Aces Take Game One with 2-1 Win Over Steelheads
Published on April 16, 2011 under ECHL (ECHL)
Alaska Aces News Release
Curtis Fraser broke a third period tie with a power play goal, and the Alaska Aces held the Idaho Steelheads at bay all game long, as the Aces beat the Steelheads 2-1 on Friday night in Game 1 of their Western Conference Semi-Finals series. Alaska leads the best-of-seven series 1-0. The Aces held the Steelheads to just 14 shots on net, and showed no rust in their first game since April 2nd. Game 2 is Saturday night at Sullivan Arena at 7:15pm. For more information, and the latest promotional news and updates, fans can visit the Aces at their Facebook page for more information, or call the Aces at 907.258.ACES.
The Aces got on the board first with a late first period goal from ECHL MVP Wes Goldie. Goldie ripped a one-timer from the high slot at 18:40 to make it 1-0 Alaska. The goal was the lone tally of the first frame as the Aces outshot the Steelheads 12-6.
In the second period, neither team scored, but the physical play was heightened between the two clubs. Alaska outshot Idaho 13-6 in the frame.
The Aces held the Steelheads to just three third period shots, but Idaho created more pressure in the final frame than at any other point in the game. The Steelheads pulled even when Mark Derlago scored from the left circle at 8:51 to make it 1-1. Alaska quickly responded for the difference-making goal. At 11:37, on a power play, Curtis Fraser drove hard to the net, and tapped home his own rebound for the game-winning goal. Alaska appeared to take a 3-1 lead minutes later when Scott Howes had a shot carom off of his skate and towards the goal, but referee Joe Sullivan waived off the goal. Gerald Coleman and Alaska kept Idaho without a quality scoring chance down the stretch for the 2-1 win.
Gerald Coleman (1-0) earned the win, making 13 saves on 14 shots. Jerry Kuhn (3-3) was phenomenal in defeat, making 32 saves on 34 shots. The Aces went 1-4 on the power play, while the Steelheads went 0-2. The Aces outshot the Steelheads 34-14 in the game.
Game 2 of the Western Conference Semifinals is Saturday night at Sullivan Arena at 7:15pm. Playoff tickets are on sale now at the Aces office, online at www.ticketmaster.com, at the Sullivan Arena, or at Fred Meyer stores. For the most up-to-date team and promotional information, please visit the Aces on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/#!/alaskaaceshockey. Fans can also call the Aces office at 907.258.ACES.
ECHL Stories from April 16, 2011
- Victoria heads home with 2-0 series lead after 4-2 victory in Utah - Victoria Salmon Kings
- Royals Left Spinning by Kalamazoo, 5-4 - Reading Royals
- Victoria Takes 2-0 Series Lead With 4-2 Win - Utah Grizzlies
- K-Wings Score Three Goals in 29 Seconds in 5-4 Victory - Kalamazoo Wings
- Aces Partner with GCI to Televise Playoff Games - Alaska Aces
- Royals Extend Playoff Ticket Offer to R-Phils Ticket Holders - Reading Royals
- ECHL Announces Fine, Suspension - ECHL
- ECHL Transactions - April 16 - ECHL
- ECHL Today - April 16 - ECHL
- Countdown to Face-Off - Kalamazoo Wings
- Aces Take Game One with 2-1 Win Over Steelheads - Alaska Aces
- Alaska earns game-one victory, 2-1, over Idaho - Idaho Steelheads
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