RoadRunners bounce Gulls in consecutive games

Published on October 31, 2005 under ECHL (ECHL)
Phoenix RoadRunners News Release


Phoenix, Ariz. - WEEK RECORD 2-0-0 - SEASON RECORD 3-2-0 - T-3rd WEST DIVISION

‘RUNNERS REWIND: The Phoenix RoadRunners enjoyed a historic weekend at America West Arena, earning their first home victory in ECHL history on Friday and then completing a two-game sweep of the San Diego Gulls with a 7-1 win on Saturday. The RoadRunners are currently 3-2-0 with six points, good for a third place tie in the ECHL's West Division.

Friday, Cory Pecker tallied the game-winning goal and had an assist and former San Diego net-minder Mathieu Chouinard stopped 41 shots to lead the Phoenix RoadRunners to a 4-2 victory over the San Diego Gulls before 3,242 at America West Arena.

San Diego opened the scoring just 45 seconds in the first period. Newcomer Richard Keyes slipped behind the RoadRunners defense in front of Chouinard and slapped the puck past the RoadRunners goaltender to give the Gulls a 1-0 lead.

J-F Soucy tallied the equalizer for the RoadRunners at 7:36 of the second period. Soucy pushed Ed Hill's rebound past San Diego goaltender Tyler Weiman to tie the game at 1-1.

Mike Ouellet gave the RoadRunners a 2-1 advantage 10 seconds into the third period when he slapped Pecker's rebound by Weiman. Pecker extended the lead to 3-1 when he beat Weiman to the short side at 5:08 of the third on the power play. The Gulls would strike back as Keyes netted his second goal of the game, sticking Grady Moore's rebound past Chouinad at 15:03 to cut the deficit to 3-2. Ben Knopp capped the scoring at 19:45 with an empty-net goal to make the final 4-2.

San Diego out-shot Phoenix 43-33. Chouinard stopped 41 shots to improve to 2-0 on the season.

Weiman turned aside 29 shots in suffering his third loss of the year. The RoadRunners went 1-5 on the power play.

Saturday, Captain Dean Tiltgen and Shawn Snider each tallied a pair of goals and the RoadRunners scored five power play goals to defeat the San Diego Gulls 7-1 before 3207 at America West Arena.

Dave Cousineau opened the scoring for Phoenix at 9:37 of the first period on the power play. Cory Pecker slipped a pass across the crease to a pinching Cousineau who slammed a shot past San Diego goalie Tyler Weiman for a 1-0 lead. Shawn Snider made it 2-0 with his first professional goal at 16:35 of the first on the power play.

The RoadRunners increased their lead to 3-0 just 2:34 into the second frame when B.J. Gaustad re-directed Ed Hill's point shot past Weiman. San Diego would finally crack the scoreboard as Steve Hildenbrand finished off a terrific passing sequence by lifting the puck past Mathieu Chouinard at 10:01 of the period to cut the deficit to 3-1. Phoenix would counter just 1:13 seconds later on the power play. Paul Ballantyne's shot from the right point found its way through traffic and past Weiman at 11:14 to give the RoadRunners at 4-1 advantage after two periods.

The RoadRunners added three goals in the third period to seal the victory. Snider added his second goal of the game at 7:37 with an even-strength tally. Tiltgen scored the final two goals, both on the power play, at 9:34 and 18:13 of the third respectively to make the final 7-1.

San Diego out-shot Phoenix 36-30. Chouinard stopped 35 shots to improve to 3-0 on the season. The RoadRunners went 5-6 on the power play while holding San Diego to 0-8.

IT'S OUR SPECIALTY:

The RoadRunners special teams' units put together an impressive weekend against San Diego. Phoenix set an ECHL season-high with five power play goals against the Gulls on Saturday. The last ECHL team to record five power play goals in a game was the Florida Everblades back on January 29, 2005. Meanwhile, the RoadRunners also killed off all 20 of San Diego's power play chances. Phoenix leads the ECHL in power play efficiency with nine goals in 26 opportunities, a 34.6% conversion rate. The RoadRunners penalty kill is 28-33 (84.8%), good for eighth in the league.

WELCOME TO THE PROS:

Rookie center Shawn Snider had a night to remember on Saturday. Not only did Snider collect his first professional goal, but he added a second tally in the third period to give him his first career multiple-goal and multiple-point game. Snider leads all RoadRunners' rookies in scoring.

