It's a good opportunity to lead the team to a good year," said Crowder. "It brings a fresh look to the season," he said.

Merth, 24, enters his second season of professional hockey. Peter played in team high 69 (of 72) regular season games last season, and battled through injuries to play an important role in helping the team to the Conference Finals. Prior to turning pro, Merth spent four seasons at RPI from 2006-10. During his final two seasons with the RPI Red Hawks, Peter served as an alternate captain for the team.

"Paul and Peter are both quality human beings that the players look to as strong leaders," said head coach Stan Drulia. "We were impressed with both players last season, and are proud to give them this honor," he said.

Crowder and Merth will help to lead the 2011-12 Nailers onto the ice on tonight, as they open the season on the road against the Greenville Road Warriors. The match up features a rematch of last season’s Conference Semi Finals, when the Nailers knocked off top seeded Greenville in OT of Game 7 to win the series, 4 games to 3.

The Nailers kick off the 20th Season of Pro Hockey in Wheeling at home on October 22nd, when the Elmira Jackals visit WesBanco Arena. The Nailers will wear a special jersey to commemorate the special night. For more information, please contact the Nailers office at 304-234-GOAL or online at wheelingnailers.com.

Nailers Announce Opening Night Roster

10/14/2011

The Wheeling Nailers, the ECHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins and Montreal Canadiens today announced the team’s 2011-12 Opening Roster. The season begins tonight, as the Nailers travel to play the Greenville Road Warriors then travel to Charleston, SC to face the South Carolina Stingrays. The games will be reminiscent of last season’s playoffs, as the Nailers eliminated both teams on their way to the League’s Conference Finals.

The Opening Roster consists of 21 players (20 active and 1 on injured reserve) – 2 goaltenders, 7 defensemen, and 12 forwards.

Nine of the 21 players on the 2011-12 roster return from last season - which is the largest amount in years. The returning cast includes: the Nailers' third leading scorer Mickael Bedard; ECHL All-Star goaltender Patrick Killeen; and the team's top scoring defenseman Kyle Bushee. Also returning for the Nailers are the popular Crowder brothers (Paul and Tim), who were acquired late in the season and helped the team to the Eastern Conference Finals.

Of the new faces on this year's team, two might be familiar to Nailers fans - Matt Lombardi and Zack Torquato. Lombardi, acquired in a trade earlier this week, scored 20 goals with the Trenton Devils last season; and Torquato was a top scoring threat with the Toledo Walleye last season.

The 2011-12 version of the Nailers is currently made up of 14 Canadians and 7 Americans. The team's average age is 23.7 years old, with Paul Crowder entering the year as the oldest player, 26 years, 8 months, and 3 days. Patrick Killeen is the team's youngest player, 21 years, 5 months, and 30 days.

Stan Drulia is entering his second season as the head coach of the Nailers, after leading the team to the Eastern Conference Finals last season. Drulia played in parts of 13 professional seasons in the NHL, AHL, IHL, and ECHL, suiting up in 126 games with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Stan will be joined on the bench by Clark Donatelli, who played in parts of seven professional seasons in the NHL, AHL, and IHL. Donatelli played in 35 games in the NHL with the Minnesota North Stars and the Boston Bruins.

Also on the bench this season will be the team's new athletic therapist Pat Dragoone and equipment manager Billy Higgins, who enters his 9th season with the team.

The Wheeling Nailers will kick off the 20th season of hockey Friday night in Greenville, SC when they battle the Greenville Road Warriors. Catch all the action on the MIX 97.3 FM, iHeart Radio, wheelingnailers.com or Live on RTV9.

The Nailers return home to WesBanco Arena for their Home Opener on Saturday, October 22nd at 7:35pm when they host the Elmira Jackals and former Nailers Head Coach Pat Bingham. For more information, please contact the Nailers office at 304-234-GOAL or online at wheelingnailers.com.

2011-2012 Nailers Opening Roster

Goaltenders
1 Patrick Killeen
30 Alex Kangas

Defensemen
6 Peter Merth
8 Nick Plastino
15 Zach Hansen
16 Andrew Hotham
20 Kyle Bushee
24 Tim Priamo
28 Joe Tolles (IR)

Forwards
3 Ben Winnett
7 Zack Torquato
10 Patrick Johnson
11 Christiaan Minella
12 Matt Lombardi
14 Ben Farrer
18 Chris Kushneriuk
19 Mickael Bedard
21 Tim Crowder
22 Paul Crowder
23 Chris Barton
27 Denver Manderson

Nailers Acquire Lombardi

10/11/2011

WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers, the ECHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins and Montreal Canadiens, announced today that they have acquired Matt Lombardi from the Chicago Express.

