Foster Plays Villain against Former Team in Shootout Victory
February 19, 2017 - ECHL (ECHL)
Norfolk Admirals News Release
ORLANDO, FL. - Norfolk Admirals (19-28-4-0) forward T.J. Foster scored twice in regulation and once more in the shootout on Sunday, driving his club to a 3-2 win over his former Orlando Solar Bears (26-18-6-3).
There was just one marker in the first 40 minutes of play on Sunday, coming from Foster. Admirals forward Domenic Alberga was able to pry the puck away from two Orlando skaters in the corner to the right of Kasimir Kaskisuo and push it to the second-year pro, who made a move to his backhand before beating the Finnish netminder. The goal came just 4:56 in, giving Norfolk an early lead that would last all the way until the final frame of regulation.
Orlando burst out of the gate to start the third period, scoring twice in just over two minutes. First, Ben Danford came streaking down the right wing and unleashed a well placed shot that beat Philippe Desrosiers. Desrosiers, who missed the first game of the series on Thursday due to illness, was making his first start in the three game set.
Then, Alex Gacek propelled his team into the lead with his 20th of the season. Left alone in front, the impressive rookie was given not one, but two tries to finish his own rebound. Chris Crane and Shane Conacher received the assists on the goal that put the Solar Bears ahead 2-1.
The home team would hang on to that advantage until with just 1:13 remaining in regulation when T.J. Foster recorded his second of the contest. With Desrosiers on the bench in favor of the extra attacker and Daniel Maggio in the penalty box for Orlando, the puck was sent to the front of the net by Alberga and amongst a mess of bodies, Foster was able to jam it home to tie the game.
Overtime wasn't able to decide the bout so the team's went to a shootout that stretched five rounds. Gacek was able to beat Desrosiers to give the host side an upper-hand in the second tier but Foster found the back of the net for the third time to keep the skills competition even.
Desrosiers made three consecutive saves following Gacek's mark and in the bottom of the fifth round Frankie Simonelli was able to utilize his backhand to beat Kaskisuo for the game-winner.
The Dallas Stars prospect earned the victory in net after stopping 40 of 42 through 65 minutes and an additional four in the shootout.
Norfolk now returns home for a five consecutive at Scope, beginning on Wednesday, February 22 against the Florida Everblades. It's another Spaghetti Wednesday promotional game, so the first 200 fans to purchase a full-price ticket on the day of the game will be treated to a free spaghetti dinner, served from 6-8 P.M. in Meeting Room Four. It's also the first Service Industry Night, offering an $11 ticket to those who show proof of employment in the field.
For a complete listing of all promotions, upcoming games and ticketing information, visit norfolkadmirals.com.
• Discuss this story on the ECHL message board...
ECHL Stories from February 19, 2017
- Solar Bears Pick up Point Five-Round Shootout with Admirals - Orlando Solar Bears
- Collins' Pair Gives Rush Sweep - Rapid City Rush
- Kessy Nets Hat-Trick as Oilers Blank Wichita - Tulsa Oilers
- Mavericks Can't Reel in Walleye - Kansas City Mavericks
- Royals Complete Weekend by Shutting Down Elmira, 2-0 - Reading Royals
- Kessey, Stevens Blank Thunder in Tulsa - Wichita Thunder
- Jackals Held Scoreless in Reading - Elmira Jackals
- Cyclones Surrender Lead, Ultimately Win in Shootout - Cincinnati Cyclones
- Stingrays Come up Short to Thunder Sunday - South Carolina Stingrays
- 'Blades Bounce Back for 4-3 Win at Greenville - Florida Everblades
- Harstad Signs PTO with Texas Stars - Idaho Steelheads
- Foster Plays Villain against Former Team in Shootout Victory - Norfolk Admirals
- GameDay - Colorado at Aces - Sunday, February 19, 2017 - Alaska Aces
- Americans Celebrate Hockey Day Across America - Allen Americans
- Game Preview: Orlando Solar Bears vs. Norfolk Admirals - Orlando Solar Bears
- Houck, Hafner Lead Eagles Past Aces 6-2 Saturday - Alaska Aces
- Game Recap --- Winning Streak Reaches 11 Games with 6-2 Triumph Over - Colorado Eagles
- GAMEDAY - ADIRONDACK (26-14-5-4) at SOUTH CAROLINA - Adirondack Thunder
- STEELHEADS: Steelheads Bear Down on Grizzlies in Shootout - Idaho Steelheads
- Americans Fall to Rush in Overtime - Allen Americans
- Stingrays Dethrone Monarchs with Sweep - South Carolina Stingrays
- GAME REPORT: Fuel Top Oilers 6-2 to Snap Skid - Tulsa Oilers
- Rush Win in OT over ECHL's Best - Rapid City Rush
- Beast Fight Hard But Drop Close Decision to Komets in Overtime - Brampton Beast
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
Other Recent Norfolk Admirals Stories
- McDougall's Two Goals Lift Admirals Past Lions in Game 3
- Admirals' Late-Rally Falls Short in Game Two against Lions
- Admirals Bring Aboard Goaltender Neaton
- Jets Reassign Salminen from Norfolk to Manitoba
- Admirals Take Game One Against Trois-Rivières In Kelly Cup Playoffs