Salmon Kings Knocked off by Steelheads

Published on December 16, 2010 under ECHL (ECHL)
Victoria Salmon Kings News Release


Boise, ID - In a Wednesday night match-up at the Qwest Arena, the Victoria Salmon Kings looked to garner points in their sixth straight road game as they took on division rival Idaho Steelheads in the first of a two-game set. The Salmon Kings started David Shantz in goal, while the Steelheads countered with Mike Zacharias.

The Salmon Kings entered tonight's game with a lineup of eight forwards and eight defensemen. This forced defensemen Ryan Turek and Gord Burnett to play out of position at forward for the majority of the night. The first 10 minutes of the game saw both teams play simple defensively minded games. The Steelheads received back-to-back power play opportunities halfway through the frame, but were unable to break the deadlock as the Victoria penalty killing unit held their ground. Idaho broke the stalemate in the final minute of play on a goal by Aki Seitsonen. The play began as John Swanson broke down the left wing on a 2-on-1. The speedy winger fed a cross crease pass to Seitsonen who tipped it past the glove of Shantz. The tally was Seitsonen's first of the season, and gave the Steelheads a 1-0 lead after 20 minutes of play.

In his first game as a Salmon King, forward Tim Kraus had a golden opportunity to knot the game early in the second period. Kraus controlled the puck at the offensive blue line, made a quick stick move on an Idaho player and skated down into the right faceoff circle. He then snapped a low shot on net, but Zacharias kicked out the right pad to deny a goal. The Steelheads drew a penalty midway through the period, and would convert on the man advantage to double their lead at 14:54. Mike Gabinent blasted the puck on net from the top of the right face-off circle which was saved by Shantz, but the rebound got directed to Kael Mouillierat at the right side of the net. Mouillierat controlled the puck on his backhand and lifted his 11th goal of the campaign past an outstretched Shantz. With seconds left in the period, the Salmon Kings had a chance to get on the scoreboard. Painchaud burst down the right side and took a slap shot on net as he crossed the blue line that was bobbled by Zacharias at the top of his crease. The Idaho netminder was able to quickly recover and sweep the puck out of harm's way before Siddall could pounce on it. Tempers flared at the end of the period and resulted in two fights. Victoria's Siddall took on Steve Oleksy initially, while Geoff Waugh squared off with Gabinet. During the first fight both players were able to land several punches. Waugh and Gabinet both threw punches and eventually Waugh wrestled Gabinent to the ice. Idaho skated into the locker room with their 2-0 lead despite a strong finish to the frame by Victoria.

Victoria came out with a strong effort in the third and capitalized on a power play opportunity at 6:14. Chad Painchaud fed a pass from the high slot to Kraus, who kicked the rubber from his skate to this stick at the top of the left faceoff circle. Kraus quickly fired a crisp shot on net, which was redirected by Hennigar who was standing at the top of the crease for his third of the year. The home side took back control of the game as they drew one penalty and were awarded another that resulted in a 5-on-3 power play. Idaho would convert when Gabinet let a slap shot go from the slot that found its way past Shantz high glove side. The Salmon Kings pulled their goaltender for an extra attacker with two minutes left to try and pull back into the game. Idaho would take advantage when Seitsonen netted his second of the game. Steelheads 4 Salmon Kings 1.

Victoria went 1/4 25.0 % on the power play, while Idaho was 2/5 40.0%. The Steelheads out shot the Salmon Kings 36-29.

The Salmon Kings finish their two-game set with the Steelheads Friday December 17th at 6:05 pm. Victoria then travels to Salt Lake City to take on the Utah Grizzlies Saturday December 18th. Game time is 6:05 pm. To watch or listen live to Salmon Kings hockey visit www.salmonkings.com. The Salmon Kings return home on Tuesday, December 28th to open up a two-game set versus the Ontario Reign. For tickets call 250-220-7777 or visit www.selectyourtickets.com.

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