The 5'11, 200 pound forward from Boston College, played in 66 games last season for the Trenton Devils scoring 33 points with 20 goals and 13 assists.

Nailers Name New Voice

10/10/2011

WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers, the ECHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins and Montreal Canadiens, are pleased to announce DJ Abisalih (ah-bih-sell-ah) as the team’s new Broadcasting and Media Relations Coordinator for the upcoming season. Abisalih becomes the new voice of the Nailers as the team’s radio broadcaster, and also will head up the coordination of the team’s community efforts, including player visits to schools and hospitals.

Abisalih, 24, joins the Nailers after spending the past two seasons with the Lewiston MAINEiacs of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. During is time with Lewiston, DJ lead the team’s communications department and also was the team’s radio broadcaster. He spent one season in Lewiston working alongside former Nailers voice, Alex Reed, and eventually replaced Reed as Lewiston’s lead broadcaster (when Reed left the team to join the Nailers).

"I am ecstatic about being named the new voice for the Nailers,” Abisalih said. "This is an organization that has a strong and successful history, and I am very fortunate for this opportunity. He added, “I have heard wonderful things about the Ohio Valley and I look forward to becoming part of it. I am honored to once again follow in the footsteps of my good friend, Alex Reed.”

DJ Abisalih was born in Methuen, MA, but spent the majority of his life in Scarborough, ME. He attended the New England School of Communications, where he received an Associate of Science Degree in Sports Broadcasting. Also during that time and since, Abisalih has been a fixture with the Portland Sea Dogs (Double-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox), where he has done everything from broadcasting games, to selling tickets, and even working the concession stands.

“We anticipate another very exciting season and DJ’s strong work ethic and enthusiasm should really help to further energize Nailers Nation throughout it all,” said team co-owner Jim Brooks.

Abisalih will call his first game for the Nailers on Friday, October 14th, when they begin the regular season on the road against the Greenville Road Warriors, whom the Nailers knocked out of the second round of the Kelly Cup Playoffs last season in OT of Game 7.

The Nailers Radio Network will broadcast all 72 Nailers games, home and away on The MIX 97.3 FM as well as on the team’s website, wheelingnailers.com. The MIX 97.3 FM will also carry the Nailers Power Hour each week on Monday night starting at 6pm live from Generations Pub in Fulton.

Nailers Complete Preseason Schedule

10/8/2011

CINCINNATI, OH – The Wheeling Nailers concluded their 2011 preseason schedule Saturday night with a 3-2 overtime loss to the Cincinnati Cyclones at US Bank Arena.

The Nailers would get the scoring started in the first period when Chris Kushneriuk would beat Cincinnati goaltender, Dany Taylor to make it 1-0. Cincinnati would even the game with a power play goal from Garrett Wilson at 9:49. Six minutes later Cincinnati would get their first lead of the game when Adam Comrie beat Nailers goalie Alex Kangas to make it 2-1 Cyclones. With less than a minuet to play in the period Mikael Bedard would even the game with a power play goal. The first period would end even two on the scoreboard and even at shots on goal with both teams registering eight.

Neither team would score in the second or third period forcing overtime. In the overtime period Mathieu Aubin would give the Cyclones the victory with his first goal of the preseason at 1:41 of the extra period. With the overtime loss the Nailers finish the preseason 1-0-1 and 3 points.

Come see Pittsburgh Penguins and Montreal Canadiens prospects start their professional careers with fast-paced, hard-hitting ECHL hockey. The Nailers will open the 20th season of professional hockey in Wheeling on October 22nd. For more information, please contact the Nailers office at 304-234-GOAL or toll-free at 1-877-NAIL-TIX or visit the team’s website at wheelingnailers.com.

Nailers Defeat Cyclones 4-1

10/7/2011

WHEELING, WV – Friday night inside WesBanco Arena the Wheeling Nailers put on a show for the home fans defeating the Cincinnati Cyclones 4-1 in their preseason debut.

