Jimmy Spratt makes 24 saves in Victoria's 3-1 win over Alaska

April 2, 2011 - ECHL (ECHL)
Victoria Salmon Kings News Release


Victoria, BC- In a Friday night match up at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre the Victoria Salmon Kings took on the Alaska Aces in the second last game of the 2010-11 ECHL regular season. The Salmon Kings gave Jimmy Spratt the start in net, while the Aces countered with Gerald Coleman.

Victoria applied pressure early after Adam Taylor broke in on a 3-on-2. From the left point the Salmon Kings' forward found defenseman Cam Ritchie at the top of the right circle, who snapped a quick shot past the glove of Coleman 33 seconds into the game. Victoria continued their pressure and were rewarded with their first power play at 5:44. On the man advantage at 6:13 Ryan Turek blasted a slap shot past Coleman from the top of the left circle for his 11th tally of the year. Alaska received several scoring chances in the next few minutes, but Spratt countered with some quality saves. At 13:02 after a Victoria turnover, Wes Goldie broke in alone on Spratt and shot low glove for his 45th of the year. Victoria took their 2-1 lead into the second period after a strong start.

The Salmon Kings controlled the play for the opening minutes of the second period as they looked to restore their two goal lead. On an Aces' power play Chad Anderson thought he had tied the game, but his one timer from the left point went off the right post. Alaska continued to press after Gary Nunn and Kory Falite broke in on a 2-on-1. Nunn fed Falite on the left side, but the forward could not get the shot off quick enough and found himself denied by Spratt. The teams engaged in a defensive style of game for the period as they were able to keep the play to the outside. The action picked up in the last minute of play after the Salmon Kings' Rick Cleaver had his backhand ring off the left post. The Aces then in turn rushed down into the Victoria zone and created flurry in front of Spratt, but the Salmon Kings' goaltender kept them off the board. Victoria still held a 2-1 lead after the second period.

Victoria found themselves down a man early into the period, but a strong penalty kill negated any scoring opportunity. The Salmon Kings found their second post of the night after Derick Martin fluttered a puck in on net that evaded Coleman and went off the crossbar. The Salmon Kings looked to protect their one goal lead as they started to shut down the Aces in the neutral zone for the majority of the period. Alaska applied pressure as they looked to tie it up, but two late penalties and an empty net goal from the Salmon Kings' Adam Taylor would seal the game. Salmon Kings 3 Aces 1.

Victoria went 2/4 = 50.0% on the power play, while Alaska was 0/3 = 0.0%. The Aces outshot the Salmon Kings 25-23.

Game 1 of the Western Conference Quarterfinal series goes next Monday at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre, while the second contest will take place in Victoria the following evening on Tuesday, April 5th. Puck drop for both games goes at 7:05 p.m.

The Salmon Kings are offering $5 tickets for the opening two home games of the 2010-11 Kelly Cup Playoffs. The discounted playoff ticket is available to fans in all standard-bowl seating (excluding club seats). There is no maximum of tickets allowed to buy, so make sure to get yours today before they sell out! Fans can purchase the discounted tickets online at www.selectyourtickets.com with the code word "GOKINGSGO". Tickets will also be available in person at the Select Your Tickets Box Office, or over the phone at 250-220-7777.

Fans who purchase a complete Kelly Cup Playoff package that guarantees seats to all home postseason games at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre, will receive all first round home games for free. Additionally, discounts on playoff tickets will be available for fans that order group packages of 10 or more tickets for any home playoff game. For more information, please call 250-220=7889.

The Salmon Kings finish the 2010-11 regular season tomorrow evening in the third game of the three game set versus the Alaska Aces. Puck drop goes at 7:05 p.m. at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre. "Fan Appreciation Weekend" continues tomorrow as $5 end section tickets are still available! For tickets, visit www.selectyourtickets.com or call 250-220-7777.



ECHL Stories from April 2, 2011


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