Salmon Kings Dropped by Wranglers

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


Victoria, BC - In a Tuesday night match-up the Victoria Salmon Kings took on the Las Vegas Wranglers as they began their two-game in two-night set at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre. Hamilton, ON native David Shantz started for the Salmon Kings, while Bemidji, Minnesota's Joe Fallon was given the call by the Wranglers.

A quick power play goal by Jamie Bates off a face-off to the left of Shantz just16 seconds in gave the Wranglers the lead to begin the game. The goal was a power play marker and Bates's 11th of the season and 6th in as many games. The Salmon Kings quickly followed up with a power play tally of their own at the 3:17 mark when Milan Gajic performed a seeing-eye feed to Rick Cleaver in front of the crease where he knocked in his eighth to knot the game at 1-1. Victoria took the lead at the 7:25 mark when Adam Taylor took a pass at the left side of the net and tapped in his first goal in his return to the Salmon Kings. Las Vegas responded at the 8:47 mark when Craig Switzer notched his fifth of the season as his shot from the right point was deflected and beat Shantz. The Wranglers took back the advantage midway through the frame as Barry Goers found Justin Bernhardt in front of the net where he snuck a shot past the Salmon Kings goaltender for his second of the campaign. A roller coaster first period ended with the Wranglers in front 3-2 after one period.

Matt Butcher, Ryan MacMurchy, and Taylor combined for the Salmon Kings' best chance of the middle frame as they came in on a three-on-one. With only Barry Goers back for Las Vegas, Butcher brought the puck in from the left side of the zone and dished it to MacMurchy on the right wing. The Regina, SK native wristed a shot that flew just over the stretched out glove hand of the Wrangler's keeper and over the net. Las Vegas doubled their advantage with five minutes left in the second as Bates banged home his second goal of the game and 12th of the season off the post when he found a rebound off the pads of Shantz. After 40 minutes, Las Vegas held a 4-2 advantage over Victoria.

The Salmon Kings cut into the Wrangler's lead at the 3:59 mark of the third as Chad Painchaud fed a pass to Matt Siddall who buried a shot glove side on Fallon. The goal was Siddall's team-leading 16th of the year. Victoria continued to pour on the pressure and were rewarded when Matt Stefanishion stole the puck from Barry Goers and broke in on the right side and snapped a shot past Fallon for his seventh of the year at the 6:39 mark. Victoria looked to take advantage on an odd man rush, but Vegas would break up the play, and turn up ice on a 2-on-1 of their own. Blake Gallagher came down the right wing and fed a cross ice pass to Jamie Fritsch who snapped a shot past Shantz as Vegas regained the lead at the 9:15 mark of the period. The Salmon Kings looked to tie the score for the third time in the game during a power play just past the midway point with Eddie DeGrosso in the penalty box. As Fallon was about to cover the puck, Michael Wilson scooped up the rubber and fired the puck, but the Las Vegas goaltender made a great save to keep the Wranglers up by a goal. Las Vegas recorded an insurance goal with 2:57 left in the period as Paukovich scored on a goalmouth scramble. The goal was Paukovich's fifth of the campaign. Wranglers 6 Salmon Kings 4.

Victoria went 1/714.2% on the power play, while Las Vegas was 1/425.0%. The Salmon Kings outshot the Wranglers 41-22.

The Salmon Kings play game two of their two-game series against the Wranglers tomorrow night with puck drop at 7:05 January 7th. For tickets call 250-220-7777 or visit www.selectyourtickets.com. Victoria then hits the road for a five-game road trip which begins with three games in three nights against the Idaho Steelheads on January 14th, 15th and 16th with all three games starting at 7:10 local time. To follow along to all Salmon Kings' action with Jeff Harris on the road, go to www.SalmonKings.com.

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