NORTH CHARLESTON, SC- The Wheeling Nailers traveled a long distance to the South Division, and they have performed extremely well, earning back-to-back victories. On Saturday night, Wheeling received a four-point game from Kevin Spinozzi, in addition to a three-point night by Winston Day Chief, and 30 saves from Matt O'Connor, as the Nailers took down the South Carolina Stingrays, 4-1 at North Charleston Coliseum.
For the second night in a row, the first period went by without a score. In the middle frame, the Nailers put a pair on the board. First up was a power play goal at the 8:40 mark. Kevin Spinozzi drilled a slap shot on goal from the right point that was stopped by Gordon Defiel. Cedric Lacroix and Winston Day Chief scraped at the rebound, with Day Chief lifting in the goal from the top of the crease. In the final minute of the stanza, Wheeling extended its lead, when Spinozzi tossed in a shot from the left wall, which was deflected in off a South Carolina stick.
Early in the third period, the Nailers struck shorthanded for the second straight game. Day Chief sifted a pass behind the defense for Alex Rauter, who dragged the puck to his backhand, roofing a shot up and under the crossbar. A power play goal by Nick Roberto with 5:54 left spoiled the shutout, but Yushiroh Hirano gave Wheeling its 4-1 win with an empty netter for his first professional goal in North America.
Matt O'Connor earned his first win with the Nailers, turning in a terrific performance with 30 saves on 31 shots. Gordon Defiel took the loss for the Stingrays, allowing three goals on 20 shots.
The Nailers have one more stop on their three-game road trip, and that will be Greenville on Sunday afternoon at 3:00. 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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