Aces Getting Back On Track

January 7, 2005 - SPHL (SPHL)
Asheville Aces News Release


Despite a 6-2 loss to the Columbus Cottonmouths tonight at the Civic Center by the Aces, it was clear that the recent roster moves are already making a difference. The Aces outplayed and outchanced the Snakes during the second half of the game with a stong forecheck and initiating plenty of physical punishment.

Asheville fell behind early in the first on a powerplay goal from Columbus' Tim Green. The Cottonmouths added another goal just 26 seconds into the second period but Asheville's Martin Viazanica quickly answered back with a beautiful slapshot from the left wing, beating Cottonmouth goalie Terry Friesen (40 saves on 42 shots) over the right shoulder. Columbus made it 3-1 with another powerplay goal, this time from Orrin Hergott. Two minutes later it was 4-1 when Ryan Haggerty scored on a controversial goal. Haggerty crashed into Aces goalie Mark Scally (37 saves on 43 shots) and pushed him and the puck into the net. The Aces argued the call, but, after some discussion by the officials, the goal stood.

The Aces, to their credit, showed no quit. Down 4-1 nearing the end of the second period, they found their stride and Brett Roat brought them back within two. The third period was all Asheville as they consistently had the Cottonmouths running around in their own zone and peppered Friesen with rubber. The Aces just did not have any luck on their side as numerous golden chances slipped away with a puck bouncing over a stick, or a shot just getting tipped at the last second. The Aces continued to press, and with Scally pulled with just under two minutes remaining, the Cottonmouths wrapped the game up with the empty net goal. The score was not a good indication of how the Aces played as one of the goals was an empty net with Aces goalie Mark Scally pulled for the extra attacker, and the final goal came with less than one second on the clock.

Recently acquired defenceman, Chris Kovalcik played a solid, physical game and demonstrated a great work ethic througout. He also showed that he is not afraid to mix it up as he fought Cottonmouth Matt Mathias late in the second period.

The Aces play in Columbus Friday night and fans can listen live to the game at 7:30 p.m.through the Cottonmouths web site at www.cottonmouths.com. They then travel to Jacksonville for a Saturday contest and will remain in Jacksonville until Thursday when they play the Cudas again. Both games in Jacksonville are 7:05 p.m. starts. The next Aces home game is Friday, January 14th versus the Winston-Salem Polar Twins. Gametime is 7:30 p.m. at the Asheville Civic Center.



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