Gulls - Steelheads Game Preview
Published on December 12, 2003 under ECHL (ECHL)
San Diego Gulls News Release
SAN DIEGO â The Gulls will look to continue their climb up the Pacific Division standings Friday night when they take on the second-place Idaho Steelheads at the Sports Arena.
After splitting the first four games of a six game homestand, the Gulls look to make a move in the Pacific division when they host the Idaho Steelheads for two games this weekend at the Sports Arena. The Blue and Orange knocked off the front-running Alaska Aces on Sunday and remain in fourth place, 10 points out of first. San Diego only trails Idaho by six points, however, and a sweep of the Steelheads this weekend could pull the Gulls within two points of second place, despite having played three fewer games than Idaho.
The Gulls are 7-1-1 in their last nine games against Pacific Division opponents. Head coach Steve Martinson is now just five wins shy of his 400th regular season victory. The Gulls have excelled on the penalty kill of late, not allowing a power play goal in their opponents' last 21 opportunities, dating back to Nov. 29. San Diego is 9-1-1 this season when scoring at least two goals. Clayton Read has scored 15 points in nine home games this season, but has yet to score on the road.
Idaho enters Friday night's action having won five of their last six games, including a 2-1 victory over the defending ECHL champion Atlantic City Boardwalk Bullies in their last game. They are currently tied with Las Vegas for second place in the Pacific Division with 28 points.
A solid defense and strong goaltending has been the key for the Steelheads, who currently rank fourth in the ECHL in average goals against (2.45 goals per game). Goaltender Dan Ellis has led their recent charge, posting a 5-2-0 record and a 1.87 goals-against average in his last seven games. The offense has been provided by forward Jan Kopecky, who leads the team with 20 points (9g, 11a).
The Gulls doubled up their Pacific Division rivals in their last meeting on Nov. 1, when Billy Tibbets and Greg Barber combined for four goals to top the Steelheads, 6-3. It was the only time these two teams have faced off so far this season. San Diego also holds the edge in the all-time series match-up, posting a 31-20-5 record.
The Gulls announced a trade before the game, sending center Miguel Delisle to Idaho in exchange for center Chris Gobert. San Diego also signed left-winger Dean Tiltgen and defenseman Justin Hellegards and released Taj Melson and Stephane St. Amour. Defenseman Andy Reierson was recalled by the American Hockey League's Cincinnati Mighty Ducks.
ECHL Stories from December 12, 2003
- Sea Wolves High-Five Ice Pilots, 4-3 In Overtime - Mississippi Sea Wolves
- Generals win 6-3 over Titans - Greensboro Generals
- Rivermen Power Past Johnstown 5-2 at Home - Peoria Rivermen
- Lynx Defeat Grrrowl 4-2 - Augusta Lynx
- Wildcatters Fall to IceGators, 5-2 - Texas Wildcatters
- Everblades Cool Inferno 5-3 - Florida Everblades
- MacDonald Becomes 229th Former ECHL Player In NHL - ECHL
- Bullies Edge Cyclones 2-1 Before A Packed House - Atlantic City Boardwalk Bullies
- Steelheads Add Four New Faces - Idaho Steelheads
- Gulls - Steelheads Game Preview - San Diego Gulls
- ECHL Transactions - ECHL
- Teddy Bear Toss is Tonight - Fresno Falcons
- San Diego Adds Gobert from Steelheads in Exchange for Delisle - San Diego Gulls
- IceGators Announce 3 Schedule Changes - Louisiana IceGators
- Nailers Sign Mark Scally - Wheeling Nailers
- Boisclair Reassigned by NHL's Carolina to Greenville - Peoria Rivermen
- Today In The ECHL - ECHL
- Three Changes for Grrrowl in Time for Weekend Games - Greenville Grrrowl
- Wildcatters signed McKay - Texas Wildcatters
- Maxwell Returns, Lupandin Goes on IR - Mississippi Sea Wolves
- Balan Recalled to Norfolk - Myrtle Beach Thunderboltz
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.
