ECHL Idaho Steelheads

Balanced Attack Propels Steelheads To 8-2 Drubbing Of Wichita In Preseason Opener

Published on October 12, 2007 under ECHL (ECHL)
Idaho Steelheads News Release


McCall, ID - Veterans Lance Galbraith, Marty Flichel and Darrell Hay combined for nine points, while rookie Brent Shepheard recorded two goals and an assist, as the Steelheads hammered the CHL's Wichita Thunder 8-2 to open their preseason play.

A near capacity crowd at the Mancester Ice & Event Centre watched as the Steelheads staked themselves to an early advantage, taking a 2-0 lead in the first eight minutes of the contest off man advantage goals by Hay and Galbraith. Hay's tally was set up by Taggart Desmet and Kyle Bruce, while Galbraith's marker came off passes from Flichel and defenseman Kory Scoran.

The visiting Thunder answered with a goal at 7:37 of the first, on a shorthanded effort by Bruce Richardson. Matt Smyth grabbed the only helper.

Galbraith's second of the evening made it 3-1 at the 13:56 mark, with Flichel drawing the lone assist on the even-strength tally. Coming out of their own zone, the Thunder defense turned the puck over to Flichel, who snapped the puck towards the cage allowing Galbraith to tip the disc past Thunder goaltender Sebastien Laplante (39 saves).

Shots in the first period favored the Steelheads 19-5.

In the second frame, Rallo netted an even-strength goal just 93 seconds into the period to make it a 4-1 game, with Flichel and Hay finding themselves on the score sheet once again. Shepheard increased the Steelheads lead to 5-1 midway through the second period following a flurry of activity in front of Laplante. Just seconds prior to the University of Maine's first of the night, Desmet had a breakaway opportunity ring off the crossbar, but he was able to collect his own rebound and find Shepheard alone in front for a tap-in from outside the crease.

Then, on a five-on-three power play, Flichel ripped a one-timer from the top of the left circles that blistered past Laplante for the home team's sixth marker. Hay picked up another point on the play.

Late in the stanza, the Thunder converted off a feed in front of the Steelheads' net to cut the deficit to 6-2 heading into intermission. Jason Lepine was credited with the goal, redirecting Tyler Liebel's offering past Steelheads' goaltender John Daigneau (18 saves).

Through two periods the Steelheads were out-shooting the Thunder, 36-14.

The onslaught continued in the third period with Shepheard picking up his second of the night at 11:09 from fellow rookies Jean-Sebastian Adam and Mike Sullivan. Another rookie, Liam Huculak rounded out the scoring with two minutes left in regulation, potting a shorthanded marker. Shepheard completed his three point night with an assist on the final tally of the evening.

For the match, the Steelheads out-shot the Thunder 47-20 with the two teams combining for 14 power plays.

The Steelheads complete their preseason schedule with another tilt against the Thunder on Saturday, October 13. Face-off from the Manchester Ice & Event Centre is at 7:10 p.m. MST. Don't forget, Steelheads' single-game tickets can be purchased via www.idahosteelheads.com (using the print-at-home feature), by calling 331-TIXS or from the Qwest Arena box office. The Steelheads officially open their defense of the Kelly Cup on Friday, October 19 against the Victoria Salmon Kings.

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ECHL Stories from October 12, 2007


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