Aces Win Game One Thriller 2-1
Published on April 28, 2011 under ECHL (ECHL)
Alaska Aces News Release
Brian Swanson scored the game-winning goal when he broke a tie-game with 8.9 seconds left in regulation, and Gerald Coleman made 25 saves as the Alaska Aces edged the Victoria Salmon Kings 2-1 in thrilling fashion of Game 1 of their Western Conference Finals. Alaska leads the best-of-seven series 1-0. The teams will return to action for Game Two on Thursday night in Anchorage. Tickets are on sale now. 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 were on their heels for much for the first period, after Victoria forced Alaska into multiple turnovers, but Coleman turned aside all 11 shots he faced. The Aces then struck first after a late rush by Chad Anderson who forced a puck through David Shantz at 19:55 of the frame to open the scoring.
Neither team scored in the second period, and the Aces took their 1-0 lead into the final period of play.
In the third period the Salmon Kings got on the board to even the scored when Jeff Caister held the puck in from the point, and floated a shot that dipped on Gerald Coleman and found the back of the net at 12:47. With time winding down, and overtime a near certainty, Scott Howes found Swanson in front of the net and he buried the game-winning goal at 19:51 to secure Alaska's victory.
Gerald Coleman (5-0) earned the win, making 25 saves on 26 shots. David Shantz (7-2) took the loss, making 27 saves on 29 shots. The Aces went 0-1 on the power play, while the Salmon Kings went 0-1. The Aces outshot the Salmon Kings 29-26 in the game.
Western Conference Finals: #1 Alaska vs. #7 Victoria (All Times in Alaska)
Game 1 - Alaska 2, Victoria, 1
Game 2 - Thursday, April 28, 7:15pm @ Sullivan Arena
Game 3 - Saturday, April 30, 6:05pm @ Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre
Game 4 - Monday, May 2, 6:05pm @ Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre
*Game 5 - Wednesday, May 4, 6:05pm @ Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre
*Game 6 - Saturday, May 7, 7:15pm @ Sullivan Arena
*Game 7 - Sunday, May 8, 7:15pm @ Sullivan Arena
* If necessary
Game Two of the Western Conference Finals is Thursday 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 28, 2011
- Condors Announce 2011 Preseason Slate with Stockton - Bakersfield Condors
- Thunder Announces 2011-12 Preseason Schedule - Stockton Thunder
- K-Wings Start Series at Home - Kalamazoo Wings
- Watch the K-Wings on the Road - Kalamazoo Wings
- ECHL Represented by 26 Players, 2 Coaches in 2011 IIHF World Championships - ECHL
- Salmon Kings Look to Knot Series Tonight, Return Home Saturday - Victoria Salmon Kings
- Condors in the Community: Condors Community Efforts Bring in $330,000 in 2010-11 - Bakersfield Condors
- ECHL Today - April 28 - ECHL
- Aces Win Game One Thriller 2-1 - Alaska Aces
- Salmon Kings Fall to Aces in Game 1 - Victoria Salmon Kings
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