Nailers Take One Point on Opening Night

WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers began the 25th season of hockey in Wheeling presented by The Health Plan on Saturday night at WesBanco Arena. There was some celebrating before the game, and a pair of goal celebrations during the contest, but unfortunately, the Nailers fell just short on the scoreboard. Former Wheeling forward Luke Pither had two goals, including the game winner in overtime, as the Brampton Beast prevailed, 3-2, in front of a terrific crowd of 5,033. Josh Shalla and Darryl Lloyd lit the lamp for the Nailers.

The pregame introduction and banner raising brought the fans to their feet, but at the 4:26 mark of the first period, the Beast lowered the volume level a smidge, as they netted the opening goal of the season. Luke Pither and David Vallorani skated deep in the offensive zone on a 2-on-0 rush. Pither dished a pass over Vallorani, who slammed in a one-timer from the right side of the slot. Wheeling had a glorious opportunity in the dying seconds of the stanza, but Derek Army's attempt rang the iron.

Shortly before the midway mark of the second period, the Nailers netted the equalizer. Nick Sorkin created the play behind the net, setting up Josh Shalla inside the trapezoid. Shalla wrapped the puck around on his forehand, jamming a shot through Andrew D'Agostini's legs. Danny Fick also assisted on the club's first tally of the season.

In the early stages of period three, Wheeling took its first lead of the campaign. Ryan Segalla tossed a puck toward the net from the blueline, allowing Jordan Kwas to set up Darryl Lloyd, who crashed the crease hard. While on his knees, Lloyd swatted at the loose puck, knocking it in over the line. Shortly before the halfway point of the third period, Brampton pulled even. D'Agostini made a phenomenal save on one end, leading to an opportunity on the other side. Jeremie Blain sent Pither behind the defense, where he faked to his backhand, and rolled a shot into the net.

Nothing was able to be decided in the final ten minutes of regulation, forcing overtime. In the extra session, Pither had the final say, as his wrist shot from the right circle found a home in the left side of the cage, lifting the Beast to the 3-2 triumph.

Matt D'Agostini earned the win in goal for Brampton, making 25 saves on 27 shots. Doug Carr suffered the shootout setback, despite turning away 30 of the 33 shots he faced.

The Nailers will be in action again on Thursday night, when they host the Reading Royals at 7:05. Kids tickets will be $6, courtesy of McDonald's. Wheeling will also be at home on October 29th against Kalamazoo for a Halloween celebration. Kids can wear their costumes to the game, and will have the opportunity to Trick-or-Treat. To purchase tickets, or to get more information about season tickets, group tickets, and mini plans, call the Nailers at (304) 234-GOAL.