The Nailers controlled the game from the start when, Peter Merth scored just 44 seconds into the game to give the Nailers a 1-0 lead. Merth received the puck from Andrew Hotham at the blue line and blasted a shot over Cincinnati's Dany Taylor’s right shoulder for the score. Denver Manderson received his first point of the preseason with an assist. At 17:05 of the period, Mikael Bedard received a pass from Joe Tolles on the goal line and tipped it past Taylor to give the Nailers a 2-0. The first period would end at 2-0 with the Nailers leading in shots on goal 9-7.

Sean O’Malley increased the lead in the 2nd period to 3-0 with a nice tip off of a shot by Tim Priamo that beat the Cincinnati goaltender once again. Andrew Hotham assisted on the goal giving him two points in the game. At the end of the second period the Nailers would lead in shots 19-15 and 3-0 on the scoreboard.

In the third period the teams battled on both ends of the ice until Cincinnati finally got on the board with a power play goal at 13:33. Justin Vaive deflected a shot past Patrick Killeen to pull the Cyclones to within two. With 4:18 left in the period things heated up with players on both sides jabbing at each other. The incident resulted in Mike Liambas taking two minutes for roughing and giving the Nailers their fifth power play of the night. Following the power play Zack Torquato would get his first goal of the preseason with an empty net goal to give the Nailers a 4-1 victory.

The Nailers and Cyclones will meet again on Saturday night at US Bank Arena. Game time is set for 6:30pm.
Come see Pittsburgh Penguins and Montreal Canadiens prospects start their professional careers with fast-paced, hard-hitting ECHL hockey. The Nailers will open the 20th season of professional hockey in Wheeling on October 22nd. For more information, please contact the Nailers office at 304-234-GOAL or toll-free at 1-877-NAIL-TIX or visit the team’s website at wheelingnailers.com.

Nailers Preseason Game Cancelled

10/6/2011

Due to unplayable ice conditions, the preseason contest between the Cincinnati Cyclones and Wheeling Nailers scheduled for Thursday October 6th was cancelled. The Nailers and Cyclones will battle in preseason game #2 on Friday night back at WesBanco Arena. Face-off is set for 7:35 PM. Call 304-234-GOAL for tickets.

Nailers Radio Broadcasts Return to The MIX 97.3 FM

9/23/2011

The Wheeling Nailers, ECHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins and Montreal Canadiens, along with Clear Channel Sports Wheeling announce today that all 72 Nailers regular season games as well as all playoff games will be brodcast on the The MIX 97.3 WKWK FM this season.

Nailers hockey will return to 97.3 on Friday, October 14, 2011 (7:35 pm) when the Nailers face the Greenville Road Warriors at the BiLo Center in Greenville, South Carolina.

"The Mix 97.3 is extremely excited to once again be able to bring the people of the Ohio Valley live coverage of Wheeling Nailers hockey. By streaming the games on WKWKFM.com, we can also provide coverage on the internet from coast to coast across the entire country. We have been involved with promoting the games as well as the broadcasts since day one, and we look forward to many more years of great hockey in the Ohio Valley." said Mark Carter of Clear Channel Radio Wheeling.

“We are extremely happy to be able to provide this service to our fans again this season,” said team Vice President Craig Bommer. “Nailers fans have many media options to follow the Nailers and WKWK FM provides one of the best products on the air and online. ”

Last season The MIX broadcast over 80 games including all of the Nailers 2011 Kelly Cup Playoff games.

Come see Pittsburgh Penguins and Montreal Canadiens prospects start their professional careers with fast-paced, hard-hitting ECHL hockey. The Nailers will open training camp in early October for the 20th season of professional hockey in Wheeling. The Nailers are the all-time winningest team in the ECHL with 833 total victories entering 2011-12 and lead the ECHL in players making it to the NHL.

Call or Visit the Nailers now to be part of the 20th season of fun and affordable entertainment. Ticket packages for the 2011-2012 season of Nailers hockey are on sale now and include the same great benefits that Nailers fans have become accustomed to receiving. For more information, please contact the Nailers office at 304-234-GOAL or toll-free at 1-877-NAIL-TIX or visit the team’s website at wheelingnailers.com.
Be A Part Of History!

Nailers Hire 2-Time USA Olympian as Assistant Coach

9/22/2011

The Wheeling Nailers, proud ECHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins and Montreal Canadiens, are proud to announce the addition of new Assistant Coach Clark Donatelli to the team. He will join Head Coach Stan Drulia behind the bench for the Nailers for the team’s 20th season of professional hockey.

