Gov. Palin vs. Gov. Sanford in Kelly Cup Finals
May 21, 2009 - ECHL (ECHL)
Alaska Aces News Release
ANCHORAGE, Alaska - Alaska looks to continue its unbeaten streak at home in the postseason when South Carolina invades Sullivan Arena for the first two games of the Kelly Cup Finals tomorrow and Saturday at 7:15 p.m.
On the eve of the series, Alaska Governor Sarah Palin and South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford have made a friendly wager on the best-of-seven series: Alaskan King Salmon vs. Shrimp and Grits and She Crab Soup, with the winner not only seeing their team hoist the Kelly Cup, but also getting a taste of the local cuisine from the losing club. "I've always responded to a challenge, just like the Aces, and I also enjoy trying new food, which is why this bet is a no-brainer," said Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin. "I have extreme confidence that our supremely talented team will represent our great state well enough to bring home our second championship in four years. I'll make no predictions, other than I expect I'll be trying the she-crab soup and shrimp and grits real soon."
The Stingrays and Aces have only met four times in team history; twice in the 2004 regular season, when Alaska managed one point of a possible four in games that were played in North Charleston, and twice during this past pre-season, when the Aces beat South Carolina 3-2 in overtime October 8 before dropping a 5-1 decision the following night. Going into tomorrow, Alaska has won 12 straight and 23 of its last 25 games at home, with its six playoff victories in Anchorage coming by a combined score of 21-3.
"We're awfully proud of how well the Stingrays have done this year, and we're excited not only for the opportunity to show off a first-class sports franchise, but for the opportunity to show off the Charleston area as well," Gov. Sanford said. "But personally, I'm most excited about the king salmon that Sarah is going to be sending my way when the Kelly Cup is decided!"
Alaska has out-scored its opposition 52-22 in winning 12 of 14 playoff games to advance to the ECHL championship round for the second time in four seasons. The Aces claimed the 2006 Kelly Cup by beating Gwinnett in five games. South Carolina has won two Kelly Cups and will be looking for a record third after sweeping defending ECHL champion Cincinnati in the American Conference Finals. Coupled with Alaska's four-game rout of Las Vegas, the two sweeps marked the first time since 1989, the initial year of ECHL hockey, that two teams had marched into the championship round by virtue of a sweep.
The Aces and Stingrays (based in Charleston, S.C.) are separated by a record 4,517 miles, the greatest distance between ECHL playoff opponents in league history. Only six players who dressed in the pre-season match-up remain with the Stingrays, who are anchored on defense by Patrick Wellar, who played two seasons with the Aces and played a pivotal role on their 2006 Kelly Cup championship team.
Following Games One and Two of the Finals tomorrow and Saturday, Alaska heads to South Corolina for Games Three, Four, and Five (if necessary) May 27, 29, and 30 at 3:05 p.m. AT. The series would return to Anchorage for Games Six and Seven (if necessary) June 4 and June 5. All road games will be broadcast live on KFQD 750 AM and GCI Channel 1.
KELLY CUP FINALS (all times AT):
Game 1: Tomorrow--South Carolina @ Alaska 7:15 Game 2: Saturday--South Carolina @ Alaska 7:15 Game 3: Wednesday--Alaska at South Carolina 3:05 Game 4: Friday, May 29--Alaska at South Carolina 3:05 Game 5: Saturday, May 30--Alaska at South Carolina (if necessary) 3:05 Game 6: Thursday, June 4--South Carolina @ Alaska (if necessary) 7:15 Game 7: Friday, June 5--South Carolina @ Alaska (if necessary) 7:15
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ECHL Stories from May 21, 2009
- Games one and two telecast live statewide on GCI - Alaska Aces
- ECHL Transactions - ECHL
- Governors Place Wager On Eve Of Kelly Cup Finals - ECHL
- Gov. Palin vs. Gov. Sanford in Kelly Cup Finals - South Carolina Stingrays
- Gov. Palin vs. Gov. Sanford in Kelly Cup Finals - Alaska Aces
- Chiefs Add to Front Office - Johnstown Chiefs
- Kelly Cup Quest Daily - South Carolina Stingrays
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