Aces hold off 'Kings, 3-2

Published on January 13, 2007 under ECHL (ECHL)
Alaska Aces News Release


ANCHORAGE, Alaska - Alaska scored twice in 57 seconds to turn a 1-0 deficit into a lead it would never relinquish in an eventual 3-2 win over Victoria before 4,532 Friday night at Sullivan Arena.

The Aces out-shot the Salmon Kings 10-3 in the first period but looked like a team that had not played in almost a week, misfiring on numerous chances to take an early advantage and finally falling behind on a shorthanded goal by Ryan Wade with 7:07 left in the frame. The goal came on a breakaway created when defenseman Steven Later fell and came on one of just three Alaska power plays, none of which were converted, ending a 14-game streak with at least one power play goal.

Later atoned for his miscue early in the second period, scoring his fourth goal of the season at 2:34 from between the circles. Less than a minute later, Barrett Heisten, returning to the lineup after missing six games due to injury, fed Corbin Schmidt for the go-ahead goal, a drive from the top of the left circle at 3:31. Julian Talbot fed his older brother, Joe, off the rush for a goal that pushed the margin to 3-1 with 2:32 left in the second period. Joe Talbot has scored six goals in his last five games.

Derek Gustafson preserved the lead, giving up only other breakaway goal with 7:38 remaining, scored by Milan Gajic. But the Salmon Kings failed to generate even a shot on goal over the final 3:12 of regulation, all but 12 seconds of which came on a power play after a boarding major whistled against Aces winger Hans Benson. The reigning ECHL Goaltender of the Week, Gustafson finished with 21 saves and has gone 8-1-1 over his last 10 starts.

Alaska (21-10-2) extended its West Division lead to four points over Idaho and Phoenix heading into its rematch against Victoria tomorrow night at 7:15 p.m. The Aces and Salmon Kings now have played four straight one-goal games, with each team winning twice. Sunday marks the series finale as well as the first Fred Meyer "Skate with the Aces," which commences immediately after the game, which will start at 5:05 p.m. Tickets are available by calling 258-ACES or at www.alaskaaces.com.

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