'Godfather' 6-2-1 after Sweep of Long Beach

Published on March 10, 2003 under ECHL (ECHL)
Alaska Aces News Release


ANCHORAGE, Alaska – Having proven their promising start under interim head coach Perry Florio was no fluke, the Anchorage Aces will be looking to wrap up the home portion of their schedule on a positive note when San Diego invades Sullivan Arena this weekend.

Florio, who was nicknamed "The Godfather" by Anchorage fans shortly after his arrival February 20, watched as his team dismantled Long Beach in a three-game series to move out of last place for the first time since October 2001. The Aces outscored the Ice Dogs 17-5 and outshot them 100-54 after winning only one of the previous nine games played between the two clubs this season under former coach Rod Davidson.

Paul Williams and Carl Drakensjo scored twice as Anchorage broke open a 3-3 game with three goals in the final 13 minutes of a 6-3 victory Friday night. The Aces turned in their best defensive effort of the year, limiting the Ice Dogs to only 14 shots, including three in each of the first two periods. Yvan Corbin scored twice and Kimbi Daniels added a goal and two assists in a 5-1 win Saturday, and those two players combined for five goals, including a natural hat trick by Corbin in the second period, as Anchorage completed the three-game sweep with a 6-1 rout Sunday. Corbin, who continues to lead the WCHL with 42 goals, shares the overall lead in scoring at 76 points with Dean Larson, who had a goal and two assists Sunday. The Aces allowed Long Beach only one power play goal in 17 opportunities over the weekend while scoring two shorthanded goals in each of the first two games of the series.

At 18-41-3 overall, Anchorage holds a one-point edge over the Ice Dogs, who have played three fewer games. The second-place Gulls should provide a stiff test, with five consecutive wins over the Aces by a combined score of 43-10. San Diego (38-18-3) plays at home against Idaho Wednesday before heading up to Alaska for Friday and Saturday night games against the Aces at 7:00 p.m. Anchorage will practice at Ben Boeke Arena Tuesday through Thursday at 9:30 a.m.

All games are broadcast live on KFQD 750 AM and at www.anchorageaces.com, with Jack Michaels calling the play-by-play. Coverage begins 20 minutes prior to the opening face-off, presented by GCI.

LEAGUE LEADERS

Points Goals Assists Shooting %

*Dean Larson, 76 (T-1st) *Yvan Corbin, 42 (1st) Dean Larson, 50 (3rd) Kevin McNeill, 21.0 (4th)

*Yvan Corbin, 76 (T-1st) Dean Larson, 26 (6th) Kimbi Daniels, 37 (7th)

Kimbi Daniels, 56 (T-12th) Yvan Corbin, 34 (T-10th)

PROMOTIONS

The club will be holding its final "Lunch Box" of the 2002-03 season Friday at Wayne's Texas BBQ at 36th & C in downtown Anchorage. The event begins at 12:45 p.m. and is open to the media and 50 members of the public, with a nominal charge of $10 per person, which covers the actual lunch. All those attending will be eligible for door prizes to be given away at 2:00 after both coaches (Florio and San Diego's Steve Martinson) have spoken. All interested parties are asked to RSVP through Brigitte Brakke at 258-2237 or brigitte@anchorageaces.com.

Kevin McNeill will be honored as Anchorage Chrysler Dodge Player of the Month during Friday's game against San Diego. During the month of February, McNeill scored eight goals (including a game-winner over Idaho) and assisted on five others while connecting for a team-best 27.6 shooting percentage.

Saturday will mark the final home game in a brilliant eight-year career for Larson, the league's all-time leading scorer with 776 points heading into this weekend. The Aces are expecting a state representative from Juneau to be on hand for his final appearance in an Anchorage jersey at Sullivan Arena.

SKATE into READING

School Date (all at 1:30 p.m.) Players Attending

Taku Elementary Tue., March 11 Six, including McNeill and Drakensjo

Ocean View Elementary Wed., March 12 Six, including Larson and Corbin

Northwood Elementary Thu., March 13 Six, including Daniels and B.J. Young

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