WHEELING, WV- After a week of practices, the Wheeling Nailers got to experience game action against a league opponent on Friday night, as they hosted the Fort Wayne Komets to open the 2026 preseason. Wheeling’s offense came to life with two goals in the third period, but unfortunately, a four-goal hole was too much to overcome, as the Komets prevailed, 4-2 at WesBanco Arena. Chris Dodero factored into both goals for the Nailers, as he notched one goal and one assist.
Fort Wayne potted both goals during the first period. The opening tally came at the 6:08 mark. Former Nailer Randy Hernández dropped a pass back to defenseman Jonny Tychonik, who stepped up into the high slot, and drilled a shot into the left side of the cage. The visitors added to their advantage with 4:01 remaining. Drake Rymsha gathered in a pass from Cody Morgan in the trapezoid, then quickly turned to his forehand and jammed a wraparound inside the left post.
The Komets added two more markers during the middle frame. At the 9:29 mark, Alex Aleardi delivered a slap shot on goal from the right circle, which was blocked by Wheeling goaltender Nolan Lalonde. Hunter Johannes batted the rebound out of the air and into the twine. Less than three minutes later, Nathan Dunkley made the score 4-0, when he received a pass from Morgan just outside of the crease, deked to his backhand, and shoveled a shot into the top shelf…