Toledo Tops Wheeling, 4-1

TOLEDO, OH- The Wheeling Nailers put together a perfect 6-for-6 effort on the penalty kill, and even scored a shorthanded goal, but unfortunately, they were unable to overcome an early deficit against the Toledo Walleye. Toledo scored twice in the opening stanza, then added one each in the second and third periods, collecting a 4-1 victory at Huntington Center.

The Walleye got off to a fast start, scoring less than two minutes into the contest, before adding another goal just before the first period buzzer. The opening strike came off of the rush at the 1:33 mark, when Austen Brassard sent Shane Berschbach down the right side. Berschbach let a wrist shot go from the circle, finding the twine. With two seconds left on the clock, the second puck trickled its way over the line, as Charlie O'Connor got his stick on it while the two teams battled at the top of the crease.

One goal was scored in the middle frame, as Toledo upped its lead to three. Colin Jacobs drifted down the right side of the ice, shelving a shot from just above the goal line. The first two periods each featured a fight, after a couple of huge hits by the Nailers, as Andrew Schmit took on Brassard, and Dan Milan threw down the mitts with A.J. Jenks.

Both teams notched shorthanded goals in the third period. The Walleye were first on the board, as Christian Hilbrich buried a breakaway attempt along the ice. Wheeling got its tally from Chris Francis, who lifted in a feed from Matt Abt on the left side of the crease, giving the contest its 4-1 final score.

Pat Nagle earned his 35th win in goal for Toledo, stopping 32 of the 33 shots he faced. Danny Tirone suffered the defeat for the Nailers, making 22 saves on 26 shots.

The Nailers will close out the home portion of the regular season, when they celebrate Fan Appreciation Night against the Manchester Monarchs on Saturday at 7:05. Fan Appreciation Night will feature a diamond ring giveaway for one lucky fan, a team trading card set for the first 2,500 fans, a full team post game autograph session, and various prizes throughout the game. There is also a Family Four Pack for Fan Appreciation Night, in which fans can get four tickets, four hats, and four McDonald's Meal Vouchers for $56. To purchase tickets, or to get more information about season tickets, flex plans, group tickets, and more, call (304) 234-GOAL.