JACKSONVILLE, FL- The Wheeling Nailers had a fun time in their first ever trip to Jacksonville, Florida, as they knocked off the South Division leading Icemen, 4-1 on Friday night. Troy Josephs continued his dazzling play, scoring for the fourth straight game. But, he didn't stop there, as the second year forward netted his second career hat trick, doing so in natural fashion (three in a row). John Muse preserved the win with 36 saves, and also picked up an assist on Zac Lynch's final tally.
After a scoreless first period, the Nailers got things going their way in the middle frame. The first goal came at the 1:34 mark. Nick Saracino capitalized on a loose puck driving into the offensive zone. Wheeling's road captain swept a pass up to Troy Josephs, who wired in a shot from the slot. With 1:18 left in the stanza, that same combo struck again, doing so shorthanded. Saracino dished over to Josephs on his left, and Josephs proceeded to slam a shot into the left side of the cage.
Josephs completed his magical night in the third period, burying a shot from the left side after fighting through the defense at the 11:56 mark. Jacksonville's Dan DeSalvo spoiled Wheeling's shutout bid with 3:48 left, ringing a shot in off the right post, but Zac Lynch rebuilt the three-goal margin with an empty netter for the 4-1 final.
John Muse had an excellent night in goal for the Nailers, making 36 saves on 37 shots, including 16 of 17 attempts in the third period. Tanner Jaillet took the loss for the Icemen, stopping 22 of the 25 shots he faced.
The Nailers will continue their three-game weekend road trip on Saturday, when they visit the South Carolina Stingrays at 7:05. Wheeling's next home game is Thanksgiving Eve - November 21st at 7:05 against the Reading Royals. That night will feature $2 beers, and will also be Marvel Super Hero Night. Another exciting upcoming promotion is NailerMania, with special guest Mick Foley on Saturday, December 15th. The Wheeling Nailers, considered one of the top things to do in Wheeling, West Virginia, provide affordable family entertainment for fans throughout the Ohio Valley. For information on season tickets, group tickets, flex plans, and more, call (304) 234-GOAL.
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