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Anchorage Thankful to Turn Calendar

February 3, 2003 - ECHL (ECHL)
Alaska Aces News Release


ANCHORAGE, Alaska – The Anchorage Aces prepare for four games in five nights following their first win of the New Year, which snapped a WCHL record-tying 11-game losing streak.

After getting pounded 7-1 by Bakersfield Friday night, the Aces had lost 11 in a row and were winless in 12 heading into Saturday's rematch. But Paul Williams scored in the first period and Anchorage held its opponent scoreless in the opening 20 minutes for the first time in 18 games. Yvan Corbin scored his second goal in as many nights and Peter McRae notched the first of his professional career to push the lead to 3-1 entering the final period, when the Condors tied the game with goals on their first two shots. But after foiling a Bakersfield two-man advantage over the final 1:46 of regulation, Corbin and Kimbi Daniels scored in the fourth and fifth rounds of the shootout to give Anchorage (11-32-2 overall) its first win since December 29 and its first road victory since December 17. Ryan Person stopped 33 of 36 shots in regulation and four of five in the extra session.

Anchorage meets Bakersfield twice more this week, this time back at Sullivan Arena tomorrow night and Wednesday evening at 7:00 p.m. The "Amazing Rhythm Aces," a Grammy-winning band in the 1970's hailing from Nashville, will be performing during both intermissions of Wednesday's contest. The Aces then will be on the road for the next two weeks, beginning with Friday's game in Fresno at 6:30 p.m. AST and Saturday's tilt with Long Beach at 6:00 p.m. AST. Anchorage enters this week's games eight points behind the fifth-place Ice Dogs and 27 points out of the final playoff spot with 27 games left to play on its regular season schedule. All games are broadcast live on KFQD 750 AM and at www.anchorageaces.com or www.kfqd.com, with Jack Michaels calling the play-by-play. Coverage begins 20 minutes prior to the opening face-off, presented by GCI.

Williams has been honored as the Anchorage Chrysler Dodge Player of the Month for January after registering nine points (2g-7a) in 11 games, including a career milestone. He had an assist on B.J. Young's power play goal during a January 22 loss to Fresno, becoming the fourth and final player in WCHL history to reach the 500-point plateau. The all-time leading scorer in the history of the WCHL, Dean Larson, currently leads the league in scoring with 53 points and has 753 for his career. He also ranks third this season with 21 goals and 32 assists while linemate Corbin is third in scoring at 51 points and second with 24 goals.

Former Ace Keith Street retired in 2001 but still ranks third on the career list with 507 points. Former Colorado/Fresno standout Craig Lyons is the only other WCHL player to reach 500 and ranks second behind only Larson in league history at 593. Williams ranks second in goals scored with 233, a number that trails only Larson's 252.

Larson and rookie defenseman Ryan Moren will be appearing at the Northern Lights Barnes & Noble tonight from 7:00-8:00 p.m. Looking ahead, the Aces will be giving away a trip to Hawaii (fans must be 18 years of age or older) during the course of their February 22 game against Idaho at 7:00 p.m. Xpress Lube will be presenting jersey shirts to the first 750 fans aged 14 & under arriving that night while all fans will receive free tans, courtesy of Sun Splash. Anchorage also will be holding its annual Dimond Center "Skate with the Aces" Sunday, February 23 from 2:30-4:30 p.m. For more information regarding tickets, appearances, or upcoming games, please call (907) 258-ACES.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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