Aces suffer bitter 3-2 defeat

Published on April 22, 2004 under ECHL (ECHL)
Alaska Aces News Release


ANCHORAGE, Alaska – Dan Vandermeer's shot from the corner glanced off Zenon Konopka's skate and into the back of the Alaska's net with 80 seconds to play in Game Four of the Pacific Division Finals, giving Idaho a 3-2 victory over the Aces before 4,603 angry fans at Sullivan Arena.

Jan Kopecky opened the game's scoring at 3:11 of the first period with a coast-to-coast dash, leading to a wrist shot from between the circles that beat Aces goalie Dan Murphy. Mark Smith tied the game on a flukish goal just 1:47 into the second period. Smith's centering pass deflected off Idaho goaltender Dan Ellis, who was simply trying to steer the puck into the corner. Keith McCambridge roofed a rebound over a prostrate Ellis at 12:44, providing Alaska with its first lead since the opening game of the series and marking his first goal in 47 career playoff games. But the edge was short-lived, as the Steelheads tied the game on a power play with 1:20 left in the middle frame, courtesy of Konopka, who redirected a Darrell Hay drive from the point past Murphy.

Tied 2-2, the teams battled fiercely through a fantastic third period, with a combined 24 shots on goal and plenty of scoring chances for each team. Finally, with time winding down, Murphy stopped a drive from Dave Cornacchia as Konopka crashed the net. Vandermeer scooped up the rebound and threw the puck toward the net, where it bounced off Konopka, who was still lingering near the top of the crease. The Aces vigorously protested to no avail, arguing that the puck had been kicked in and that the goal should therefore be negated, but referee Ryan Fraser's decision stood and the Steelheads never allowed Alaska an opportunity to tie the score. As the teams exchanged the traditional post-series handshakes, the frustrated partisan crowd began pelting the ice with bottles and other debris.

Idaho wins the series, three games to one, and advances to meet the winner of the other Western Conference semi-final between Gwinnett (which leads the series 2-1) or Louisiana. John Olver still has never lost in the playoffs at Sullivan Arena, as his Tacoma and Idaho teams are now a perfect 8-0. Once again, next year KFQD 750 AM will broadcast all Alaska Aces games, with the live feed also available at www.alaskaaces.com. Fans wishing to purchase 2004-05 season tickets may call 258-ACES.

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