Aces Come Back for 5-3 Win in Colorado

Published on March 23, 2013 under ECHL (ECHL)
Alaska Aces News Release


The Alaska Aces scored three third period goals to overcome a second intermission deficit and earn a 5-3 win over the Colorado Eagles from the Budweiser Event Center in Loveland, Colorado. The Aces became the first ECHL team since 2009-2010 to break the century mark in points, lifting their season point total to 101 with a 47-15-7 record. With the victory, the Aces lowered their magic number to clinch the Brabham Cup to two points. They will have a chance to wrap up the title on Saturday night in the rubber match of their series with Colorado. Alaska will return to the Sullivan Arena to host Games 1 & 2 of the Opening Round of the Kelly Cup Playoffs on Friday, April 5th and Saturday, April 6th. Tickets will be available at the Aces office, Sullivan Arena Box Office, Fred Meyer locations or online at www.ticketmaster.com beginning March 25. 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.

For the second straight game, Colorado scored an early power play goal in a foreshadowing of a penalty-filled affair. Kevin Ulanski scored his first of two goals on the night from the right face-off circle at 4:27. The lead for the Eagles held until Nick Mazzolini tied the game at 17:36 with his co-league leading 36th goal of the season. The Aces outshot the Eagles 12-9 in the frame.

The Aces took their first lead of the night at 4:24 of the second period when Bobby Hughes scored from the slot with a low shot past goaltender Adam Brown. The lead held until late in the period, but a barrage of penalties called against the Aces turned the game around. Alaska was whistled for five straight penalties in a span of 3:41, giving Colorado three separate two-man advantages. The top-ranked Eagles power play cashed in scoring two goals 24 seconds apart. At 19:28, Collin Bowman tied the game at 2-2 on a five-on-three goal. Then with 7.2 seconds left in the period, Ulanski scored his second of the night on a wrist shot from the high slot.

Coming out for the third period, a determined Aces club outshot Colorado 11-5 and quickly tied the score. On a two-man advantage of their own, Hughes scored his second goal of the game at 5:45 to make it 3-3. At 10:24, Alaska recaptured the lead when Tim Hall sprung Tommy Mele on a breakaway and Mele powered a shot off the arm of Brown that fell into the net to give the Aces a 4-3 advantage. Alaska extended their lead on a power play when Kane Lafranchise scored 1:11 later, making it 5-3 Aces. Alaska held on down the stretch to snap their three-game losing skid and four-game winless skid. This season marks the third time in club history that the Aces will end the season with over 100 points.

Gerald Coleman (22-6-2) made 26 saves on 29 shots in the loss. Adam Brown (21-13-1) made 28 saves on 33 shots in the win. The Aces went 2-11 on the power play and the Eagles were 3-9. Alaska outshot Colorado 33-29 in the game.

The Aces finish the weekend in Colorado on Saturday night, and then head to Ontario next weekend to close the regular season. Alaska will return to the Sullivan Arena to host Games 1 & 2 of the Opening Round of the Kelly Cup Playoffs on Friday, April 5th and Saturday, April 6th. Tickets will be available at the Aces office, Sullivan Arena Box Office, Fred Meyer locations or online at www.ticketmaster.com beginning March 25. 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.

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



ECHL Stories from March 23, 2013


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