Crabb, Coleman Lead Aces to 3-1 Win to Open 2013
January 5, 2013 - ECHL (ECHL)
Alaska Aces News Release
Joey Crabb scored twice and Gerald Coleman made 37 saves on 38 shots to help the Alaska Aces open 2013 with a 3-1 win against the Stockton Thunder on Friday night from Stockton Arena. It was the final visit to Stockton this year for the Aces, who won their fifth straight game against their conference foe. With the win, Alaska extended their season-long winning streak to nine games and improved their league-leading record to 27-8 on the season. The Aces continue their three-game road trip in Ontario on Saturday and Sunday against the Reign. The club returns to Anchorage to host the Ontario Reign on Wednesday, Jan. 9. Tickets are on sale now at the Aces office, Sullivan Arena box office, Fred Meyer Locations and online at www.ticketmaster.com. All Aces games can be heard on NewsTalk 103.7FM and 750AM KFQD. For more information, please contact the Aces office at 907.258.ACES, or visit them on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/alaskaaceshockey.
The Aces and Thunder renewed their rivalry with two opening period fights - both involving Thunder captain Garet Hunt. First Dustin Molle squared off against Hunt at 4:25. Then Hunt challenged Chris Clackson after Clackson hit Thunder forward Ryan Martindale in front of the Thunder bench. The Aces landed the first punch on the scoreboard at 17:44 when joey Crabb scored his 16th of the year off of a bad Stockton turnover. Thunder goaltender Cody Reichard passed the puck from behind his net to the right circle when Crabb intercepted and shot it off a stick into the empty net with Reichard scrambling back into position. The goal stood as the only tally through the first period with Stockton outshooting Alaska 11-6.
The clubs only combined for 13 shots in the second period, and neither team scored. Alaska was outshot 7-6 in the period, but retained the 1-0 lead heading into third period.
The Aces got some much-needed breathing room early in the third when Scott Gomez scored at 4:37. Stockton came charging in the third period, putting 20 shots on Coleman and the Aces. The Thunder finally broke through on a four-on-three power play. Ryan Martindale scored on a third point blank chance at 11:57 to get Stockton within a goal. But Coleman and company help Stockton off and Crabb ended the game with an empty net goal at 19:50 to secure Alaska's ninth straight win.
Gerald Coleman (12-2) earned the win, making 37 saves on 38 shots. Cody Reichard (8-3-4) made 18 saves on 20 shots, taking the loss. The Aces went 0-3 on the power play and the Thunder were 1-4. Alaska was outshot by Stockton 39-21 in the game.
The Aces continue their three-game road trip in Ontario on Saturday and Sunday against the Reign. The club returns to Anchorage to host the Ontario Reign on Wednesday, Jan. 9. Tickets are on sale now at the Aces office, Sullivan Arena box office, Fred Meyer Locations and online at www.ticketmaster.com. All Aces games can be heard on NewsTalk 103.7FM and 750AM KFQD. For more information, please contact the Aces office at 907.258.ACES, or visit them on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/alaskaaceshockey.
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