ECHL Colorado Eagles

Eagles Snap Skid with First Victory Over Alaska Aces

Published on March 16, 2012 under ECHL (ECHL)
Colorado Eagles News Release


LOVELAND, Colo. - The Colorado Eagles snapped a four-game losing streak with a 3-1 win against the Alaska Aces. The victory was their first against the defending champs this season, and came in front of a lively crowd at the Budweiser Events Center in what approached a playoff atmosphere between the top two teams in the Mountain Division.

The teams played an even first period with Alaska holding a 7-6 edge in shots but with each team finding the back of the net once. Bryan Miller opened the scoring for the Aces five minutes in -- just two seconds after a power play expired -- when his slap-shot from the right point found its way through a maze of bodies and under Kyle Jones.

Colorado tied the game midway through the opening frame on a great play by Riley Nelson. Rookie defenseman Jake Marto found the Eagles' captain in the neutral zone, sending him on a rush down the right wing. Nelson then stick-handled through the right circle before snapping a shot past Shane Owen.

The Aces used a 3-to-1 advantage in power plays in the second period to help them out-shoot the Eagles, 9-6, but Colorado was the only team to score in the frame, taking a 2-1 lead into the second intermission. The goal came two minutes into the frame when Colorado won a battle below the goal line, leading to a Patrick Cey chance from the doorstep, which Owen kicked out to Liam Huculak below the left circle for a wide-open shot.

Colorado put forth their strongest effort in the third period (despite being out-shot 13-6), adding an early insurance goal and killing two Aces power plays to go a perfect 7-for-7 on the night on the penalty kill. The goal came at 1:38 following a faceoff win in the left circle of the offensive zone when Aaron Schneekloth blasted home a shot from the point.

The teams will finish up their season series tomorrow night with their third game against each other this week and their fifth meeting in a row.

Check out the Colorado Eagles Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



ECHL Stories from March 16, 2012


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.

OurSports Central