Aces Beat Bulls 3-2 in Another Wild Finish
March 9, 2013 - ECHL (ECHL)
Alaska Aces News Release
Alex Hudson scored the tie-breaking, game-winning goal in the third period, and newcomer Evan Trupp had a pair of assists in his team debut as the Alaska Aces beat the San Francisco Bulls 3-2 on Friday night from the Cow Palace in San Francisco, CA. The Aces extended their winning streak to six games and upped their record to a league-best 45-12-6. Alaska also increased their road point streak to ten games. The Aces win, coupled with an Ontario Reign loss in Bakersfield increased Alaska's lead for the best record in the ECHL to eight points. The Aces and Bulls finish their three-game series on Saturday. The Aces return for one final home series on Wednesday, March 13 when they welcome the Idaho Steelheads. Tickets are available at the Aces office, Sullivan Arena Box Office, Fred Meyer locations or online at www.ticketmaster.com. All Aces games can be heard on NewsTalk 103.7FM and 750AM KFQD. For more information, please contact the Aces office at 907.258.ACES, or visit them on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/alaskaaceshockey.
The bad blood between the two teams was evident from the opening face-off. Several big hits and two fights in the opening five minutes set the tone for a physical night. Alaska broke through first on the scoreboard when Alex Imbeault roofed a backhand from the left circle over the right shoulder of Taylor Nelson at 11:24 to make it 1-0 Aces. Evan Trupp assisted on the goal, registering a point in his Aces debut. At the 12:00 mark the Aces were called for two minor penalties and faced a two-minute, two-man advantage for San Francisco. The top-ranked penalty killing unit killed off the penalty, keeping the Aces in front. However, the Bulls answered at 16:34. San Francisco worked the puck to Yanni Gourde at the bottom of the slot, and he chipped a puck past Gerald Coleman to even the score 1-1 after one period. The Bulls outshot the Aces 11-8 in the period.
The Aces PK was once again tested in the second period as San Francisco received four more power plays in the frame. However, Alaska kept the Bulls scoreless and cashed in on a power play of their own. At 9:50, Trupp sent a perfectly placed pass from the left boards through the zone to Nick Mazzolini at the inside edge of the right circle. Mazzolini one-timed the pass home for his second point of the night, 33rd goal of the season and gave the Aces a 2-1 lead. The Aces outshot the Bulls 12-10 in the period and took the one-goal advantage into the third period.
The Bulls quickly tied the game in the third period. After an Aces giveaway at their own blue line Bryan Cameron scored from the left circle at 2:51 to make it 2-2. However, Alaska found a way to respond with their 12th third period, tie-breaking victory this season. Alex Hudson crashed the net and poked home a loose puck after Zach Harrison's shot squeeze through Nelson and lingered in the crease. Hudson's goal extended his goal scoring streak to three games and was his fifth goal in the last five games. Down the stretch, Coleman and the Aces hung on for the 3-2 win.
Gerald Coleman (21-4-1) made 30 saves on 32 shots earning the win. Taylor Nelson (8-15-4) made 26 saves on 29 shots, while taking the loss. The Aces went 1-3 on the power play and the Bulls were 0-6. Alaska was outshot by San Francisco 32-29 in the game.
The Aces and Bulls finish their three-game series on Saturday. The Aces return for one final home series on Wednesday, March 13 when they welcome the Idaho Steelheads. Tickets are available at the Aces office, Sullivan Arena Box Office, Fred Meyer locations or online at www.ticketmaster.com. All Aces games can be heard on NewsTalk 103.7FM and 750AM KFQD. For more information, please contact the Aces office at 907.258.ACES, or visit them on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/alaskaaceshockey.
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