ECHL Idaho Steelheads

Idaho Splits Weekend Series with Alaska, and Heads North for Three More

November 17, 2003 - ECHL (ECHL)
Idaho Steelheads News Release


BOISE, Idaho - The Idaho Steelheads split a physical two-game set at home in their first meeting this season against the Alaska Aces, and now get ready to play three more against the Aces on their ice (Wednesday 11/19, Friday 11/21 and Saturday 11/22). In 79 games all-time against the Aces, Idaho is 49-21-3 (29-6-2 at home and 20-15-1 away).

RECORD:

Idaho has recorded a .571 winning percentage, and have a third place ranking in the Western Conference, Pacific Division. In 14 games played, their win-loss record is 8-6 (home 6-3; away 2-3). The team has won 4 of their last 5 games. GAME RECAPS:

11/14/03 @Idaho: Idaho 1 / Alaska 4

Charles Linglet scored a goal and added a pair of assists to lead the Alaska Aces past the Idaho Steelheads, 4-1. Linglet, the team's leading scorer, opened the scoring when he beat goaltender Dan Ellis with just 1:58 remaining in the first period. Linglet also helped out on a goal by Dave Csumrik that came with 87 seconds left in the middle period, providing Alaska with a 2-0 lead. Mike Scott added a shorthanded marker for the Aces, who have won three consecutive contests. Dan Murphy finished with 20 saves in the win, his sixth of the season. Lance Galbraith potted the lone goal of the game for Idaho, which was 14-2 against Alaska last season. Ellis made 21 saves in the loss, including 18 over the first two periods.

11/15/03 @ Idaho: Idaho 6 / Alaska 1

Jan Kopecky scored a pair of goals to help the Idaho Steelheads trounce the Alaska Aces, 6-1. Kopecky potted a power-play goal midway through the opening period and then recorded his first multiple goal game of the season when he tallied for the seventh time 2:09 into the second, supplying Idaho with a 3-1 lead. Four different players finished with a goal and an assist for the Steelheads, who have won four of their last five games. Blair Allison, who entered the contest with a league-best 1.20 goals-against average, stopped 20 of the 21 shots he faced. Dave Csumrik netted the lone goal of the game, his fourth marker, late in the first period for Alaska, which saw its three-game winning streak come to a halt. Lance Maynes turned aside 34 shots in the defeat.

IN THE NET: Goaltender Dan Ellis' record is 3-5, allowing 26 goals and making 207 stops. He is 2-0 in shootout wins, allowing only one 1 goal in 9 attempts. Ellis has posted a 3.21 average and a save percentage of .888. Goaltender Blair Allison is 4-1-0, allowing only 7 goals in 145 attempts. Allison has posted an average of 1.17 and save percentage of .952; and is currently third in the league. Going into this season, Allison holds the Steelheads all-time games played for goaltenders with 85 (2001-03); wins with 57 (2001-03); GAA with 2.55 (2001-03); and shutouts with 4 (2001-03).

Both Idaho goaltenders have had perfect games this season, each earning a shutout in a weekend duo against Cincinnati: Friday, November 7th Idaho shutout Cincinnati 3-0 with goaltender Dan Ellis in net, and Saturday, November 8th Blair Allison excelled as the winning goalie in a 1-0 match. The pair of wins marked the first back-to-back shutouts in Idaho Steelheads history.

SCORING LEADERS: Czech native Jan Kopecky (F) has averaged a point in every game - in 14 games played he has notched 14 points, tallying 2 goals in Saturday's game against Alaska. Kopecky has 7 goals and 7 assists, and 2 game-winning goals. Darrell Hay's (D) 10 points (3G, 7A) earns him second spot on the team in scoring. Though Chris Marinucci (F) has not played a game since being placed on the 7-day IR on Oct. 30th, he is third on the team in scoring with 9 points in 7 games played (4G, 5A). Marinucci has also recorded two game-winning goals this season.

PP and PK: Idaho's power play is ranked 25th in the league, scoring 10 in 82 chances (12.2%). The team's penalty kill has improved to 22nd overall (8th at home), allowing 14 in 71 attempts (80.3%).

PAST WEEK TRANSACTIONS:
11/14/2003 ADD Zenon Konopka, F activated off 30-day IR
11/15/2003 ADD Darrell Hay, D activated off 7-day IR

UP NEXT:
November 19 ¾ Idaho Steelheads @ Alaska Aces, 9:00 p.m. MST
November 20 ¾ Idaho Steelheads @ Alaska Aces, 9:00 p.m. MST
November 21 ¾ Idaho Steelheads @ Alaska Aces, 9:00 p.m. MST

TICKETS: Game tickets for home games are available at the Bank of America Centre, by visiting any Select-A-Seat outlet, by calling 331-TIXS (8497), or by logging on to www.idahotickets.com or www.idahosteelheads.com. With every ticket purchased, fans will receive $1.00 off any 12-pack Pepsi product purchased at Jacksons throughout the season by redeeming any game ticket stub at a participating Jacksons store.

RADIO: Join "Voice of the Steelheads," Britt Talbert on ESPN 1350 KTIK every night from 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. for the Bud Light Sports Talk Show. Some of Britt's guests this week include: Monday-Steelheads Head Coach John Olver; Wednesday-ECHL Commissioner Brian McKenna; Thursday-Former Steelheads Head Coach Clint Malarchuk. Stay tuned on game nights as Britt will bring fans live action for all 72 games; Color Commentator Mark Broz joins Britt for home games. Games can also be heard via the Internet through the Steelheads website, www.idahosteelheads.com or by logging on to www.ktik.com.

TELEVISION: Never miss a home game as CableOne Channel 17 will air every game the following day at 6:00 p.m. and again at 9:00 p.m.

Check out the Idaho Steelheads Statistics



ECHL Stories from November 17, 2003


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