Ak-Sar-Ben Knights Extinguish Stars, 3-1

Published on December 16, 2006 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Abbotsford Heat News Release

The Omaha Ak-Sar-Ben Knights bounced back from a lopsided loss to Chicago on Friday by downing the Iowa Stars 3-1 on Saturday night at the Civic Auditorium. David Van der Gulik scored two shorthanded goals including the game winner.

The first period was relatively quiet as neither team was able to produce any offense. The Stars outshot the Knights 10-5 in the first period and were unable to capitalize on four power play opportunities including a two minute five-on-three advantage.

Iowa struck first early in the second as Marius Holtet stole the puck at the red line and fired a shot that beat Omaha goaltender Curtis McElhinney. Marty Wilford got the assist.

The Knights answered back at 12:25. While on a five-on-three powerplay of their own, Dustin Boyd converted a cross ice pass from Dave Moss for his team-leading 12th goal of the year. Tim Hambly had the other assist.

Omaha took its first lead of the game while on the penalty kill. Tomi Maki broke up a play at the Knights' blue line and sent Van der Gulik in down the right wing. Van der Gulik used Maki as a decoy and rifled a shot past Iowa's Dan Ellis to make it 2-1.

Van der Gulik put the nail in the coffin with less than one minute left in regulation with his second short-handed goal, this one into an empty net. It marked the first time an Ak-Sar-Ben Knights' player had scored two shorthanded goals in a game.

The Ak-Sar-Ben Knights are now 17-8-2-0.

Three Stars: 1. David Van der Gulik (OMA) - 2 goals; 2. Curtis McElhinney (OMA) - 19 Saves; 3. Dustin Boyd (OMA) - 1 Goal

The Knights continue their four-game home stand on Wednesday when they host the Milwaukee Admirals at 7:00 p.m.

Tickets for all Ak-Sar-Ben Knights' games are on sale at the Omaha Civic Auditorium box office Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tickets also are available through all Ticketmaster outlets and by phone at (402) 422-1212. Kids 12 and under get in free with a paid adult on tickets purchased after 5:00 p.m. Other restrictions apply.

American Hockey League Stories from December 16, 2006

• Houston wins second straight - Houston Aeros
• Ak-Sar-Ben Knights Extinguish Stars, 3-1 - Abbotsford Heat
• Griffins fall to Rivermen 4-2 - Grand Rapids Griffins
• P-Bruins Fall to River Rats 5-2 - Providence Bruins
• Rivermen Double Up Grand Rapids 4-2 at Home - Peoria Rivermen
• Bulldogs win third straight - Hamilton Bulldogs
• Monarchs Take A Bite Out Of Sharks - Manchester Monarchs
• Tambellini, Tigers Trick Devils - Bridgeport Islanders
• Marlies hand Bears 4-3 shootout loss Saturday - Hershey Bears
• Sound Tigers surge past Devils, 6-4 - Albany Devils
• Admirals Dent the Twine Early and Often in Springfield - Norfolk Admirals
• Pens jump out fast, cruise to 7-1 win - Adirondack Phantoms
• Crunch and county agree to long-term lease - Syracuse Crunch
• Monarchs Recall Munce - Manchester Monarchs
• Canucks Re-assign Bouck to Moose - Manitoba Moose
• Islanders Trade For Meyer and Draft Pick - Bridgeport Islanders
• Campoli to Isles, Comeau to Bridgeport - Bridgeport Islanders
• Sharks loan defenseman Tom Walsh to Fresno Falcons - Worcester Sharks
• Amerks to make holiday appearances - Rochester Americans
• Amerks host Binghamton - Rochester Americans
• First place Bears at home Saturday vs. Toronto - Hershey Bears
• Rampage Continue Their 12-Days of Giving - San Antonio Rampage
• Flames Recall Ference, Re-Assign Prust - Abbotsford Heat
• Aeros Gameday - Houston Aeros

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