Aces seize first place in the Mountain Division, five points in the Bay Area
January 12, 2014 - ECHL (ECHL)
Alaska Aces News Release
DALY CITY, Calif. - Mathew Sisca and Tim Coffman each scored twice and Olivier Roy came up with 23 saves to lift the Alaska Aces (21-9-3, 45 points) to a 5-2 victory over the San Francisco Bulls before more than 2,400 fans at the Cow Palace on Saturday.
Claiming five of a possible six points on the three game trip, the Aces seized possession of first place in the Mountain Division after Idaho beat Colorado, 4-2. The Aces led wire-to-wire and improved to 5-0-1 lifetime at the Cow Palace.
Shawn Skelly finished Nick Mazzolini's pass at the front of the net at 5:25 of the first period to break the scoreless tie and Sisca followed by burying a wrist shot off a two-on-one opportunity, from the right circle at 7:02.
Brett Findlay finished a half-open net chance at 8:52 of the second period after the Aces turned the puck over behind the net, but Coffman restored the two goal lead with 7:01 left for his eighth goal of the year. Former Bulls forward Peter Sivak, who earned his 10th point in five games against San Francisco, swiped the puck in the offensive zone and zipped a quick feed to Coffman in the slot, who beat Tyler Beskorowany to the blocker side.
Findlay was slapped with an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for shooting the puck toward the Aces bench at the end of the second period. It didn't take long for the Aces to connect on their only power play chance of the game. Sisca finished a one-timer, fed by Coffman, at the right circle for a 4-1 lead just 37 seconds into the period.
Sebastian Stalberg drew the Bulls to within two goals at 3:36, but they wouldn't get any further with Roy providing ten saves in the final period.
Coffman put on the finishing touches with his second goal of the game with 3:11 left, forcing a turnover in the Bulls and quickly turning around to beat Beskorowany from the right circle with a wrist shot.
Beskorowany, playing in his third straight game in as many days, made 24 saves.
NOTES: The Aces scratched Ben Parker, Sean Curry, Andy Taranto, Corey Syvret, Brad Gorham and Brendan Connolly .... The Aces outshot the Bulls, 29-25 ... Sisca's two goals gave him six points in five games ... Roy improved to 5-0-0 lifetime against San Francisco, dating back to last season.
The Aces return home to host the Las Vegas Wranglers for a three game series, beginning Wednesday at 7:15 p.m. (GCI/KFQD) at Sullivan Arena. Season ticket and sponsorship packages are currently available through the Aces office at 15th & Gambell. For more information, please call the Aces at 907.258.ACES or visit them on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/alaskaaceshockey.
Three Stars:
1. AK - M. Sisca
2. AK - T. Coffman
3. SF - B. Findlay
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