Aces Nipped By Utah, 2-1
Published on November 25, 2009 under ECHL (ECHL)
Alaska Aces News Release
WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah -- Tom May snapped a 1-1 tie with 13:11 left in regulation and Utah hung on for its sixth straight win, 2-1 over Alaska in front of 2,460 Wednesday at the 'E' Center.
Playing on his 33rd birthday (matching his jersey number), Alaska goaltender Scott Reid stopped 36 shots, including 20 in the second period alone as the Aces took a 1-0 lead into the final 20 minutes. After a scoreless opening frame, Alaska killed five consecutive Utah power plays in the second, including 61 seconds of five-on-three time. On the back end of that sequence, Derick Martin hit Tomas Kana fresh out of the box for a breakaway. Kana's shot was turned away by Grizzlies goalie Mitch O'Keefe, but Colin Hemingway nudged home the rebound for his 11th goal of the year with 2:19 left in the period.
Utah picked up the equalizer just 1:53 into the third, when a shot from the point by Chris Brooks was deflected past Reid. May's eventual game-winner came from between the circles five minutes later. After a late penalty against the Grizzlies, Alaska enjoyed a six-on-four situation for much of the final two minutes, but came up empty against O'Keefe, the reigning ECHL Goaltender of the Week who finished with 23 saves.
In roster moves, the Aces saw defenseman T.J. Fast and goaltender Sebastian Dahm recalled to their AHL affiliate in Peoria. Dahm backed up and Fast finished -2 as the Rivermen lost 6-2 to Abbotsford Friday. John Lammers, who still is tied for second on the club with six goals, has been returned on loan to Alaska by Manitoba (AHL). He will practice tomorrow with the team and be in the lineup this weekend.
Utah improves to 12-4 overall and remains five points behind West Division leader Idaho (14-3-1). The Aces (8-8-2) have lost four straight and five in a row on the road heading into Friday's rematch with the Grizzlies at 5:00 p.m. AT. Saturday's series finale will start a half hour later. Both games will be broadcast live on KFQD 750 AM, with Goldie Award-winning coverage getting underway 15 minutes prior to face-off.
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