Aces Drop 3rd Straight on Road Trip
February 7, 2009 - ECHL (ECHL)
Alaska Aces News Release
ONTARIO, Calif. - Jon Rheault broke a 1-1 tie with 20 seconds left in regulation as Ontario sent Alaska to its third straight loss by a score of 3-1 Saturday night before 8,229 at Citizens Business Bank Arena.
The teams battled to a scoreless tie in the first period, managing only a combined 15 shots on goal despite seven power plays (four for Alaska, three for Ontario). Erik Fabian gave the Aces a 1-0 lead with a blast from the left circle off the rush at 7:09 of the second period, only the third shorthanded goal scored by Alaska all season.
The Aces had been 20-0 when leading after two periods entering Saturday's game, but after out-shooting the Reign 15-8 in the second period, found themselves on their heels in the third. After Jon Francisco hit a post on the period's first shift, the equalizer came when Chad Starling floated a wrist shot from the point that sailed past a screened Kevin Regan, making his second start in an Alaska sweater.
Ontario held a 17-6 advantage in shots on goal over the final 20 minutes, and finally broke through for its first lead at 2-1 when Rheault tipped in a P.J. Atherton drive from the high slot. The Aces called time-out to set up one final play, but Denny Johnston foiled the strategy with an empty-netter at 19:56, sealing the Reign's first win over Alaska since November 30 after five straight defeats.
The Aces (27-17-3) again avoided losing ground in the West Division, as Victoria and Idaho both lost. Having already lost 3-1 at Stockton Wednesday and 4-2 at Bakersfield last night, Alaska looks to salvage its weekend tomorrow at 3:00 p.m. in a rematch against the Thunder, who have won five of the six previous match-ups. Tomorrow's match will be broadcast live on KFQD AM 750, with Peanut Farm Pre-Game Show coverage beginning at 2:45 p.m.
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ECHL Stories from February 7, 2009
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