Sold-out crowd watches Toledo beat Wheeling!
3/16/2013 - (Toledo, OH)-Kent Simpson made several key saves as the Toledo Walleye defeated the Wheeling Nailers 3-1 in front of a sold-out crowd of 7,468 at the Huntington Center on Saturday night. Toledo now has an overall record of 33-23-5-4 and a home record of 17-9-3-3.
Toledo jumped out to an early 1-0 lead, scoring just 2:01 into the game. Trevor Parkes tipped a Joey Martin shot that went through the five-hole of Wheeling goaltender Scott Darling on the power play. Willie Coetzee also assisted on the Toledo goal after sliding a pass over to Martin.
Walleye goaltender Kent Simpson made several key stops through the first period, stopping 14 Wheeling shots. Toledo fired 13 shots on goal at Darling.
Wheeling scored the lone goal in the second period that came at 9:28 of the period from Chris Barton to tie the game up at one goal a piece.
The Walleye had just five shots on goal in that period, bringing their two-period total to 18.
Coetzee would get his team-leading 24th goal of the year after he took a pass from Martin and sent a blistering shot from the point behind Darling for the power play goal. Parkes registered the second assist on the goal that put the Walleye up 2-1 at 10:40 of the third period.
Thirty-six seconds later, the Walleye took the lead for good, pulling ahead, 3-1. Martin took a Cody Lampl missed shot and fired the puck into the back of the Wheeling net. Kyle Rogers collected an assist on the goal that came at 11:16 of the third period.
Walleye Wrap-Up:
-Goaltender Kent Simpson made 35 saves during the game and improved his record to 16-12-3-3.
-Willie Coetzee scored his team-leading 24th goal of the year and extended his point and assist streaks to four games.
-Toledo is 5-0-0 against the Nailers at home this season.
-The 7,468 fans at tonight’s game marked the eighth sellout of the year and the 38th overall in the history of the Walleye at the Huntington Center. Tonight marked the fourth straight Saturday sellout of the season. Thank you, Toledo!
The Walleye return home tomorrow afternoon at 5:05 p.m. when they host these same Wheeling Nailers. Join the Walleye and continue your St. Patrick’s…rather, St. CatTrick’s Day celebrations as the Walleye skate on green ice. Wear your green Walleye Wear and head to the Huntington Center. The Incredible Hulk will be making a special visit on the main concourse during the game. Tickets are on sale now by calling 419-725-9255, visiting the arena box office or online at www.toledowalleye.com.
Game Story By: Samantha Hoot
