King Earns the Crown in 5-3 Nailers Win

WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers played their third game in three days on Sunday afternoon, and they were ready to give their fans more to cheer about at WesBanco Arena. Garrett Meurs netted a pair of goals, Cam Brown recorded three points, and Will King made 39 saves, as the Nailers got the upper hand on the Norfolk Admirals, 5-3. Cody Wydo extended his point streak to eight games, as he scored the winning goal.

The Nailers dominated the play in the opening period, outshooting Norfolk, 17-6. One of those shots found the back of the net, and it came off of some quick face-off work. Cam Brown won a draw in the left circle, tipping the puck toward the right edge. Garrett Meurs stepped onto the pass, whipping a shot into the right side of the net.

The second period took some unique twists and turns, as the Admirals piled 20 shots on goal, but Wheeling maintained its advantage on the scoreboard. The Nailers were the first to light the lamp in the stanza. A Norfolk defender attempted to clear the puck out of danger, but his chip bounced off of Cam Brown, and found a home in the goal. 2:02 later, Freddie Tiffels broke up a pass, and led a rush in the other direction. Tiffels set up Meurs, who punched in his second tally of the day. The Admirals got their first goal at the 9:04 mark, shortly after a power play had expired. Trevor Mingoia snapped in a shot along the ice from the right side of the slot. Then, with 3.2 seconds to go, Norfolk closed the gap to one, as Darik Angeli clicked in a one-timer from the left circle on the man advantage.

Wheeling punctuated its victory in the third period, tacking on a pair of insurance goals. The first strike turned out to be the game winner. Kevin Schulze launched a pass to the offensive blueline, sending Cody Wydo on a breakaway. Wydo buried a forehand shot, giving him a point in eight straight games. With 4:42 remaining, the Nailers converted on a power play, as Tiffels dished a pass through the low slot, teeing up Hunter Fejes, who banged in a shot from the left side. Grant Besse gave the Admirals a late whisper with 1:48 left, but Wheeling never looked back, winning 5-3.

Will King made his first ECHL start for the Nailers, and was terrific, denying 39 of the 42 shots he faced in the win. Jamie Murray was the losing goaltender for Norfolk, giving up five goals on 32 shots.

The Nailers will play at home again on Tuesday for Education Day Game 1, when they play host to the Adirondack Thunder at 10:45. The next big promotional game is Star Wars Night on December 2nd. The first 2,500 fans will receive a free light saber. To purchase tickets, or to get more information about season tickets, flex plans, group tickets, and more, call (304) 234-GOAL.