Donatelli played professionally from 1989-1996 with a variety of teams in the NHL, IHL and AHL after a standout career at Boston University and also played in two Olympics serving as captain of Team USA in the 1992 Olympics in Albertville, France. After his playing career, Clark has continued his work with USA Hockey and held several coaching positions including most recently as an assistant coach with Providence College.

He represented the USA at the 1984 and 1985 World Junior Championships, the 1985, 1986, and 1987 World Championships, and the 1988 and 1992 Winter Olympics in Calgary, Alberta and Albertville, France.

As the team captain of the 1992 Olympic squad, he led the team to the Bronze Medal game. Previous to the Olympics, the team was given no chance to compete, but Donatelli and his team went 4-0-1 in preliminary play and advanced to the medal round. The team’s games went from shown on delay to shown live on major network NBC. They finished fourth overall with a loss in the Bronze Medal game to Czechoslovakia, but they captured the heart of the Nation.

While playing for Team USA in the 1988 Olympics, Donatelli played with many great future NHL players: Mike Richter, Brian Leetch, Penguins great Kevin Stevens, Craig Janney, Chris Terreri, Eric Weinrich, and Penguins current assistant coach Tony Granato. Most notably to Nailers fans, Clark also played alongside former Wheeling Nailers coach (and now the Philadelphia Flyers head coach) Peter Laviolette during those Olympics.

Donatelli is a native of Providence, Rhode Island. He played at Boston University for legendary Head Coach Jack Parker from 1984-87 before joining the U.S. National Team in 1987-88. In the 1985-86 season he was a second-team All-American, scoring a team-leading 28 goals and 34 assists for 62 points in just 43 games as the Terriers won the Hockey East title. In just three seasons with the Terriers he amassed 135 points (60 goals and 75 assists) in 120 games, which ranks him 32nd on the all-time leading scorers list for Boston University (one of the most prestigious Division I hockey schools in the Nation’s history).

Donatelli was a fifth round pick of the New York Rangers (#98 overall) in the 1984 NHL Entry Draft. His 35 games in the National Hockey League included 25 games with the Minnesota North Stars in 1989-90 and 10 games with the Boston Bruins in 1991-92. He scored three goals and four assists in the NHL.

He also played six seasons in the AHL and IHL (which was an AAA league at the time) for the Kalamazoo Wings, now members of the ECHL, San Diego Gulls, Los Angeles Ice Dogs, Detroit Vipers and Providence Bruins.

Come see Pittsburgh Penguins and Montreal Canadiens prospects start their professional careers with fast-paced, hard-hitting ECHL hockey. The Nailers will open training camp on Monday October 3rd for the start of the 20th season of professional hockey in Wheeling. The Nailers are the all-time winningest team in the ECHL with 833 total victories entering 2011-12 and lead the ECHL in players making it to the NHL.

Call or Visit the Nailers now to be part of the 20th season of fun and affordable entertainment. Ticket packages for the 2011-2012 season of Nailers hockey are on sale now and include the same great benefits that Nailers fans have become accustomed to receiving. For more information, please contact the Nailers office at 304-234-GOAL (4625) or toll-free at 1-877-NAIL-TIX (624-5849) or visit the team website at wheelingnailers.com. Be A Part Of History!

Nailers and WTOV 9 Renew Television Agreement

9/8/2011

The Wheeling Nailers, ECHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins and Montreal Canadiens, announce today that they have come to an agreement with WTOV 9 and America One Network to broadcast all 36 Nailers road games during the Nailers 20th Anniversary season Live on RTV 9. The live television presentation will transmit the video feed provided through America One Networks Technologies on all RTV9 channels on cable networks throughout the Ohio Valley.

