Nailers Rebound to Foil the Royals

READING, PA- The Wheeling Nailers rebounded in a big way on Saturday night, as they exacted revenge on the Reading Royals at Santander Arena. Will King made 37 saves, and the Nailers got goals from Kevin Schulze, Reid Gardiner, Troy Josephs, and Cody Wydo, as they picked up the 4-2 road victory.

The goaltenders were in the spotlight from the second the puck hit the ice, as the game was scoreless all the way until the final minute of the second period. During one stretch of play in the middle frame, both teams had high quality opportunities denied, as Mark Dekanich snared Kevin Schulze's shot with the glove, and Will King kicked out the right leg pad to turn aside Ryan Penny's shot off of the rush. However, Schulze got the upper hand on Dekanich with the opening tally. He and Jarrett Burton exchanged passes, with Schulze ultimately blazing a one-timer into the top-right corner of the cage.

Wheeling added to its lead in the opening minute of the third period. Nick Sorkin led Reid Gardiner in on the right side of the offensive zone, and Gardiner proceeded to zip in a wrist shot from the circle. Troy Josephs added what appeared to be an insurance goal at the time but turned out to be the game winner, cashing in on Garrett Meurs' steal in the trapezoid. Adam Schmidt scored Reading's Teddy Bear Toss goal, and was followed by Brian Morgan, as the margin got trimmed down to one, before Cody Wydo's empty netter put the finishing touches on the 4-2 triumph for the Nailers.

Will King turned in a great performance in goal for Wheeling, earning the win with 37 saves on 39 shots. Mark Dekanich took the loss for Reading, giving up three goals on 27 shots.

The Nailers will play two home games before the holidays next weekend. First, on Friday at 7:05, it's an Ugly Sweater Party. Any fan that wears an ugly sweater to the game will receive a buy one, get one free ticket voucher for a future game. Plus, there will be a contest to determine which fan is wearing the ugliest sweater. Then, on Saturday at 7:05, Santa Claus will be in town, making his final preparations for the big night. Both games will be played against the Brampton Beast. The next big promotional game takes place on January 13th, which is Bricks & Kids Night. To purchase tickets, or to get more information about season tickets, flex plans, group tickets, holiday packs, and more, call (304) 234-GOAL.