News release
15 February 2014
WHEELING, W.Va. - After over a month apart the Elmira Jackals renew acquaintances with the Wheeling Nailers tonight at WesBanco Arena. The game begins a stretch where the Jackals play four games in a row against Wheeling.
WHO: Elmira Jackals - Ottawa and New Jersey/NHL & Binghamton and Albany/AHL (19-23-5) at Wheeling Nailers - Pittsburgh and Montreal/NHL & Wilkes-Barre/Scranton and Hamilton/AHL (23-19-6)
WHAT: Jackals Away Game #27. Head to SplitRock Brewing Company at First Arena for tonight's watch party. Enjoy the Jackals on the big screens along with great food, craft beer, fine wine, and signature cocktails at SplitRock.
The Jackals are facing the Nailers tonight for the ninth of 15 meetings this season and the sixth of seven at WesBanco Arena. Elmira is 2-5-1 against Wheeling this season, which includes a 1-3-1 record on the road. Tonight is Elmira's first visit to WesBanco Arena since January 3, 2014. The Jackals battled back twice from one-goal deficits but fell 3-2 in overtime. The last Elmira win at Wheeling came on Dec. 12, 2013. Now ex-Jackal Christian Ouellet scored the game-winning goal and added two assists as the Jackals defeated the Nailers 5-2. Five of the previous eight meetings between these two teams have been decided by one goal and the last two have gone to overtime.
Jackals rookie Dane Walters' season got off to a slow start as he spent the first two months on the 21-day IR. Once healthy and in the lineup he registered just four points (2G, 2A) in his first 14 contests. A two-assist effort on January 24 vs. Fort Wayne, however, sparked Walters' offensive game and he hasn't slowed down yet. Over his last 11 games he is averaging just under a point per game (5G, 5A), and has produced some clutch goals. Walters netted game-winning goals in three straight games from Jan. 29 to Feb. 1 and is tied for the third most game winners in the ECHL (second among rookies).