Nailers TV will return to RTV 9 on Friday, October 14, 2011 (7:35 pm) when the Nailers face the Greenville Road Warriors at the BiLo Center in Greenville, South Carolina.
Nailers TV will carry all thirty-six regular season away games for the Nailers, as well as all away playoff games, and will feature the simulcast audio feed of the Nailers Radio Network courtesy of Clear Channel Broadcasting and WKWK 97.3FM in Wheeling.
“We are extremely proud to broadcast all of the 2011-12 Nailers away games on RTV9 this season. We celebrate the 20th year of professional Ice Hockey in the Ohio Valley and salute the owners, management, players and the loyal fans of Wheeling Nailers Hockey." said Tim McCoy, Vice President & General Manager of WTOV 9 and RTV9.
“We are very excited to renew this partnership with WTOV and America One to broadcast our entire road schedule live for our fans back in the Ohio Valley again this season,” said team Vice President Craig Bommer. “We thank Tim McCoy and Mike Seachman for helping us provide this service for our fans in the Ohio Valley. ”
Last season WTOV 9 and America One Network broadcasted over 40 games live back to the Ohio Valley and into over 800,000 homes during the Nailers regular season and long playoff run.

RTV9 can be found on Bellaire - Channel 7, Jefferson County Blue Devil - Channel 11, Centre TV - Channel 27, Comcast - Channel 208, Powhatan Point - Channel 27, and Digital 9.2.
Come see Pittsburgh Penguins and Montreal Canadiens prospects start their professional careers with fast-paced, hard-hitting ECHL hockey. The Nailers will open training camp in early October for the 20th season of professional hockey in Wheeling. The Nailers are the all-time winningest team in the ECHL with 833 total victories entering 2011-12 and lead the ECHL in players making it to the NHL.

Ironman Signs With Nailers

9/7/2011

The Wheeling Nailers, ECHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins and Montreal Canadiens, have agreed to terms with defenseman Chad Langlais.

Chad Langlais chose to sign with the Nailers following a record setting 4 year college career at one of the top college programs in all of NCAA hockey, the University of Michigan. Langlais was a mainstay on the blueline for legendary head coach Red Berenson, and assembled an amazing streak of playing in every single game in each of his 4 seasons in Ann Arbor. The Ironman of Wolverines hockey broke the team's all-time consecutive games record by playing in 173 straight games. That also equals the most total games played by any Wolverines player in the school’s 89 year history.

Langlais, 23 years old, led the Wolverines to the NCAA National Championship game last season, coming just short of the Championship in a 3-2 OT loss to Minnesota-Duluth. This was the 4th consecutive season that the University of Michigan qualified for the NCAA Tournament and 2nd time in Langlais’ career the team advanced to the Final Four.

Langlais is 5'9" and 171 pounds and scored 13 goals and 68 assists for 81 points in his four years at Michigan.
Come see Pittsburgh Penguins and Montreal Canadiens prospects start their professional careers with fast-paced, hard-hitting ECHL hockey. The Nailers will open training camp in early October for the 20th season of professional hockey in Wheeling. The Nailers are the all-time winningest team in the ECHL with 833 total victories entering 2011-12 and lead the ECHL in players making it to the NHL.

Nailers Steak Fry Set for October 1st

9/6/2011

The Wheeling Nailers, proud ECHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins and Montreal Canadiens, today announced that the teams annual steak fry will be held on Saturday October 1st at the Wheeling Park Ice Rink.

Tickets for the event are $20 per person or $15 per season ticket holder and includes a steak dinner with potato, salad, roll and beverage. Fans can purchase tickets to the steak fry by calling the Nailers office at 304-234-GOAL (4625) or by stopping the team shop located in downtown Wheeling at 1315 Main Street.

Nailers Announce Schedule Change

9/1/2011

The Wheeling Nailers, proud ECHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins and Montreal Canadiens, today announced that the Nailers home game versus the Trenton Titans, originally scheduled for Saturday November 19th in Johnstown, PA has been rescheduled.

Due to an event at the Johnstown Cambria County War Memorial Arena, the Nailers game will now be played on Sunday November 20th at 4:05pm inside the War Memorial. Following the game, Nailers fans will be able meet some of their favorite players while getting to skate with the team.

Call or Visit the Nailers now to be part of the 20th season of fun and affordable entertainment. Ticket packages for the 2011-2012 season of Nailers hockey are on sale now and include the same great benefits that Nailers fans have become accustomed to receiving. For more information, please contact the Nailers office at 304-234-GOAL or toll-free at 1-877-NAIL-TIX or visit the team’s website at wheelingnailers.com.

Nailers Re-Sign Two Key Players

8/25/2011

The Wheeling Nailers, proud ECHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins and Montreal Canadiens, have announced the return of two more players for the 2011-12 season.

