Aces, Coleman Blank Grizzlies 4-0

March 26, 2011 - ECHL (ECHL)
Alaska Aces News Release


Gerald Coleman made 19 saves for his league-leading, fourth shutout of the year, and the Alaska Aces rode a three-goal second period for a 4-0 win over the Utah Grizzlies at Sullivan Arena on Friday Night. The Aces reduced their magic number to clinch the Western Conference to two points, and can secure an opening-round playoff bye with a win on Saturday. The Aces also moved back into sole possession in first place in ECHL standings - one point ahead of idle Greenville, with a game in hand. Alaska's record improved to 43-21-3 on the year. The Aces return to host the Utah Grizzlies on Saturday night at 7:15pm. 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.

Brian Swanson scored the only goal of the opening period on a power play from the right circle at 6:56 to give the Aces a 1-0 lead. Wes Goldie assisted on the goal with Scott Howes, giving Goldie a league-best 13-game point streak. The Aces outshot the Grizzlies 10-4 in the opening period.

Alaska took command of the game early in the second. Kory Falite scored on an Andrew Engelage mistake when Engelage misplayed a backhand from the slot off of his stick and behind him into the net 50 seconds into the period. Just 57 seconds later, Curtis Fraser scored on a rebound at 1:47 to make it 3-0, and prematurely ended the night for Engelage. Tyler Sims entered the game in relief. With the Aces leading 3-0, Coleman made the save of the night, diving to his left to deny Brent Gauvreau on a two-on-one, and keep his shutout intact. Alaska added a goal when Goldie scored on a wraparound at 8:17 to make it 4-0.

Coleman withstood a third period attack from Utah, turning aside 11 more shots to complete the clean sheet, and earn his first home shutout of the season.

Gerald Coleman (28-14-1) earned the win, making 19 saves on 19 shots. Andrew Engelage (19-12-5) suffered the loss, making 9 saves on 12 shots. Sims made 14 saves on 15 shots, and did not figure into the decision. The Aces went 1-4 on the power play, while the Grizzlies went 0-1. The Aces outshot the Grizzlies 27-19 in the game.

The Aces return home on Saturday, and then Sunday afternoon to close the home portion of their season schedule against the Utah Grizzlies. 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.



ECHL Stories from March 26, 2011


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.

OurSports Central