Late Rally Falls Short for Wheeling

WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers scored 14 goals in their three games at WesBanco Arena this weekend, but unfortunately, they fell short in the finale on Sunday afternoon. Former Nailer J.C. Campagna tallied two goals and an assist, as the Fort Wayne Komets held off a late surge by the Nailers for a 5-4 road win. Yushiroh Hirano led the way for Wheeling with one goal and three assists.

Both teams got on the scoreboard with a goal in the first period. Fort Wayne was first to strike at the 3:57 mark. J.C. Campagna dished a pass into the slot, where Jason Binkley stepped up with a heavy wrist shot. The Nailers answered less than six minutes later. Robbie Hall tossed a shot on goal from the left side. Eric Levine dropped the rebound out of his glove, and Alex Rauter pounced on it immediately, sweeping in his tenth goal of the year.

Wheeling took its first lead of the afternoon at the 10:54 mark of the middle frame. Yushiroh Hirano had his shot denied, but Cedric Lacroix scooped up the rebound, and lifted in a backhander. Hirano and Zac Lynch earned the assists, as both players extended their point streaks to eight games. However, the Komets had a couple of answers to go back in front. Marc-Olivier's left circle shot tipped in off a Nailers stick for the equalizer, before Campagna banked in the rebound of Kevin Gibson's shot that rang off the right post.

Fort Wayne added to its advantage in the third period, as Anthony Petruzzelli scored off a rush with Brady Shaw, and Campagna potted his second of the day on a breakaway. The Nailers made a strong effort to come back, as Hirano clobbered in a one-timer on the power play at 16:45, then Lynch lifted in a shorthanded shot with 32 seconds to go. Unfortunately, a tying goal wasn't in the cards, as the Komets held on for the 5-4 win.

Eric Levine picked up the victory in goal for Fort Wayne, stopping 31 of the 35 shots he faced. John Muse took the loss, with five goals against on 25 shots.

The Nailers have two more home games coming up next weekend. Friday night is a Frosty Friday, as Wheeling hosts the Indy Fuel at 7:05. Then, on Saturday, bring your dog to the game for Pups & Pucks against the Kalamazoo Wings at 8:05. The next big promotional night is Country Roads, featuring a Mason Jar Giveaway to the first 2,000 fans on February 16th. 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.