Sports stats



Late goal gives Long Beach game, series

February 23, 2004 - ECHL (ECHL)
Alaska Aces News Release


ANCHORAGE, Alaska – Kevin McDonald banged home a rebound with 5:45 left in regulation to give Long Beach a 4-3 decision over Alaska Sunday in front of 3,451 at Sullivan Arena.

The Ice Dogs dominated much of the first period, outshooting the Aces 12-3 and taking a 1-0 lead into the dressing room courtesy of Alex Kim's second goal in as many nights, which came at 8:46 of the first period. Long Beach scored just 34 seconds into the middle frame on a power play, with Dan Vandermeer punching in a rebound for a 2-0 advantage.

But Alaska came roaring back, getting on the board at 2:03 of the second period when Wes Dorey won a draw straight to Chris Lipsett, who sent a one-timer screaming past goaltender T. J. Aceti blocker side. Mike Lee tied the game 2-2 at 9:14, coming out of the left corner and tucking his own rebound just inside the post. But Lee injured his shoulder on the play and did not return, leaving the Aces with just six forwards the rest of the way.

Long Beach regained the lead at 3-2 when Trevor Read sprung Martin Paquet loose on a breakaway with 6:29 left in the second period. Alaska rallied once more, deadlocking the contest three minutes later when Dorey drew Aceti out of position, then slid a cross-ice pass to Joe Talbot, who made no mistake in registering his 23rd goal of the year, tops among ECHL rookies.

The Aces outshot the Ice Dogs 16-7 in the second period but the teams battled on even terms in the third until McDonald's heroics, which came after Alaska goalie Dan Murphy allowed a rebound on a drive from the point by Scott Giroux. Missing at least four regulars from its lineup, Alaska (29-20-4) must travel to Boise for a three-game series (Wed., Fri., Sat.) against the Idaho Steelheads, who are tied for second place with Las Vegas at 31-16-6.

The Wednesday and Friday games will be broadcast live on KHAR 590 AM, while Saturday's series finale returns to KFQD 750 AM and at www.alaskaaces.com, with Jack Michaels calling the play-by-play. Starting times for all three games have been set for 5:00 p.m. AST. Coverage begins 20 minutes prior to the opening face-off, presented by GCI.

• Discuss this story on the ECHL message board...

ECHL Stories from February 23, 2004


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.

Other Recent Alaska Aces Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central