Aces rally to pull out 4-3 shootout win

Published on November 7, 2007 under ECHL (ECHL)
Alaska Aces News Release


BOISE, Idaho - Olivier Filion tied the game 3-3 with 7:34 left in regulation, and three times Alaska converted what could have been its last chance, eventually pulling out a 4-3 shootout victory in front of 3,053 Wednesday at Qwest Arena.

Eight of Alaska players and 10 in uniform for Idaho were in the lineup 176 days previously, when the Steelheads had eliminated the Aces in Game Five of the National Conference Finals on their way to the 2007 Kelly Cup. One of those Alaska veterans, defenseman Matt Shasby, scored the game's first goal on a back door tap-in with the Aces on the power play at 17:32. But just 58 seconds later, Idaho tied the game when a drive from Mark Bomersback sailed over a screened Derek Gustafson's left shoulder.

Alaska regained the lead on another power play at 5:53 of the second period, as Josh Soares ripped a shot past Steve Silverthorn for his third goal in four games. But again, the Steelheads provided an almost immediate response, as Matt Craig's first goal of the season forged a 2-2 tie at the 7:29 mark. With 4:10 left in the period, Idaho grabbed its first lead on the power play when Kory Scoran found an open Taggart Desmet streaking down the slot.

The Steelheads limited the Aces to only three shots in the first 12 minutes of the final frame, but Shasby found Filion for the equalizer at 12:26. Idaho took a quick 2-0 lead in the shootout, but goals by Kimbi Daniels and F.P. Guenette kept Alaska alive, forcing a sixth round. Barrett Heisten answered a goal by Bomersback with one of his own, and when Desmet failed to beat Gustafson, Shasby slipped the game-winner past Silverthorn in the seventh and final round.

The Aces, who have taken over the West Division lead at 5-2-1, practice tomorrow in preparation for two more against the defending Kelly Cup champions (2-2-4) Friday and Saturday evening at 5:10 p.m. ADT. All regular season games are broadcast live on Alaska's flagship station, AM 750 KFQD, with coverage beginning 15 minutes prior to the opening face-off.

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