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Aces Top Steelheads 4-3 in Thriller

January 20, 2013 - ECHL (ECHL)
Alaska Aces News Release


Nick Mazzolini broke a tie score in the final five minutes of regulation to lead the Alaska Aces past the Idaho Steelheads 4-3 on Saturday night from CenturyLink Arena in Boise, Idaho. The Aces got three points from new defenseman Mike Baran, had four different goal scorers, and beat Idaho for the first time this season. Alaska's league-leading record improved to 31-10-1 on the season. They handed Idaho just their third regulation loss at home this season. The Aces now travel to Las Vegas on Monday to complete their current three-game road trip at 1:05pm AKT. All Aces games can be heard on NewsTalk 103.7FM and 750AM KFQD. For more information, please contact the Aces office at 907.258.ACES, or visit them on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/alaskaaceshockey.

The Steelheads scored first for the fourth time in as many meetings this season when Matt Case scored from the blue line at 2:48 of the opening frame. Alaska answered at 7:47 on a power play when Mike Baran scored on a power play for his first ECHL goal. It was the start of a big night for Baran, who finished with three points in his second game with the Aces. Alaska then took their first lead of the night at 16:09 when Alex Hudson scored his first with the Aces from the left circle. Brett Robinson tallied for the second straight night on a power play at 18:30 tie pull Idaho even before the end of the first period. Shots were even 11-11 in the opening frame.

Each team tallied once in the second period as the teams stayed close. Alaska reclaimed the lead on a highlight reel goal at 9:47. Zach Harrison finished off a textbook three-on-one with Samson Mahbod and Jarred Smith. Mahbod carried the puck into the zone, dropped it for the trailing Smith, and then sent a return pass through the crease to Harrison at the right side of the net. Harrison slammed home the puck past a helpless Josh Robinson to make it 3-2 Alaska. However, the Steelheads once again responded and Tristan King scored a rebound goal at 11:21 to pull Idaho even at 3-3. The Aces were outshot 14-8 in the period.

Alaska stormed the Idaho crease in the third period, outshooting the Steelheads 15-8. With the game tied late in regulation, Alaska received just their second power play of the game, but made the most of the opportunity. Mazzolini scored from the slot at 15:08 to give the Aces a 4-3 lead. The goal was Mazzolini's team-leading 23rd of the season, and proved to be his eighth game-winner this season. Idaho had a late power play in regulation, and pulled their goaltender for a two-man advantage, but Aces backstop Mark Guggenberger and company held off the charge to earn the win.

Mark Guggenberger (16-5-1) made 30 saves on 33 shots in the win. Josh Robinson (14-3-2) made 30 saves on 34 shots in the loss. The Aces went 2-2 on the power play and the Steelheads were 1-4. Alaska outshot Idaho 34-33 in the game.

The Aces now travel to Las Vegas on Monday to complete their current three-game road trip at 1:05pm AKT. All Aces games can be heard on NewsTalk 103.7FM and 750AM KFQD. For more information, please contact the Aces office at 907.258.ACES, or visit them on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/alaskaaceshockey.

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