Solar Bears Shine in Wheeling, 5-2

WHEELING, WV- The Orlando Solar Bears are one team that has stumped the Wheeling Nailers over the years, and they did so again on Wednesday night at WesBanco Arena. Brett Findlay scored twice in the third period to salt the game away, while Ryan Massa made 38 saves, including one on a penalty shot, as the Solar Bears took down the Nailers, 5-2. Cody Wydo had a goal and an assist for Wheeling.

One goal was scored in the first period, and it went the way of the Solar Bears, courtesy of a power play. Orlando played the puck in the higher portion of the offensive zone, with the goal coming off of Eric Faille's slap shot from the right point. The attempt deflected off of a Nailer and bounced into the left side of the net. Wheeling had an opportunity to tie the game later in the stanza, when Josh Shalla was awarded a penalty shot. However, Ryan Massa denied the shot with his blocker, keeping his team ahead by one.

The Nailers pulled even at the 47-second mark of the second period. Adam Krause skated in on the right side of the offensive zone, where he drilled a slap shot in on goal. Ryan Massa made the save, but the rebound flew out to Cody Wydo, who deposited it past the sprawling netminder. The Solar Bears regained their advantage at the 8:39 mark of the frame, with their second power play tally of the evening. Tony Cameranesi took a wrist shot from the left circle, which grazed off of Sean Maguire's glove, before fluttering into the right side of the twine. Less than three minutes later, the lead was extended. Trevor Ludwig's left circle shot was tipped in by Chase Witala, as Orlando carried a 3-1 score into the dressing room.

Brett Findlay got back-to-back goals to start the third period for the Solar Bears. On the first marker, he stickhandled through the defense with a dazzling move, went to his backhand, and slipped a shot through the legs. On his next tally, Maguire gave the puck away to Denver Manderson, who fed Findlay for a mostly empty netter. With 2:42 remaining in the game, Wheeling salvaged one more goal of its own. Cody Wydo wrapped the puck around to the right side of the cage, where it was tapped in by Christian Hilbrich for the 5-2 final score.

Ryan Massa was the winning goaltender for Orlando, as he stopped 38 of the 40 shots he faced. Sean Maguire took the loss, allowing five goals on 30 shots, before giving way to Doug Carr, who was perfect on eight shots in relief.

The Nailers will be back on home ice Friday at 7:35, when they battle the Fort Wayne Komets. The night will feature Flat Screen Friday presented by The Highlands, as well as Frosty Friday. Later this month, fans will be able to get $10 tickets for Throwback Night on New Year's Eve, when the Nailers wear Thunderbirds jerseys in their game against the Elmira Jackals. Holiday packs are currently available, and may be purchased through the Nailers office only. The 12 Days of Christmas are taking place now. Keep tabs on the team's social media networks to learn about that day's special. To purchase tickets, or to get more information about season tickets, mini plans, group tickets, packages, and more, call (304) 234-GOAL.