Nailers Score Five in First Home Win of Season

WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers earned their first home victory of the season with a dominant performance against the Greenville Swamp Rabbits. Five different players scored for the Nailers, with three of the five netting the firsts of their careers. Troy Josephs was the lone player with multiple points, as he got the scoring started and added an assist, as Wheeling defeated Greenville, 5-1.

The Nailers had a phenomenal start to the battle, scoring twice in the first period, while outshooting Greenville, 11-3. The first goal came while the teams were playing 4-on-4. Troy Josephs made his way into the high slot, then zipped a wrist shot into the top-right corner of the cage. A little less than eight minutes later, Josephs became the setup man, as he cruised through the trapezoid, before feeding Aaron Titcomb for a one-timer from the right circle. Garrett Bartus made the save, but the rebound went right to Michael Phillips, who cashed in for his first pro goal in North America.

Wheeling kept on rolling in the middle frame, turning on the red light twice more, extending its lead to four. With 3:31 remaining, Zac Lynch broke in on the right side, but his shot whistled wide of the goal. Lynch grabbed his own rebound, and fed Cedric Lacroix, who slammed in his first professional tally. 1:12 later, another player joined in on the fun with a first career strike. Robbie Hall's point drive banged off the end boards to Renars Krastenbergs, who found the twine from the bottom of the right circle.

Cam Brown popped in one more goal for the home team, drilling in the rebound of Zac Lynch's initial attempt, while former Nailer Jake Bolton picked up the lone goal for the Swamp Rabbits, as the final score was 5-1 for the Nailers.

John Muse backstopped a terrific defensive effort in the win, making 17 saves on 18 shots. Garrett Bartus was the losing goaltender for Greenville, giving up five goals on 26 shots.

The Nailers and Swamp Rabbits will meet again at WesBanco Arena on Saturday night at 7:05. Coming up later in the month on November 21st is Marvel Super Hero Night. Then, on December 15th, Mick Foley will be the special guest for NailerMania. 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.