Aces new West Division champions
April 6, 2005 - ECHL (ECHL)
Alaska Aces News Release
LAS VEGAS â Peter Aubry stopped 42 of 44 shots as the Alaska Aces wrapped up their first division title in 10 years with a 3-2 victory over Las Vegas before 3,829 Tuesday at Orleans Arena.
Alaska jumped out to a 2-0 first period lead thanks in part to its resurgent power play, which scored for the sixth time in 18 attempts when B.J. Young flicked in a backhander for his 13th goal of the year at 3:51. Five minutes later, the Aces managed to cap an effective cycle along the end boards when Chris Minard tucked another backhander by Las Vegas starter Marc Magliarditti for his league-leading 48th goal of the year.
Matt Dzieduszycki pulled the Wranglers within one by scoring midway through the second period, but Vladimir Novak scored what seemed like an insurance goal but turned out to be the game-winner with 5:28 left in regulation to provide Alaska with a 3-1 margin. Dzieduszycki scored again with 3:07 remaining, but the Aces hung on behind Aubry, who picked up his 26th victory of the year despite Alaska being out-shot 44-30, including 19-10 over the final 20 minutes.
The Aces (44-18-8) play Las Vegas twice more to close out the regular season Friday and Saturday night at 6:00 p.m. AST. Alaska, which had come within a point of winning a division title in 1999 during its tenure in the old West Coast Hockey League, now has an opportunity to claim the National Conference crown with one more victory over the Wranglers (30-32-8). The Aces already have established new club records for points (96) and winning percentage and another win would ensure home ice through the first three rounds of the upcoming Kelly Cup playoffs, which will begin Tuesday, April 12 at Sullivan Arena against either Idaho, Bakersfield, or Fresno.
All Alaska games are broadcast live on KFQD 750 AM, with coverage beginning 20 minutes prior to the opening face-off. The weekend games against Las Vegas as well as all home playoff contests also will be made available on a pay-per-view basis at www.alaskaaces.com, courtesy of B2 Networks. For tickets and 2005 Kelly Cup playoff information, please call 258-ACES.
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