Salmon Kings battle in the desert

November 22, 2005 - ECHL (ECHL)
Victoria Salmon Kings News Release


Victoria, BC - 38 years ago the Victoria Maple Leafs relocated to Phoenix, Arizona and the team became known as the Roadrunners. The Roadrunners were the first professional sports franchise in state history and the last professional hockey franchise in Victoria.

The Salmon Kings were introduced to downtown Victoria this November, breaking a very long drought. Tonight they played in the desert against the Roadrunners, and Phoenix won the game, 3-2.

The teams played the first 20 minutes without incident, before Victoria opened the scoring at 5:42 of the second. Forward Dustan Heintz picked up rebound in the slot off a blast from newcomer Pat Sutton, and beat Roadrunners Goaltender Mike Mole.

Victoria took a two goal lead shortly after when Defenseman Chad Dameworth scored his first goal of the season from the blueline. Dameworth just put the puck on net and beat the goalie for the two goal lead.

Phoenix climbed back into the game, 1:33 later. Centreman Dean Tiltgen gave the puck to Shawn Snider in the slot and he beat Salmon Kings Netminder BJ Boxma. Four and a half minutes later Phoenix Forward BJ Gaustad broke in on Boxma and put the shot through the goalie's glove hand, to tie the game at two.

The teams skated out of the intermission with the Salmon Kings having the man advantage. ‘Runners Forward Corey Pecker turned on the jets down the right wing, past the Salmon Kings defense, and in on Boxma. The goalie made the first save off of Pecker and put his glove over the puck for the stoppage in play. But before the whistle, Peter Trovado's hard work paid off, as he poked it out of Boxma's glove and into the net.

Both the Salmon Kings and the Roadrunners finished the night with perfect penalty killing percentages, combing 0-9 on the powerplay. Victoria out-shot Phoenix 26-19.

The Salmon Kings five game road trip continues in the western States as they travel to San Diego to face the Gulls on Wednesday night. Victoria will then visit Las Vegas on Saturday and Long Beach on Sunday.

Victoria's next home game is against the Utah Grizzlies on December 2, 2005, during the Friday night game the Stanley Cup will be on display at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre. On Sunday December 4, 2005 the Salmon Kings will hold their first ever Teddy Bear Toss as well fans are invited to participate in the KidsSport Skate with the Salmon Kings, after the Sunday matinee.

Tickets can be purchased from Select Your Tickets at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre, online at www.selectyourtickets.com or by phone at 250-220-7777.

Salmon Kings Season, Half Season, Super Saturday, Crazy Eight's and Group Ticket Packages are available from Devin Mazur. Contact Devin at 250-220-7888 ext.1.



ECHL Stories from November 22, 2005


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