Tristan Thompson Scores First Goal of the Year, While Nolan Lalonde Stops 29
FISHERS, IN- The Wheeling Nailers and Indy Fuel played a tight defensive game on Friday night at Fishers Event Center, as both clubs dropped the puck on the 2026-27 season.
Regulation wasn’t enough to decide a winner, as the two sides played to a 1-1 stalemate. Harrison Israels was the difference maker for the Fuel, as he scored at the 5:17 mark of overtime, to give the home team a 2-1 decision. Tristan Thompson scored the lone goal for Wheeling, who received a 29-save effort from Nolan Lalonde.
The first period was about what one would expect with a pair of teams building chemistry and learning about their opposition. One goal was scored, while the two sides combined for 14 shots. The Nailers thought they may have scored the first goal of the season, when the Fuel put the puck into their own net during a delayed penalty.
However, the goal was disallowed due to Dante Sheriff either making contact with the puck or impeding the play. 32 seconds into the power play, Indy recorded the first countable goal of the campaign. Former Nailer Tommy Budnick let a wrist shot go from the center point, which was tipped in by Chase Dafoe.
Wheeling drew even with 4:12 remaining in the second period, while the teams were playing four-on-four. Cam Cook gained entry into the middle of the offensive zone, then delivered a pass to his left. The recipient was Tristan Thompson, who cruised into the left circle, then roofed a shot into the top-right corner of the cage. The Nailers-Fuel rivalry began to boil as the middle frame progressed, highlighted by a scrum at the buzzer.
Indy put loads of pressure on during the third period, as shots on goal were 15-4 in favor of the home side. Wheeling bent, but didn’t break, and got superb goaltending from Nolan Lalonde to send the clash into overtime deadlocked, 1-1.
The teams combined for seven shots in overtime, as chances were aplenty. At the 5:17 mark of the extra session, the Fuel scored to earn the bonus point and the 2-1 win. Harrison Israels skated across the offensive zone from right to left, then delivered a shot against the grain to find the twine on the right side.
Adam Gajan collected his first professional win for Indy in his second career start, as he made 18 saves on 19 shots. Nolan Lalonde rejected 29 of the 31 shots he faced in his Nailers debut.
The Nailers will play their home opener on Saturday, October 24th at 7:10 p.m. against the Toledo Walleye. There will be a magnetic schedule giveaway for all fans, plus Rachel Clement will perform an ice skating and fire act during intermissions. For information about season tickets, group tickets, ticket packages, and more, call (304) 234-GOAL or visit wheelingnailers.com.
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.