Forward Chris Minella and defenseman Peter Merth are both returning to skate for Head Coach Stan Drulia. Chris Minella (26 years old) was a late-season acquisition of the Nailers from the Cincinnati Cyclones in his rookie campaign of2010-11. He played in 13 games with the Nailers scoring one goal and three assists. Prior to that, Minella had played in 41 games with Cincinnati scoring eight goals and ten assists. He is a native of Cincinnati who played collegiately at Notre Dame for 4 years from 2006-10. Minella scored a career high nine goals with the Fighting Irish in 38 games in the 2008-09 season. Minella is a strong force up front, coming in at 6'2" and 210 pounds.

Peter Merth, (24) was a solid presence on the blueline all year long for the Nailers. He played in 69 regular season games during his rookie season, scoring one goal and nine assists. Merth also battled through injuries to play in13 postseason games during the Nailers’ postseason run to the Eastern Conference Finals. The New Westminster, B.C. native played his NCAA hockey at RPI (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute) in Troy, NY for 4 years from 2006-10. Merth is a much coveted right handed shot, steady defenseman with great size at 6'3" and 225 pounds.

Come see Pittsburgh Penguins and Montreal Canadiens prospects start their professional careers with fast-paced, hard-hitting ECHL hockey. The Nailers will open training camp in early October for the 20th season of professional hockey in Wheeling. The Nailers are the all-time winningest team in the ECHL with 833 total victories entering 2011-12 and lead the ECHL in players making it to the NHL.

Call or Visit the Nailers now to be part of the 20th season of fun and affordable entertainment. Ticket packages for the 2011-2012 season of Nailers hockey are on sale now and include the same great benefits that Nailers fans have become accustomed to receiving. For more information, please contact the Nailers office at 304-234-GOAL or toll-free at 1-877-NAIL-TIX or visit the team’s website at wheelingnailers.com.
Be A Part Of History!

Nailers Renew Player Affiliation with Montreal Canadiens

8/5/2011

The Wheeling Nailers are proud to announce that they have extended their affiliation agreement with the Montreal Canadiens (NHL) and Hamilton Bulldogs (AHL) for the 2011-12 season.

This will be Wheeling's second consecutive season as the ECHL affiliate for Montreal. The Nailers will also continue as the affiliate for the Pittsburgh Penguins (NHL) and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (AHL) for a 12th season.

"Working together with the Canadiens has been a pleasure," said Nailers President Jim Brooks. "They have a great eye for talent and we look forward to helping their young stars progress and succeed."

Some of the young Canadiens talent who had an opportunity to thrive with the Nailers in 2010-11 included goalie Peter Delmas (15-6-2, 2.03, .928) who helped lead the team to the Eastern Conference Finals along with skaters David Urquhart, Dany Masse and Hunter Bishop.

"We are grateful to the Nailers for providing our prospects with a strong and competitive environment," said Canadiens' General Manager Pierre Gauthier.

From 1989-90 through 1997-98, the Canadiens were affiliated for nine
seasons with the Winston-Salem / Wheeling Thunderbirds and Wheeling Nailers. During that affiliation, the Thunderbirds appeared in the Riley Cup Finals three times (1989, 1990, 1993) winning one championship (1989) and won three Henry Brabham Cup titles for most points in the ECHL (1990, 1993, 1995).

The Montreal Canadiens will begin their 103rd season in the fall.
Their 24 Stanley Cups are the most of any team. The Canadiens are the longest continuously operating professional ice hockey team in the world and one of the oldest sports teams in all of North America.

The Nailers' AHL parent club, the Hamilton Bulldogs, had another tremendous season. In Hamilton's 15th anniversary season, the Bulldogs were 44-27-9 finishing with the North Division's best record for the second consecutive season.

Ticket packages for the 2011-2012 season of Wheeling Nailers hockey are on sale now and include the same great benefits that Nailers fans have become accustomed to receiving. For more information, please contact the Nailers office at 304-234-GOAL or toll-free at 1-877-NAIL-TIX or visit the team’s website at wheelingnailers.com. Be A Part Of History!

Nailers Announce 2011 Preseason Schedule

8/4/2011

WHEELING, WV – The Wheeling Nailers, the ECHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins,announced Wednesday their 2011 Preseason schedule. The Nailers will play longtime rival the Cincinnati Cyclones for all three games of the preseason slate.

