Desmet and Gare grapple the Gulls

Published on March 16, 2006 under ECHL (ECHL)
Victoria Salmon Kings News Release


Victoria, BC - The San Diego Gulls swooped into the series against the Salmon Kings with a 3-1 lead after the first period, but Victoria rallied back to triumph in a 4-3 Overtime win.

At 3:59 into the first period the Gulls drew first blood with a goal from Winger Kelly Askew. After a shot off the post by Ryan Wade in San Diego territory, the Gulls carried the puck out and Jonathon Shockey found Askew in the left circle, who banked it off the right post for the 1-0 lead.

Just 37 seconds later, Salmon Kings newcomer Taggart Desmet spotted Lanny Gare for a tying goal. In a two-on-one, Desmet floated a pass to Gare, who kicked the puck onto his stick and fired it past the right pad of Netminder Mike Mole.

The Gulls scored two more goals before the end of the first. At 10:38 Mark Wires poked the puck through the five hole of Goaltender B.J. Boxma and Steve Hildenbrand snagged his 57th point of the season with a power play goal at 13:33. Wires found Hildenbrand alone streaking through the left slot to give San Diego the 3-1 lead.

The Salmon Kings won the second period. Rob McVicar, who had replaced Boxma between the pipes, made 14 saves and Victoria Winger Jade Gailbraith scored the only goal of the period. Desmet crashed the boards to keep the puck in San Diego territory. Gare picked up the puck and passed to Desmet, who found Galbraith alone in the slot to score his 14th goal of the season at 11:38, and bring the Salmon Kings within one.

Victoria tied the game in the third period with 8:33 remaining in regulation. Gare grabbed his second goal of the night and Desmet tallied his third assist. After Defenseman Brad Cook poked the puck into the Gulls zone, Desmet muscled the defender off the puck and passed to Gare on a path to the crease. Gare went top shelf and earned his 20th goal of the season.

McVicar made seven saves in the third and the Salmon Kings faced their fifth Overtime in ten games. A hooking penalty against Pierre-Luc Sleigher with 1:03 left in the third gave Victoria a power play start in OT.

20 seconds into the extra period, Desmet scored his first professional goal and the Salmon Kings posted their 20th win of the season. After a Steve Lingren slapshot from the left point, Desmet on the doorstep scooped up the rebound and lifted the puck past Mole.

Victoria was 1-6 on the power play and San Diego capitalized on one of their five attempts with the man advantage. McVicar was awarded his 9th win of the season and Mole was handed his 28th loss. Victoria out shot San Diego 36-33.

NOTE:

-Taggart Desmet had a four-point night in his professional debut.

-Lanny Gare earned his sixth three-point night of the season.

-San Diego was fighting for a playoff spot.

The Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre hosts game two of the series on Friday, March 17, beginning at 7:00 p.m.

Members of the Department of National Defence can get a group discount to the Salmon Kings game during Military Night on Saturday March 18th at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre. For more information contact Devin Mazur at 250-220-7891.

Tickets for all Salmon Kings home games are available from Select Your Tickets at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre, online at www.selectyourtickets.com or by phone at 250-220-7777. To purchase Season tickets for 2006/2007 please contact Devin Mazur or Tom Tompkins at 250-220-7891.

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ECHL Stories from March 16, 2006


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