Aces Roll over Thunder 5-1

Published on December 22, 2012 under ECHL (ECHL)
Alaska Aces News Release


Gerald Coleman made 26 saves on 27 shots and The Alaska Aces got goals from five different players as they topped the Stockton Thunder 5-1 on Friday night from Sullivan Arena. Alaska has now won four in a row and improved to a league-best 22-8 this season. Alaska has three straight wins over the Thunder after dropping the first two of the season series. The Aces play their final game before Christmas on Saturday night when they complete the three-game series with the Thunder. Tickets are on sale now at the Aces office, Sullivan Arena box office, Fred Meyer Locations and online at www.ticketmaster.com. All Aces games can be heard on NewsTalk 103.7FM and 750AM KFQD. For more information, please contact the Aces office at 907.258.ACES, or visit them on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/alaskaaceshockey.

A pair of Alaska defenseman opened the scoring in the hockey game with the only two goals of the first period. Chris Haltigin struck with a low shot from just inside the blue line at the center of the zone at 2:07 to make it 1-0. Alain Goulet then blasted a one-timer home from the high slot after a nice setup from Scott Gomez, giving the Aces a 2-0 lead at first intermission. The Thunder outshot the Aces 7-5 in the period.

Nick Mazzolini continued his terrific season with the only goal of the second period in a four-on-four. Mazzolini raced down the right wing with Joey Crabb on a two-on-one and scored from the right circle at 6:52. Mazzolini's goal was his 18th of the season, moving him just one behind the ECHL lead. The Aces outshot the Thunder 10-7 and took a commanding 3-0 lead into the third period.

Stockton broke Coleman's shutout bid in the opening minute of the third period while on a power play. Eric Hunter's shot deflected off of Aces defenseman Kane Lafranchise and into the net to cut Alaska's lead to 3-1, 59 seconds into the period. Later in the period, on another power play, the Thunder appeared to score and get within one when Mike Little had a goal disallowed at 3:15. Referee Tom Chmielewski waved off the goal because Stockton forward Harrison Reed was in the crease. The Aces reclaimed the three-goal lead on a power play of their own when Scott Gomez broke into the zone and put a wrist shot into the top corner of the net from the slot at 6:52. Alaska's Alex Imbeault capped the scoring with a rebound goal at 14:05 for his third goal in the last four games. Alaska skated on for the 5-1 win as tempers flared between the teams in front of the Aces bench at the final whistle. Players had to be separated as they skated off the ice.

Gerald Coleman (8-2) earned the win, making 26 saves on 27 shots. Tyler Bunz (8-7-3) made 20 saves on 25 shots, taking the loss. The Aces went 1-3 on the power play and the Thunder were 1-6. Alaska was outshot by Stockton 27-25 in the game.

The Aces play their final game before Christmas on Saturday night when they complete the three-game series with the Thunder. Tickets are on sale now at the Aces office, Sullivan Arena box office, Fred Meyer Locations and online at www.ticketmaster.com. All Aces games can be heard on NewsTalk 103.7FM and 750AM KFQD. For more information, please contact the Aces office at 907.258.ACES, or visit them on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/alaskaaceshockey.

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ECHL Stories from December 22, 2012


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