Aces solidify hold on first place, beat Utah, 6-3

Published on December 16, 2006 under ECHL (ECHL)
Alaska Aces News Release


WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah - Jim Dahl enjoyed his best game as an Ace with two goals, including the eventual game-winner, and an assist in a 6-3 Alaska victory over Utah before 4,317 at the 'E' Center.

Having jumped out to a 2-0 lead after two periods the night before in an eventual 3-1 victory, Alaska again took control early, this time building a two-goal advantage after just 20 minutes. Dahl scored the first of his two courtesy of a blind, cross-ice pass from Jeff Smith, which set up an easy tap-in, at 11:36 of the opening period. Julian Talbot flicked home a rebound with the Aces on a power play less than two minutes later, giving Alaska a 2-0 bulge at the break.

Utah tied the game early in the second period, scoring twice in a span of 37 seconds. Ryan Kinasewich beat Aces goalie Isaac Reichmuth with a wrist shot from the high slot that sailed through a screen and into the back of the net at 1:04. Shortly thereafter, Matt Craig's left wing blast from just inside the blue line appeared to dip beneath Reichmuth's glove at the last moment, creating a 2-2 deadlock. Matt Robinson regained the lead for good at 12:28 of the middle frame, taking a pass from Vladimir Novak in front of the net and roofing a shot just underneath the crossbar.

Dahl scored on a rebound with 8:14 left in regulation, pushing Alaska's margin to 4-2, but Utah refused to fold. Danny Stewart scored off the rush with 5:31 remaining, whittling the deficit to one and again giving the Grizzlies a chance to tie the game with the extra attacker in the final minute. But as he did last night, captain Mike Scott secured the Aces victory with an empty-netter at 19:14. Rookie Ryan MacMurchy added another empty-net goal with 7.8 seconds left to account for the final margin.

As a result of a Phoenix overtime loss in Texas, Alaska now owns sole possession of first place in the West at 15-8 overall (10-3 on the road). The Aces have won nine of their last 10 away from home and nine of 11 overall. Alaska will ride the crest of a four-game winning streak into its three-game series against Idaho, losers of six of seven. The series opens Wednesday and continues Friday and Saturday. All three games begin at 7:15 p.m. and will be broadcast live on KFQD 750 AM. Tickets are now available at the Aces office, www.alaskaaces.com, and all Fred Meyer locations in Anchorage.

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