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Ice Bears Come From Behind To Defeat The Aces

February 4, 2005 - SPHL (SPHL)
Asheville Aces News Release


The Knoxville Ice Bears overcame a first period deficit to defeat the Asheville Aces 5-3 tonight in Knoxville. The Aces played a very strong game, out shooting the Ice Bears 47-37, but could not put more than three pucks past Knoxville goalie James Roynane.

Asheville opened the scoring in the first period with an even strength goal from Peter Bournazakis. Playing a very defensive and patient brand of hockey, Asheville managed to neutralize the Ice Bears' top line of Kevin Swider, David Bagley and K.J. Voorhees for the entire period. Mark Scally was also solid in goal for Asheville stopping all 12 shots thrown his way in the first.

The Ice Bears struck first in the second frame on the power play as Marcus Forsberg got his first of three goals on the night. The Aces returned the favor with a power play goal of their own when Dan Pszenyczny faked a slap shot from the point and passed to Peter Bournazakis who was standing open next to the Knoxville goal. Bournazakis put the puck in the wide open net to make it 2-2. Forsberg scored his second goal shortly after, and then K.J. Voorhees made it 4-2 Knoxville with a power play goal of his own.

New Asheville Ace Eldon Cheechoo, who was playing his first professional game, showed incredible poise and was very effective on face offs and at both ends of the ice. His debut was topped off with his first professional goal that brought the Aces within one with fifteen minutes remaining in the game. Cheechoo, whose cousin Jonathan plays for the San Jose Sharks, picked up a turnover in the neutral zone, beat two Ice Bear defensemen, and then proceeded to deke Roynane and buried the puck while he was standing half-way behind the net.

The Aces completely dominated the third period of play with constant pressure and hard hitting that resulted in numerous scoring chances but, with Scally pulled for the extra attacker, Forsberg potted an empty net goal to put the Ice Bears up 5-3.

The Aces now travel to Macon on Friday looking for revenge on Tuesday night's 7-2 loss at the hands of the Trax. Game time is 7:05 p.m. at the Macon Centreplex. The next Aces home game is Thursday, February 10th versus the Huntsville Havoc. Puck drop is 7:30 p.m. at the Asheville Civic Center. For tickets call 828-251-5505 or visit the Civic Center Box Office.

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