Salmon Kings Dropped by Aces

Published on March 12, 2011 under ECHL (ECHL)
Victoria Salmon Kings News Release


Anchorage, AK- In a Friday night matchup at the Sullivan Arena the Victoria Salmon Kings took on the Alaska Aces in the second of a three-game series. The Salmon Kings started franchise shutout leader David Shantz in net, while the Aces went with Gerald Coleman.

The game started with a good pace as both teams exchanged chances to get on the scoreboard first. The best opportunity came when Aces' forward Curtis Fraser skated down the left side on a 2-on-1 with Alex Dzielski. Fraser threw the puck the across the crease to Dzielski, but Salmon Kings' forward Rob Hennigar raced back to block the pass and steer it into Shantz. Victoria picked up their physical game after Kiel McLeod hammered Scott Howes near the penalty boxes. Off the ensuing faceoff Dzielski dropped the gloves with McLeod, but the Salmon Kings' veteran was able land some upper cuts to score the decision. Just over halfway through the period the Aces opened on the scoring on Ethan Cox's 10th of the year. From the right side of the net, Kory Falite centered the puck to Cox who jammed the puck through the legs of Shantz at 11:15. The Salmon Kings were able to pressure the Aces for the remainder of the period as they took the momentum into the second frame. Alaska held a 1-0 lead after 20 minutes.

Victoria started the period as they looked to tie the game, but the Aces countered with four power play goals in the frame to extend their lead to 5-0. Wes Goldie scored the first marker 58 seconds into the period as he found a loose puck at the left side of the net and deposited it for his 35th of the season. Minutes later, Jeff Caister dropped the mitts with Aces' forward Jerad Stewart, after a questionable knee-on-knee hit to Milan Gajic by the Alaska player. Caister unloaded punches before both players fell to the ice. Halfway through the period McLeod caught Fraser with a hit as the Aces' forward dropped to his knee to take a shot. McLeod received a five minute major on the play. Off the five minute power play Shantz made several high quality saves, but just before the penalty expired Matt Isherwood found a loose puck to the left of the net for his 11th of the year. In the final half of the period, Alaska continued to benefit from penalty calls against Victoria as they notched two more power play goals off the stick of Tyler Ruegsegger and Goldie. The final power play goal off the stick of Goldie came as the Aces had a 5-on-3 advantage with six seconds remaining in the frame. The Aces carried their 5-0 advantage into the third period.

Chris Beckford-Tseu replaced Shantz for the start of the third period. Scott Howes added another marker for the Aces after he collected a rebound in the slot at 5:28. Victoria ruined the shutout bid for Coleman at 8:05 after Chad Painchaud ripped a one-timer from the top of the right circle off a 5-on-3 power play for his 18th of the year. At 12: 34, Jared Stewart checked Victoria defender Ryan Turek into the end boards from behind as they raced for the puck. The Victoria defenseman went face-first into the end boards. Turek stayed down on the ice for several minutes, but was able to leave the ice under his own power. The Victoria blue liner did not return to the contest as Stewart was assessed a match penalty. Despite the Salmon Kings' efforts to get closer, Painchaud's marker rounded out the scoring for the game as the Aces rode a defensive style of hockey for the victory. Aces 6 Salmon Kings 1.

Victoria went 1/6 16.6% on the power play, while Alaska was 4/9 44.4%. The Aces outshot the Salmon Kings 36-26.

Victoria concludes their three-game set with Alaska tomorrow Saturday March 12 at 8:15 pm. To watch or listen live to Salmon Kings hockey visit www.salmonkings.com. The Salmon Kings return home to the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre Wednesday March 16th to kick off a three game set against the Utah Grizzlies. Game-time is at 7:05 pm. For tickets call 250-220-7777 or visit www.selectyourtickets.com.

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