LEADERS OF THE PACK:

Forward Cory Pecker leads the ECHL scoring race with five goals and 11 points, while defenseman Ed Hill leads the ECHL defensemen scoring race with nine assists and nine points. Pecker and Hill each extended their respective scoring streaks to five games after recording points on Friday and Saturday.

TURNING THEM ASIDE:

Goaltender Mathieu Chouinard is a strong candidate to capture ECHL Goaltender of the Week honors after stopping 76 of 79 San Diego shots over the weekend to improve his record to 3-0-0. A former first and second round draft choice of the Ottawa Senators, Chouinard's 1.80 goals against average ranks seventh among ECHL goaltenders, while his .954% save percentage is good for third.

SUNS-THEMED JERSEYS AVAILABLE WEDNESDAY:

The special Phoenix Suns themed jerseys that the RoadRunners wore during both games over the weekend will be available for purchase through an online auction at www.phxroadrunners.com beginning on Wednesday. The auction will last until November 11. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Suns Charities.

ROADRUNNERS UPCOMING PROMOTIONS:

The RoadRunners are offering two great promotions for this week's home games. On Thursday, Phoenix hosts the Idaho Steelheads at 7:11PM. After the game, head to Cooper'stown located behind America West Arena for the first "Thirsty Thursday" of the season. Enjoy pints of Bud and Bud Light for just $3, the "Best Damn Margarita" for only $4 and other great drink specials throughout the night. Saturday, the RoadRunners welcome back Idaho to AWA at 7:11PM. It's the first of six "Past Greats" nights during the season as the RoadRunners honor former left wing Bob Liddington. The first 2,000 fans will receive a Bob Liddington commemorative pint glass. For more information or to order tickets, call a RoadRunners Sales Representative at (602) 462-GOAL or purchase online at www.phxroadrunners.com.

NEWS & NOTES:

Forward Mike Ouellet made the most out of his season debut on Friday when he tallied the go-ahead goal 10 seconds into the third period to give the RoadRunners a 2-1 lead. Ouellet opened the season on the seven-day injured reserve...The RoadRunners set season-highs in goals (7), power play goals (5), penalties (15), and penalty minutes (52) in Saturday's 7-1 victory. Overall, 10 different players recorded at least a point, including rookie defenseman Brad Woods who collected his first professional point with an assist on the final goal of the game...With three points on Saturday, veteran forward Dean Tiltgen is just 16 points shy of 400 for his career. Tiltgen has 384 points in 443 career games.

WATCH THE ‘RUNNERS LIVE IN '05-06:

The RoadRunners have teamed up with B2 Networks to bring you live action of Phoenix RoadRunners hockey in 2005-06. RoadRunners fans will be able to click the "Watch Online" link at www.phxroadrunners.com to view and listen to the game. These broadcasts are available to fans for a charge of $6 per game. All 36 RoadRunners home broadcasts will be available in addition to over 25 road games in Alaska, Idaho, Pensacola, Las Vegas, San Diego, Utah, and Bakersfield. A cable or DSL Internet connection and Windows Media Player 9 are required to view the games.

UP NEXT:

The RoadRunners will play three games in three nights beginning at 7:11PM on Thursday when they host the West Division-leading Idaho Steelheads at America West Arena. Phoenix will then travel to Las Vegas to battle the Wranglers at 8:05PM MST on Friday. Saturday, the RoadRunners will return to America West Arena to once again host the Idaho Steelheads at 7:11PM. Catch all three games live on News Talk Radio 1100AM KFNX and Pro Sports Radio beginning with "RoadRunners Countdown" twenty minutes before opening face-off.

PHOENIX ROADRUNNERS SCHEDULE WEEK OF OCTOBER 31st

Monday, October 31: Off Day

Tuesday, November 1: Practice 10AM-11:30AM @ Alltel Ice Den

Wednesday, November 2: Practice 10AM-11:30AM @ Alltel Ice Den

Thursday, November 3: Morning skate 10AM; RoadRunners vs. Idaho 7:11PM; Depart for Las Vegas

Friday, November 4: Morning skate 12:15PM; RoadRunners @ Las Vegas 8:05PM; Depart for Phoenix

Saturday, November 5: Morning skate TBA; RoadRunners vs. Idaho 7:11PM

Sunday, November 6: Off Day

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ECHL Stories from October 31, 2005


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