Aces Clinch Western Conference Title With 4-1 Win

Published on March 27, 2011 under ECHL (ECHL)
Alaska Aces News Release


The Alaska Aces scored four unanswered goals, and earned their fifth consecutive win in a 4-1 triumph over the Utah Grizzlies at Sullivan Arena on Saturday Night to clinch the Western Conference regular season title. The Aces have four games left in the regular season, then will receive an opening round bye, and begin the 2011 Kelly Cup Playoffs at home in mid-April. The Aces also increased their lead for first place in ECHL standings to three points. Alaska's record improved to 44-21-3 on the year. The Aces return to host the Utah Grizzlies in their final home game of the season on Sunday afternoon at 2pm. For more information, and the latest promotional news and updates, fans can visit the Aces at their Facebook page for more information, or call the Aces at 907.258.ACES.

The Grizzlies got the only goal of the first period when a long pass by goaltender Andrew Engelage sprung Ryley Grantham into the zone where he snuck a shot past Gerald Coleman's glove hand at 2:19 to give Utah a 1-0 lead after one period. The Aces outshot the Grizzlies 9-8 in the period.

For the second straight night, Alaska used the second period to vault them ahead. Wes Goldie buried a rebound to extend his point streak to 14 games and tie the score at 4:41. It was Goldie's league-leading 42nd of the year. Alaska then took a 2-1 lead when Mark Isherwood scored on a one-timer at 7:01. Alaska made it three in a span of just over four minutes when Alex Dzielski tapped in an Ethan Cox wraparound bid at 8:44 to give Alaska a 3-1 lead at second intermission.

Dan Kissel notched his 19th of the year 11:32 into the third period to complete the scoring, and the Aces went on to beat the Grizzlies and lock up the top seed in the West, and clinch their fourth regular season conference title in franchise history.

Gerald Coleman (29-14-1) earned the win, making 18 saves on 19 shots. Andrew Engelage (19-13-5) suffered the loss, making 25 saves on 29 shots. The Aces went 1-4 on the power play, while the Grizzlies went 0-3. The Aces outshot the Grizzlies 29-19 in the game.

The Aces return home on Sunday afternoon to close the home portion of their season schedule against the Utah Grizzlies. Fans in attendance are invited to stay after the game for an exclusive meet and greet, autograph session with the Aces players. For the most up-to-date team and promotional information, please visit the Aces on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/#!/alaskaaceshockey. Fans can also call the Aces office at 907.258.ACES.

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ECHL Stories from March 27, 2011


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