Aces stay poised in Boise, win 5-3

Published on March 21, 2007 under ECHL (ECHL)
Alaska Aces News Release


BOISE, Idaho - Justin Bourne and Olivier Filion scored power play goals midway through the third period, snapping a 2-2 tie and propelling Alaska to a 5-2 victory over Idaho in front of 3,743 Wednesday night at Qwest Arena.

With three of its regulars unable to even practice yesterday in preparation for this three-game series, Alaska nevertheless played a crisp first period, out-shooting Idaho 12-6 and taking the lead on a drive from Corbin Schmidt at 7:51 with the Aces on the power play, which had accounted for just one goal in 19 chances last weekend. Schmidt scored again seven minutes into the second period, putting Alaska up 2-0, but Idaho responded quickly.

26 seconds after Schmidt's goal, Derek Nesbitt blasted a slap shot past Aces starter Derek Gustafson from the top of the right circle, and two minutes after that goal, Blake Forsyth notched the equalizer off the rush at 9:36, leaving the score deadlocked at 2-2 entering the final period. Six minutes into the third period, a scrum in the corner turned into a full-scale line brawl, with Idaho's Jeremy Yablonski and Matt Nickerson taking match penalties and putting Alaska on a five-on-three power play for a full five minutes, with an additional two for Yablonski's instigator.

Bourne, recently signed after completing his collegiate career at UAA, gave the Aces a 3-2 edge they would not relinquish with the first goal of his pro career at 8:33, and two and a half minutes later, Filion provided insurance with his team-leading 27th of the year. Defenseman Steven Later tacked on an empty-netter with 24.6 seconds remaining to account for the final margin. Gustafson needed just 19 saves to secure his 27th win between the pipes, as Alaska out-shot Idaho 33-21. The Aces reduced their magic number to five for clinching back-to-back Brabham Cups.

Alaska (46-14-5) will practice tomorrow before battling Idaho twice more at Qwest Arena in downtown Boise, Friday and Saturday at 5:10 p.m. ADT. The Aces return home next week for a three-game series against Utah, beginning April 4 at 7:15 p.m. Tickets are now available at participating Fred Meyer locations or by logging onto www.alaskaaces.com. 2007 Kelly Cup playoff tickets go on sale to the general public on Monday, March 26.

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