Aces Cruise Into Kelly Cup Finals
Published on May 15, 2009 under ECHL (ECHL)
Alaska Aces News Release
LAS VEGAS - Alaska scored three power play goals and goaltender J.P. Lamoureux posted 25 saves as the Aces completed a four-game sweep in the conference finals with a 5-1 win over Las Vegas before 3,723 at Orleans Arena.
The Aces advance to the Kelly Cup Finals for the second time in four seasons, having beaten Gwinnett in five games to capture the 2006 ECHL championship, the first pro sports title won by an Alaskan team in 26 years. Alaska also avenged a five-game defeat at the hands of teh Wranglers in the second round of last year's playoffs. The Aces will play either South Carolina or Cincinnati, with the Stingrays holding a 3-0 series lead over the defending champion Cyclolnes heading into Game Four tomorrow night in the Queen City.
Alaska absolutely dominated the first period, out-shooting Las Vegas 16-6 and takng the lead when Lance Galbraith scored with five minutes left in the frame, followed by a power play blast from Matt Stefanishion two and a half minutes later. Colin Hemingway scored 35 seconds into the second period, set up by Cam Keith, and later assisted on Luke Erickson's power play goal with 8:50 remaining in the middle frame.
Holding a 4-0 bulge entering the third period, the Aces coasted to victory, surrendering a shorthanded goal to Mike Hamilton at 3:54, but striking back with their third power play goal of the night two minutes later, a slap shot by Alexandre Imbeault, who assisted on two other goals. Josh Soares finished the night with three assists.
Alaska has won 27 of its last 33 games overall dating back to the regular season, including 12 in a row at home and 13 of 18 on the road, entering the best-of-seven Kelly Cup Finals. Dates and times for the ECHL championship series have yet to be finalized. In winning 12 of their 14 postseason contest to date, the Aces have out-scored their opposition 52-22. Alaska trailed for less than seven minutes in this series while out-scoring Las Vegas 14-3. Lamoureux finished the series with a 0.75 GAA and a .971 save percentage.
ECHL Stories from May 15, 2009
- Stingrays Are American Conference Champs - South Carolina Stingrays
- South Carolina Captures Conference Title in 3-2 Win Over Cyclones - Cincinnati Cyclones
- Aces Set Home Dates for Kelly Cup Finals - Alaska Aces
- Ontario Reign Select-A-Seat - Ontario Reign
- Kelly Cup Quest Daily - South Carolina Stingrays
- Q&A With Coach Karl Taylor - Ontario Reign
- Rays Tops in New Season Ticket Sales for the Week - South Carolina Stingrays
- ECHL Today - ECHL
- Aces Cruise Into Kelly Cup Finals - Alaska Aces
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.
