Aces hold off Salmon Kings, 5-3

October 21, 2006 - ECHL (ECHL)
Alaska Aces News Release


ANCHORAGE, Alaska - Mike Scott handed out three assists as Alaska took full advantage of its special teams opportunities in a 5-3 win over Victoria before a standing-room-only crowd of 6,451 Friday at Sullivan Arena.

Less than two minutes into the game, the Salmon Kings were awarded a five-on-three power play and Kiel McLeod put the visitors ahead at 3:27. But just 14 seconds later, defenseman Matt Shasby scored the first of two shorthanded goals for the Aces off the rush and the game was tied at 1-1. Shasby later suffered a knee injury and likely will miss tomorrow night's rematch. Kimbi Daniels gave Alaska the lead for good at 11:54 on the power play after a cross-ice feed from Scott. Olivier Filion pushed the margin to 3-1 with 1:23 left in the first period on a wrist shot that sailed just underneath the crossbar and inside the left goal post. The Aces took the last 10 shots on goal in the frame.

The pace slowed somewhat in the second period, with the teams combining for only 11 shots after 22 were fired over the opening 20 minutes. Darryl Lloyd scored off the rush on a re-direction past Alaska starter Derek Gustafson at 3:35, trimming Victoria's deficit to 3-2. Less than three minutes later, a poised Kevin Croxton took a pass from Scott in front of the Salmon Kings net, deked Dave Belitiski out of position, and tucked home his third professional goal.

The Aces held that 4-2 advantage for more than 30 minutes, until Francois-Pierre Guenette scored on the power play on a shot from the point that whistled over the screened Gustafson's right shoulder. Another Alaska penalty, and Victoria's decision to pull Belitiski with 90 seconds remaining, gave the Salmon Kings a six-on-four situation, but Barrett Heisten sealed the third straight home opener win for the Aces with an empty-netter at 19:12.

Alaska and Victoria, which out-shot the Aces 22-13 over the last two periods, meet again tomorrow at 7:15 p.m. The Aces four-game homestand to open the regular season continues next weekend against Bakersfield Friday and Saturday night, October 27-28, at 7:15 p.m. Tickets are available at the Aces office, Sullivan Arena, www.alaskaaces.com, and all Fred Meyer locations in Anchorage. Fans also may call Ticketmaster at (907) 562-4800.



ECHL Stories from October 21, 2006


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