The game dates and times are as follows:
Thursday, October 6, 7:35 p.m. (Cambria County War Memorial, Johnstown, PA)
Friday, October 7, 7:35 p.m. (WesBanco Arena, Wheeling, WV)
Saturday, October 8, 6:30 p.m. (U.S. Bank Arena, Cincinnati, OH)
Tickets for both Nailers home preseason games start at just $5. To order tickets call 304-234-GOAL or 877-NAIL-TIX.

Ticket packages for the 2011-2012 season of Wheeling Nailers hockey are on sale now and include the same great benefits that Nailers fans have become accustomed to receiving. For more information, please contact the Nailers office at 304-234-GOAL or toll-free at 1-877-NAIL-TIX or visit the team’s website at wheelingnailers.com. Be A Part Of History!

Presenting Sponsor for 20th Anniversary Season Announced

8/3/2011

WHEELING, WV – The Wheeling Nailers are very pleased to announce that the National Gold & Silver Refinery will be the official presenting sponsor for the 2011-2012 season.

The National Gold & Silver Refinery is the Ohio Valley’s #1 Buyer of gold, silver, platinum and rare coins. Located in, St. Clairsville, OH , Calcutta,OH ,Weirton, WV , and Wheeling, WV, they are very active members in the community as they are the official sponsor of WTOV-9’s High School Football Game of the Week, the Washington Wild Things 10th Anniversary Season, and Coats for Kids Telethon.

"We are proud to sponsor the Wheeling Nailers 20th Anniversary season. The Wheeling Nailers organization and owners have shown a strong commitment to recruiting top talent, building a strong franchise and keeping it in Wheeling. We're excited to be a part of it." said Dan Herres, Vice President of National Gold and Silvery Refinery.

“We want to welcome the National Gold and Silver Refinery to Nailers Nation. They have shown a great commitment to the Ohio Valley and this partnership just adds to it.” Said team Vice President Craig Bommer. “I want to thank Steve and Dan Herres for supporting us in our 20th season of pro hockey”

Nailers fans can learn more about the National Gold and Silver Refinery at their company website http://www.nationalgoldrefinery.com/.

Ticket packages for the 2011-2012 season of Wheeling Nailers hockey are on sale now and include the same great benefits that Nailers fans have become accustomed to receiving. For more information, please contact the Nailers office at 304-234-GOAL or toll-free at 1-877-NAIL-TIX or visit the team’s website at wheelingnailers.com. Be A Part of History!

Fan Favorite Bushee Returns for Third Season

7/20/2011

WHEELING, WV – The Wheeling Nailers are pleased to announce Wednesday that the team has agreed to terms with defenseman Kyle Bushee. Bushee will return for his third season with the Nailers. The signing of Bushee marks the first for the Nailers for the upcoming 2011-2012 campaign.

Bushee, 26, returns to Wheeling after posting a career-high 31 points (7g, 24a) in 67 games last season, including adding four points in 17 playoff games. Last season, The 6’1”, 195-lb defenseman appeared in two games for the Portland Pirates (AHL) and the two games for the Manitoba Moose (AHL) totaling zero points and a plus-1 rating. The Ostego, Michigan native posted 15 points (6g, 9a) in 59 games played with Wheeling during the 2009-2010 season.

Bushee sealed game two of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals last season, scoring in overtime which gave Wheeling a commanding 2-0 lead in the best-of-five series. Bushee was a key component in the Nailers lengthy playoff run last spring, as the team reached the Conference Finals for the first time since 1998. Bushee is considered a favorite at WesBanco Arena, and is also an active member in the Wheeling community.

“Kyle was a big factor in our success both on and off the ice last year,” said Nailers Head Coach Stan Drulia. “We look forward to having Kyle back with us this coming season.”

Prior to Wheeling, Bushee also had stints with the Cincinnati Cyclones and Johnstown Chiefs of the ECHL. Bushee played his collegiate career at Western Michigan from 2003-2005, and Canisius College from 2006-2008.

The signing of Bushee is the first of several key transactions expected by the Nailers this summer. More announcements are expected in the near future.

Ticket packages for the 2011-2012 season of Wheeling Nailers hockey are on sale now and include the same great benefits that Nailers fans have become accustomed to receiving. For more information, please contact the Nailers office at 304-234-GOAL or toll-free at 1-877-NAIL-TIX or visit the team’s website at wheelingnailers.com. Be A Part Of History!