Gulls - Steelheads Game Preview
January 2, 2004 - ECHL (ECHL)
San Diego Gulls News Release
SAN DIEGO â The Idaho Steelheads are tied for the lead in the Pacific Division. The San Diego Gulls are currently in fourth. But don't let the standings fool you. San Diego has dominated their division rivals this season and will look to pull within three points of the division lead when the two teams face off tonight at the Sports Arena.
The Gulls have been one of the hottest teams in the league of late, including back-to-back victories over Idaho Dec. 12 and 13. Overall, they are 3-0-0 against the Steelheads this season, with all games having been played in San Diego.
Only five points separate the top four teams in the Pacific Division. Despite San Diego boasting the division's best winning percentage, they are currently only in fourth place in the standings. Idaho is tied for first with the Las Vegas Wranglers with 41 points, but both teams have played in four more games than the Gulls. The Alaska Aces remain in third place with 39 points, but have also played three more games than the Gulls.
The Gulls have won 14 of their last 17 games overall, including a stellar 14-2-1 mark against Pacific Division foes. The defense has led the way as San Diego defensemen have helped kill 59 of their last 62 penalties, and goalies Trevor Koenig and David Burleigh have been virtually unbeatable in net. The offense has been sparked by the strong play of centers Sylvain Deschatelets (2g, 3a) and Billy Tibbetts (1g, 4a), who have each tallied five points in their last two games. Meanwhile, left-winger Mark Pederson has continued his strong play, chipping in with nine points in his last eight contests.
Despite the Gulls hot play, they have been unable to make up any ground on Idaho. The Steelheads are undefeated in their last seven games, posting a 6-0-1 mark. Top-notch goaltending by netminders Dan Ellis (2.47 GAA) and Blair Allison (2.30 GAA) have been major reasons for the Steelheads success this season, along with strong offensive play from forwards Jan Kopecky (13g, 15a) and Zenon Konopka (6g, 18a). Perhaps the biggest reason for Idaho's recent success, however, has been the remarkable play of former Gull, Miguel Delisle. Since being traded to Idaho on Dec. 12 for center Chris Gobert, Delisle has been on fire. He leads all ECHL rookies in shooting percentage and is second overall in the league, knocking in 10 goals on 38 shots (.263%). He is also the only player in the league to notch two hat tricks this season and has eight goals in nine games since the trade.
Despite Idaho's success this season overall, they have struggled on the road. They post a stellar 15-4-0 mark in Idaho, but have a losing record (5-6-1) on the road. This is the fourth of five games between these two teams to be played at the Sports Arena. Idaho will make their final appearance of the season in San Diego on Jan. 30.
• Discuss this story on the ECHL message board...
ECHL Stories from January 2, 2004
- Inferno Ring Up Sea Wolves In Shootout, 4-3 - Mississippi Sea Wolves
- Checkers Home Streak Snapped By Trenton 5-2 - Charlotte Checkers
- Bayrack takes Pride in unassisted goal - Greensboro Generals
- Rivermen Prevail in Overtime, Beating Atlantic City 4-3 at Home - Peoria Rivermen
- Gators Routed, 6-0 - Louisiana IceGators
- Falcons Offer New Year's Coupon Books - Fresno Falcons
- Rivermen Top Bullies 4-3 in Overtime - Atlantic City Boardwalk Bullies
- Amidovski, Bombers Blank Cyclones, 3-0, During Johnny Benson's Visit to the Nutter Center - Dayton Bombers
- Everblades Stung 6-1 in New Year - Florida Everblades
- Chiefs Fall In Reading - Johnstown Chiefs
- Schaefer Re-joins Falcons - Fresno Falcons
- Gulls - Steelheads Game Preview - San Diego Gulls
- Generals Hodson wins Spengler Cup gold - Greensboro Generals
- Gardiner rejoining Generals - Greensboro Generals
- Longtime Rivermen Voice Ulrich to Broadcast Third Career All-Star Game - Peoria Rivermen
- ECHL Transactions - ECHL
- Royals Forward to Worcester; Snesrud and Denike Returned From Manchester - Reading Royals
- Babik Named All-Star Broadcaster - Myrtle Beach Thunderboltz
- Par-A-Dice All-Star Game Radio Broadcasters Announced - ECHL
- Former Nailer Verot Becomes 234th ECHL Player In NHL - ECHL
- Aces to Hold National Anthem Singer Tryouts - Alaska Aces
- Today In The ECHL - ECHL
- Pride Acquire More Offense - Myrtle Beach Thunderboltz
- Wheeling Sets ECHL Record - Wheeling Nailers
- Walby Goes On IR, Headlining Three Roster Moves - Mississippi Sea Wolves
- Gladiators Season Ticket Holder Wins Trip to All Star Game - Atlanta Gladiators
- Nick Stajduhar to Play In Mr. Manatees Alumni Game - Pensacola Ice Pilots
- ECHL Transactions - ECHL
- Falcons Begin 2004 with One-Goal Victory - Fresno Falcons
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.
