Aces Lose Close Game To Ice Bears

March 12, 2005 - SPHL (SPHL)
Asheville Aces News Release


The Knoxville Ice Bears scored mid-way through the third period to break a 3-3 tie and head on to victory versus the Asheville Aces Friday night in front of 3,512 fans. With the victory, the Ice Bears clinch first place overall in the regular season in the SPHL.

Asheville scored first with a power play goal from Josh Fey who batted in a rebound past Knoxville goalie Terry Dunbar (35 saves on 38 shots) at 14:57 of the first period. The remainder of the period was tight, and Aces goalie Mark Scally (52 saves on 56 shots) was stellar in net stopping all 17 shots thrown at him during the first.

The Ice Bears brought the game to a 1-1 tie early in the second as Liam McCarthy scored at 3:03. David Bagley made it 2-1 Knoxville four minutes later but the Aces battled hard and Chad Brandimore scored an incredible goal deking Dunbar to make the score 2-2. The see-saw battle continued as Aces defender Robert Cardinal scored on a quick shot from the blue line at 13:07. But Curtis Menzul brought the score even four minutes later.

It was Bagley's second goal of the night that crushed the hopes of the Aces as he beat Scally on a two-on-one - burying a cross ice pass from line mate, and SPHL scoring leader Kevin Swider. The Aces fought hard throughout the remainder of the game but could not beat Dunbar to send the game to overtime.

The Aces will look to defeat the Columbus Cottonmouths Saturday night in their last home game of the 2004-2005 season. Game time is 7:30 p.m. at the Asheville Civic Center. Following the game, the Aces will present their team MVP award and the David Dore Hockey Spirit Award which will then be followed by a concert from KISS Nation - a well-known KISS cover band. Fans are invited to skate with the Aces players during the concert.



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