The Indy Fuel treated their home fans to a thrilling 2-1 overtime victory against the Wheeling Nailers on Wednesday night. With Ryan Gagnier’s game-winning goal, the Fuel overcame a resilient Nailers squad in their first home matchup of the season.

First Period: Defensive Duel

The game opened with physicality as Dakota Seaman of Wheeling and Indy’s Nathan Noel exchanged unsportsmanlike conduct penalties just three minutes in. The Fuel earned a power play opportunity later in the period after a tripping penalty on David Jankowski, but the Nailers’ defense held firm. Despite outshooting Wheeling 10-4 in the period, the Fuel couldn’t find the back of the net.

Second Period: Momentum Shifts

The second frame brought more action, with Indy’s Ty Farmer heading to the box for holding just 90 seconds in. The Fuel penalty kill proved effective, but the Nailers struck first at 10:40 when Mats Lindgren buried a shot to give Wheeling a 1-0 lead.

Indy answered late in the period at 17:41. Cam Hausinger, with assists from Ryan Gagnier and Kevin Lombardi, evened the score. The Fuel outshot the Nailers 19-12 through two periods but entered the final frame tied 1-1.

Third Period: Tensions Mount

Both teams tightened up defensively in the third period. The Fuel had a power-play chance when Matthew Quercia of Wheeling was called for holding at 6:37, but the Nailers’ penalty killers stood tall. As the Nailers closed the gap in shots, the game became increasingly physical. Regulation ended with the score still knotted at 1-1, setting up a dramatic overtime finish.

Overtime: Gagnier Delivers

The Nailers dominated early possession in overtime, peppering Fuel goalie Ben Gaudreau with four shots in just three minutes. Gaudreau turned aside each attempt.

At 3:28, Ryan Gagnier broke free on a breakaway and delivered a decisive goal on Indy’s first shot of the extra frame, sealing the 2-1 victory.

Next Up

The Fuel and Nailers will face off again Friday night at the Fishers Event Center for Hockey Talks Night.