Alaska Sweeps Victoria to Win Western Conference Championship

May 3, 2011 - ECHL (ECHL)
Alaska Aces News Release


Scott Howes sent the Alaska Aces back to the Kelly Cup Final with a tie-breaking goal with 34.9 seconds remaining in regulation, to give the Aces a 3-2 win over the Victoria Salmon Kings in Game Four of the Western Conference Finals on Monday Night from the Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre in Victoria, British Columbia. The win gives the Aces a 4-0 sweep and kept the Aces perfect in the post-season. They will meet either the Kalamzoo Wings or Wheeling Nailers in the ECHL Championship Series. The schedule will be released in the coming days, but the series will begin on either May 13th, 14th, or 15th. 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.

Alaska dominated play in the opening period, outshooting the Salmon Kings 20-5 in the frame. Goals 74 seconds apart from Dan Kissel on a four-on-four and Howes on a power play gave the Aces a 2-0 lead at first intermission. David Shantz was solid for the Salmon Kings, keeping them within two.

Victoria turned the tides early in the second period on Derek Couture's redirection goal at 1:01 of the period. The Aces took their one-goal lead into the final period.

Shantz robbed Howes twice early in the third period, and Alaska netminder Gerald Coleman stoned Kiel McLeod on the doorstep in the opening minutes of the frame to keep it 2-1 Alaska. Coleman then stopped former Ace Ryan Turek on penalty shot at 6:04 after Alaska defenseman Steve Ward covered the puck in his defensive crease. Victoria finally pulled even when Chad Klassen snuck a backhand through the short side of Coleman at 9:43 of the period. With time winding down, Howes took a centering feed and deked to his backhand lifting the puck past Shantz, and lifting the Aces into the Kelly Cup Final.

Gerald Coleman (7-0) earned the win, making 23 saves on 25 shots. David Shantz (7-5) took the loss, making 34 saves on 37 shots. The Aces went 1-6 on the power play, while the Salmon Kings went 0-4. The Aces outshot the Salmon Kings 37-25 in the game.

Western Conference Finals: #1 Alaska vs. #7 Victoria (All Times in Alaska)

Game 1 - Alaska 2, Victoria, 1

Game 2 - Alaska 4, Victoria, 3 (OT)

Game 3 - Alaska 6, Victoria, 2

Game 4 - Alaska 3, Victoria, 2

Alaska Wins the Series 4-0

The Aces are back in the Kelly Cup Finals for the third time in the last six seasons. They will host Games 1 & 2 at the Sullivan Arena. Dates will be announced shortly. Aces Playoff tickets are on sale now at the Aces office, online at www.ticketmaster.com hp49mOgFyW8YG9XpcohDX6nkaMrl8uLIMLK_fg==], 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 May 3, 2011


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