Anchorage Stuns Fresno in Final Seconds
Published on March 22, 2003 under ECHL (ECHL)
Alaska Aces News Release
FRESNO, California â Kevin McNeill and Carl Drakensjo scored 26 seconds apart in the final minute of regulation as the Anchorage Aces posted a 4-2 decision over Fresno before 8,411 Friday night in Selland Arena.
Anchorage fought off an early two-man advantage for Fresno and grabbed a 1-0 lead as Kevin McNeill banged home his own rebound at 13:12 of the first period, assisted by the league's two leading scorers, Yvan Corbin and Dean Larson. Aces' goaltender Christian Soucy had stoned Falcon forward Brad Both earlier in the frame on a breakaway.
Fresno dominated most of the second period, due in large part to numerous power play chances, none of which were converted, including another five-on-three opportunity. The Falcons did manage to tie the game 5:33 into the frame as Rob Bonneau scored after taking part in his first practice with that team earlier in the day. With 34.6 seconds remaining in the period, B.J. Young fed Kimbi Daniels for a wrist shot that beat Fresno starter Mark Gowan and gave Anchorage a 2-1 lead.
David Haas tied the game just 44 seconds into the third period on a Falcon power play, and the contest remained knotted 2-2 until the final minute, when Larson dished to McNeill cutting down the slot at full speed. Gowan appeared to stop McNeill's initial attempt, but the rookie again followed up his own shot for the eventual game-winner with 53.9 seconds showing on the clock. Carl Drakensjo snapped home an empty-netter at 19:32 to make a winner of Soucy, who stopped 42 of 44 shots, and extend Fresno's winless skid to eight.
The Aces (20-42-3 overall) snapped their six-game road losing streak and won for only the second time in 15 games away from home. Anchorage continues its 18-day trip to close out the season tomorrow night in Bakersfield against the third-place Condors (37-20-9) at 6:00 p.m. AST. All games are broadcast live on KFQD 750 AM and at www.anchorageaces.com, with Jack Michaels calling the play-by-play. Coverage begins 20 minutes prior to the opening face-off, presented by GCI.
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