Gulls Hook Steelheads in 2-0 Win

December 10, 2002 - ECHL (ECHL)
San Diego Gulls News Release


SAN DIEGO -- San Diego hockey fans gave their team a standing ovation as the Gulls players left the ice after a hard fought and well deserved win against the first place Idaho Steelheads Monday night at the San Diego Sports Arena. The fans had much to cheer about as fan favorites and leading scorers R. J. Enga and Mark Pederson lit up the scoreboard and Gull's goaltender Trevor Koenig earned his second shutout of the season. San Diego (9-10-1) had started the night in fifth place, one point out of a playoff spot.

Despite the loss, the Steelheads (15-5-3) still sits comfortably in first place, a position they have kept for most of the 2002-03 season. Idaho came into tonight's game boasting four players of the league's top 10 point race: Joe Rybar, Scott Swanson, Chris Marinucci and Cory Morgan, all of whom have scored points against the Gulls this season but tonight were kept silent by the Gull's stellar defense.

Both teams were held scoreless until Gull's leading scorer R.J. Enga stepped up in the third period, scoring on a one-timer high from the slot that beat Idaho goaltender Jason Cugnet upstairs. Cory Cyrenne and Mark Pederson assisted on the goal that came at 6:15 of the third period.

The first period saw shots kept to a minimum but eye-catching goaltending from both teams.Mark Pederson was stoned by the Steelhead goaltender with a spectacular pad save on Pederson who had blasted a slapshot from the high slot. The second period drew a handful of hooking penalties against both teams, though neither team was able to capitalize on the power play.

Gulls goaltender Koenig kept Idaho off the scoreboard early in the third period when he stuffed a golden opportunity by Idaho's Rybar. Marty Flichel passed to Rybar who shot from the high slot but Koenig stepped up and made a shoulder pad save.

Also in the third period, San Diego rookie winger Trent Clark hustled through two Idaho players to have a fantastic breakaway opportunity. Unfortunately for Clark, Cugnet was prepared and easily turned away the shot. San Diego team captain Dennis Purdie left the ice early in the third period with a shoulder injury.

Mark Pederson found the back of the net with an empty netter on the power play with 13 seconds left in the game, adding insult to injury to an Idaho penalty.

The Gulls have had 218 shots in their last seven games and but have only scored 10 goals in those games. The win tonight puts them in a tie with the Fresno Falcons for fourth place, both teams with 18 points.

Notes: The Gulls signed defenseman Kevin Grant today... Veteran Gull Jamie Black is still on injured reserve with an ankle injury and is expected to return for Sunday's game... Defenseman Dennis Mullen sat out tonight's game with a hip injury... Marc Busenburg and Rob Voltera remain with the American Hockey League's Hershey Bears... San Diego plays 12 of its next 17 games at home...

The Gulls travel to Long Beach Wednesday night for a face off against the third-place Ice Dogs. The Gulls return home to the Sports Arena for three home games against Anchorage, Fresno and Bakersfield, respectively. Friday's start time is 7 p.m. The game will feature live penguins, presented by Sea World. All games can be heard live on 1130AM-KSDO and at www.ksdo.com with Chris Ello calling the play-by-play. The Gulls' Internet radio show broadcasts live every Tuesday from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. on wsradio.com with Tera Black and Jeremy Zager hosting.



ECHL Stories from December 10, 2002


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