Nailers Earn Two Points on Tuesday

WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers celebrated another milestone on Tuesday night, and in doing so, also got to celebrate a victory on home ice. Freddie Tiffels scored the 6,000th goal in team history, and Troy Josephs snapped a 2-2 tie at 6:29 of the third period, as the Nailers defeated the Indy Fuel, 3-2 at WesBanco Arena. Adam Morrison backstopped the triumph with 35 saves.

Fans didn't have to wait long for the 6,000th goal in team history, as it was scored 2:28 into the contest. Hunter Fejes carried the puck ahead on the left side of the ice, before leading Freddie Tiffels into the offensive zone. Tiffels let a shot go from the circle, which was stopped. However, the puck pinballed around, and ultimately, it was Tiffels who got credited with the milestone marker.

The Nailers added to their lead at the 9:21 mark of the second period, with a 4-on-4 goal off of the rush. Jaynen Rissling got the rush started with a pass to Garrett Meurs, who flew through neutral ice. As he entered the offensive zone, Meurs connected with Cam Brown, who sliced his way into the slot, ripping a wrist shot into the right side of the net. Wheeling had chances for more, but rang the iron twice. Indy dodged those bullets, and came back to tie the score with two late strikes. First, the Rupert brothers connected shorthanded, with Ryan setting up Matt for a slap shot from the slot. 1:05 later, Garrett Clarke's left circle shot came up short, but managed to dribble into the crease, where it was poked into the vacant side of the goal by Jack Burton.

The game came down to the third period, and with 13:31 remaining, the Nailers went ahead for good. Cody Wydo rushed the puck down the left side of the ice, whirling behind the cage, before centering a pass into the slot. Troy Josephs skated onto the feed, and proceeded to bury a shot into the left side of the net for a 3-2 lead, which eventually turned into the final score.

Adam Morrison stopped all 13 shots he faced in the third period, en route to a 35-save performance overall, as he earned the win between the pipes for Wheeling. Matt Tomkins suffered his first pro loss for Indy, stopping 30 of the 33 shots he faced.

The Nailers will go out on the road to finish off the week, visiting the Reading Royals on Friday and Saturday at 7:00. Wheeling's next home game takes place on December 22nd, which is the Ugly Sweater Party against the Brampton Beast at 7:05. Any fan who wears an ugly sweater to the game will receive a buy one, get one ticket voucher for a future game. The next big promotional game is Bricks & Kids Night on January 13th. To purchase tickets, or to get more information about season tickets, flex plans, group tickets, holiday packs, and more, call (304) 234-GOAL.