Nailers Knock off Norfolk, 6-2

NORFOLK, VA- The Wheeling Nailers had their offense clicking in a big way on Friday night, as they took down the Norfolk Admirals, 6-2 at Norfolk Scope Arena. Six different players lit the lamp for Wheeling, including Jeff Taylor and Dylan Zink, who both netted their first pro goals. Derek Army cashed in with four points, Garrett Meurs collected three points, and Sean Maguire made 36 saves, as the Nailers won their third straight game.

The Nailers surrendered an early goal, before rebounding by potting three of their own, as they controlled the majority of the first period. Norfolk scored its goal off of the rush, as Grant Besse setup Trevor Mingoia on the right side of the slot. Wheeling had a quick answer, drawing even 1:57 later. Nick Sorkin breezed his way down the right side on a transition break, then proceeded to tee up Reid Gardiner, who wired in a one-timer from the top of the left circle. Sorkin helped create the next marker for the Nailers as well, winning a battle along the left boards, and sliding a pass to Cody Wydo, who clobbered in a one-timer from high in the slot. With the tally, Wydo extended his goal streak to five games and his point streak to ten. 3:04 later, Jeff Taylor turned on the red light for the first time in his professional career, tossing in a wrist shot from the left point.

After a scoreless second period, Wheeling poured in three more goals during the third period, putting the finishing touches on their triumph. The first two strikes came on the power play, beginning with Dylan Zink, who deposited a pass from Freddie Tiffels for his first professional goal. Derek Army scored on the back half of the four-minute power play, tipping in a pass from Garrett Meurs, as he drove down the slot. Meurs got a goal of his own at the 9:49 mark, snapping in a shot from the right side of the crease after a scramble in front of the cage. The play was created by Riley Bourbonnais winning an icing race. Domenic Alberga got a late rebound goal for the Admirals, but the end result didn't change, and the Nailers cruised to the 6-2 win.

Sean Maguire earned the victory in goal for Wheeling, blocking away 36 of the 38 shots he faced. Ty Reichenbach was the losing goaltender for Norfolk, as he allowed six goals on 46 shots.

The Nailers and Admirals will meet up again in Norfolk on Saturday at 7:00. Wheeling's next home game takes place on Wednesday, which is Animal House Night, beginning at 7:05 against the Worcester Railers. The first 1,500 adults will receive a Nailers glass beer stein. Then, on Saturday at 7:05, Wheeling and Worcester will clash again on Teddy Bear Toss Night. Fans are encouraged to bring a new or gently used stuffed animal and throw it on the ice after the Nailers score their first goal. The next big promotional game is Star Wars Night on December 2nd at 7:05. The first 2,500 fans will receive a light saber. To purchase tickets, or to get more information about season tickets, flex plans, group tickets, and more, call (304) 234-GOAL.