Aces Win Thriller

Published on February 11, 2005 under SPHL (SPHL)
Asheville Aces News Release


The Asheville Aces defeated the Huntsville Havoc for the first time this season with the winning goal coming with 2.3 seconds left on the clock. The win brings the Aces within 8 points of the sixth and final playoff spot in the SPHL standings.

With the game tied at three, the Aces had a critical offensive zone face-off with 2.3 seconds remaining in the third period. Jarno Mensonen won the draw and defenseman Dan Pszenyczny picked up the loose puck and fired a wrist shot past Havoc goalie Matt Carmichael just before the final buzzer sounded. The Havoc players contested that the goal should not count, however, the officials awarded the goal and the victory to Asheville.

The game started off with the Aces out-skating and out-hitting the Havoc and getting off to a 3-0 first period lead with goals from Jan Kentos, Joel Petkoff and Brett Roat. In the second, the Aces slowly let the Havoc back in the game as Huntsville outshot Asheville 21-9 but Aces goalie Mark Scally was outstanding in net, allowing only one goal from Steve Howard. In the third, it was again Huntsville who dominated, although the Aces found their physical game again. Scally was solid as he stopped 22 of 24 shots in the frame. Huntsville's second goal came from Doug Merrell and the tying goal was from Brandon Doria.

Seemingly ready for another defeat, the Aces fought hard to the end and Pszenyczny's last second heroics brought the Aces to victory.

The Aces look to make up more ground on the Havoc tomorrow night when the Macon Trax visit the Civic Center, and then on Saturday when the red hot Fayetteville Fire Antz are in town. Game time is 7:30 p.m. both nights at the Asheville Civic Center. For tickets, visit the Civic Center Box Office or call Ticketmaster at (828) 251-5505.

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