Capacity crowd disappointed, Aces drop game seven, 2-0
Published on May 17, 2005 under ECHL (ECHL)
Alaska Aces News Release
ANCHORAGE, Alaska â Rick Kowalsky's goal less than three minutes into the game proved to be all goaltender Andrew Allen needed as Trenton defeated Alaska 2-0 in the seventh and deciding game of the National Conference Finals before a standing-room-only throng of 6,451 at Sullivan Arena.
Alaska's seventh sell-out in eight games was quieted early as Kowalsky scored on a rebound off the rush at 2:54 of the opening period, beating Peter Aubry, who stopped 37 shots in Game Six but was touched for two goals the first four shots he saw in Game Seven. Trenton's second goal came as a result of a brilliant individual play by B.J. Abel, who burst down the right wing shorthanded, circled behind the net, and shook free from a pair of defenders before beating Aubry over the right shoulder with a wrist shot in the upper left corner at 10:16 of the first period.
The Aces out-shot the Titans in all three periods and 28-17 for the game, but were frustrated repeatedly by Trenton's neutral zone trap and their own ineffectiveness on the power play, going scoreless in six chances, including four in the second period alone. Allen polished off his second shutout in three games to send the Titans to the finals for the second time in five years while coach Mike Haviland, who won the 2003 Kelly Cup while manning the Atlantic City bench, will make his second trip to the Finals in three seasons. Game One of the Kelly Cup Finals will be Saturday night in Florida, where the Titans will meet the Everblades, making their second straight appearance in the Finals after losing in five games last year to Idaho.
Alaska, meanwhile, completes the best season in its 10-year history as a professional team, finishing with a club-record 98 points during the regular season and winning two playoff series for the first time ever. For 2005-06 season ticket or sponsorship information, please call 258-ACES.
ECHL Stories from May 17, 2005
- Titans Tickets For Kelly Cup Final On Sale - Trenton Devils
- Gladiators Equipment Sale May 24th - Atlanta Gladiators
- 'Blades to broadcast road games on TV - Florida Everblades
- Kelly Cup Playoffs Update - Augusta Lynx
- Bombers Announce Coaching Staff For 15th Anniversary Season - Dayton Bombers
- Capacity crowd disappointed, Aces drop game seven, 2-0 - Alaska Aces
- 2-0 Win Over Aces Sends Titans to Kelly Cup Final - Trenton Devils
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.
