Saturday 3 February 2018

Nailed It

When you think of the decade of the 1990s, what comes to mind? For younger people, not much as 1990 was some 28 years ago, but for slightly older generations - me included - what stands out when it comes to everything that happened in the 1990s? It would probably be on the list, but I'm not sure how high I would have ranked the television show The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. The ECHL's Wheeling Nailers made that show a priority on Saturday night as they held '90s Night as part of their promotional schedule!

As seen to the right, the Wheeling Nailers skated out on '90s Night wearing uniforms designed by Jeff Tasca and produced by Athletic Knit that look identical to the background of the opening of Saved By The Bell and the logo looking somewhat like the lettering for The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air! These are pretty spectacular jerseys when it comes to the pop culture of the 1990s, and I think Jeff and Athletic Knit did an incredible job on these uniforms that not only have the design on the jerseys, but on the socks as well! With '90s Night looking exceptionally good thanks to the Jeff's vision and Athletic Knit's production, the only thing left in question was whether or not the Nailers could make it a memorable night on the ice!

Did someone say "memorable"?
Alfonso Ribeiro was on-hand for the game between the Nailers and the Indy Fuel, and Mr. Carlton Banks broke out the Carlton Dance in dropping the puck! Ribeiro has always been a good sport when attending events and festivals about doing the "Carlton", and tonight was no different as he broke into character and made this ceremonial puck-drop entirely awesome! Well done, Alfonso!

As always, there was a game to be played after all the '90s fun had subsided. The Nailers jumped out to a 3-1 lead after the first period on the strength of goals by Chris Francis on the power-play, Kevin Schulze on the power-play, and Troy Josephs. The Fuel had tied the game at 1-1 when Johnny McInnis found the back of the net, but that would be the last time these two teams would be even.

Darian Dziurzynski made it 3-2 on a backhander as the Fuel pulled within a goal in the second period, but Troy Josephs would score 38 seconds later to make it 4-2. Francis then made it 5-2 prior to the second intermission. Dziurzynski potted his second goal of the game in the third period, but Freddie Tiffels and Francis, who completed his hat trick, made it a 7-3 victory for the Wheeling Nailers on '90s Night! Adam Morrison picked up his tenth win of the season in a 26-save performance as Wheeling moved to nine games above .500 on the season!

A big win, Carlton Banks doing the Carlton Dance, and some incredible '90s-esque jerseys made for one memorable night in Wheeling, Pennsylvania. I'd say they nailed it!

Until next time, keep your sticks on the ice!

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