Monarchs End Wheeling's Home Point Streak

WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers and Manchester Monarchs set an ECHL record on Saturday night, as they combined to score three goals in 16 seconds. Two of those tallies were recorded by the Nailers, as Cody Wydo and Nick Sorkin both lit the lamp. Unfortunately, the rest of the night went Manchester's way, as the visitors netted three straight goals, and got 43 saves from Charles Williams, ending Wheeling's seven-game home point streak with a 5-2 triumph.

The first period was a wild one, which saw an ECHL record get broken. The Monarchs got the first goal of the night at the 4:57 mark, when Spencer Watson escaped from the defense, and scored with a forehand shot. With just under four minutes to go, the goals flew in at a furious pace. Manchester briefly upped its lead to two at the 16:01 mark, when Watson snapped in his second of the night from the left side of the slot. Seven seconds later, the Nailers got on the scoreboard. Reid Gardiner tossed a pass into the crease, where it was tipped home by Cody Wydo. Nine seconds after that, Nick Sorkin knotted the score for Wheeling, sliding in a shot from the bottom of the left circle. The three goals in 16 seconds set an ECHL record, beating the previous mark of three goals in 18 seconds.

Wheeling's domination in the shots on goal department continued in the middle frame, but the lone goal went to the Monarchs. Keegan Iverson poked the puck into the slot, where Jake Wood stepped up, and rifled a shot in off of the crossbar. The Nailers held a 39-11 advantage in shots during the first 40 minutes.

Manchester added to its lead at the 12-second mark of the third period, on a quick three-way passing play from Zac Lynch to Iverson, and eventually the goal scorer Michael Doherty, who finished the play in the left circle. Jordan LaVallee-Smotherman tacked on one more marker for a 5-2 Monarchs win.

Charles Williams played a huge game in net for Manchester, especially early, as he stopped 43 of the 45 shots he faced in the win. Will King took the loss for the Nailers, giving up five goals on 20 shots. Adam Morrison denied both shots he faced in relief.

The Nailers and Monarchs will play again on Sunday at 3:05, which is Faith & Family Day, in addition to the final post game skate with the team (all players) this season. The next big promotional game is 90's Night, Starring Alfonso Ribeiro, on February 2nd. The Nailers will wear special jerseys that night as well. To purchase tickets, or to get more information about season tickets, flex plans, group tickets, and more, call (304) 234-GOAL.