Salmon Kings shuffle Aces

December 29, 2006 - ECHL (ECHL)
Victoria Salmon Kings News Release


Victoria, BC - The Victoria Salmon Kings, proud affiliate of the Manitoba Moose and the Vancouver Canucks, head into a three-game set versus the Alaska Aces with new Head Coach Mark Morrison at the helm. In front of 4,874 fans at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre, Victoria held on in an electric third period for the 3-2 victory over the West Division-leading Aces.

The Salmon Kings took a 2-0 lead before the five minute mark of the first period. Just 26 seconds into the game, Mike Stutzel notched his eighth goal of the season, finishing off a backhanded pass from veteran winger Wes Goldie and shooting inside the left post past Goaltender Derek Gustafson. At 4:31 into the opening frame, Goldie tallied his fourth shorthanded goal of the season as the Aces couldn't clear the puck and Goldie got three chances to knock the rebounds past a sprawling Gustafson.

Just over one minute later, Alaska got on the scoreboard as Defenseman Florian Iberer joined the rush and fired a shot top corner on Netminder Julien Ellis. The Salmon Kings led 2-1 after the first period.

The Aces pulled up their sleeves in the second period and tied the game 2-2. On an Alaska powerplay, Kevin Croxton spotted Olivier Filion perched on the right post and Filion banked a shot off Ellis for his 13th goal of the season.

The Salmon Kings grabbed the 3-2 with 1:15 remaining in the middle frame, as Goldie earned his second goal of the night. Defenseman Seamus Young drove across the blueline into the Aces zone and drew Alaska defenseman with him. Goldie scooped up the rebound from Young's shot and popped in the game-winner-his 16th goal of the season.

Ellis held off the Aces attack in the third period, and handled 15 shots to claim the victory.



ECHL Stories from December 29, 2006


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