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WHEELING -- Nothing gets a team's chemistry going quite like a four-game road trip on a bus to begin the season.
That's what the Wheeling Nailers experienced this past week and despite the long and tiresome journey, they walked away with two wins and four points in the standings.
The Nailers' first win came in Game 2 of the season with a 4-3 overtime win over ECHL expansion team the Iowa Heartlanders inside Xtream Arena.
Then, they closed out the week-long excursion with a come-from-behind 6-5 win over Wichita, in which Wheeling scored four unanswered goals in the third period to pull off the thrilling victory.
"When I saw this schedule in the summer I was like 'a four-game road trip? That's never an easy start. Especially one with long bus rides.' The second trip was a really long one but I was really happy with the way we played in all four games. The best part was that last game. It was all heart, so I was really proud of the guys and it was a nice ride home."
The comeback win also served as a reminder for Army of the incredible run he had as a player on the 2016 Nailers squad that reached the Kelly Cup Final.
"That's when you see what kind of character you have in the room," Army said.
"We really have a special squad. For me, there are shades of the 2015-16 team. We had the Cincinnati game where we came back and countless others, too. I think everyone in the locker room would say they have a special feel and a special bond."
His theory proved to be true.
"It was a good bonding experience," team captain Dylan MacPherson said. "To play three games right away and then be on the bus and in a hotel with the guys — you spend a lot of time together and get to know each other really quick. A big road trip like that early in the season brings the guys closer together and builds trust a lot quicker."
Nick Hutchinson, who scored in the comeback win, echoed MacPherson's thoughts and is also excited to return home to WesBanco Arena on Saturday, where the Nailers will host Fort Wayne at 7:10 p.m. in the home opener.
"It was a good road trip for us," Hutchinson said. "We got four points and got the team camaraderie going. We got to know the guys a lot better. Our confidence is high as a group right now and this weekend will be a good weekend for us I think."
Patrick Watling led the offensive charge over the last week with five points, including two goals, while Sean Josling followed with six points and three goals, while MacPherson and Adam Smith quieted the opposing offenses.
"From a leadership standpoint, Watling stepped up big time," Army said. "MacPherson and Smith really stepped up. I think the Hutchinson, Watling and Josling line in the game against Wichita came up really big."
At-least two of those three teamed up to earn points on four goals in the 6-5 win and they all earned a point together on one goal.
When the dust settled, Army was quite happy with the total team effort to kick off the campaign.
"I could go down the list," Army said. "They all did exactly what they were supposed to do."
Tommy Nappier earned both wins on the road trip. Alex D'Orio allowed four first-period goals against Wichita before Nappier eventually picked up the win.
They are joined by Louis-Philip Guindon as goalies on the roster.
"We have a little stability in the net," Army said. "Having Tommy down here — he was incredible at the end of the year for us and (D'Orio) was here the year before and played really well. They will be the backbone for us as long as they are here."
The team certainly has high hopes for the season as it looks to get back to the postseason.
"Our goal is to just win games and fight for a playoff spot," MacPherson said. "The big thing right now is getting back to the playoffs."