Salmon Kings Stun Aces In Game One, 3-2
Published on April 10, 2007 under ECHL (ECHL)
Alaska Aces News Release
ANCHORAGE, Alaska - Playing against his former boss, ECHL Coach of the Year Davis Payne, Victoria's Wes Goldie scored twice in the second period to help the Salmon Kings win their postseason debut, 3-2 over Alaska in front of 3,713 Monday at Sullivan Arena.
The loss marked the first time in 21 games dating to January 5 that the Aces had been beaten at home, and marked only their second defeat at Sullivan Arena since December 6, a span of 28 games. Alaska had beaten Victoria in all five of their regular season match-ups in Anchorage, and endured only its fifth loss in 32 games against the Salmon Kings over three-plus seasons.
With four newcomers in their lineup, defensemen Stephen Wood and Patrick Wellar, as well as forwards Hans Benson and Ryan MacMurchy, the Aces looked a bit flat and rusty in a somewhat listless first period, marked only by Milan Gajic's slapper that cleanly beat Alaska starter Derek Gustafson (22 saves) at the 14:44 mark. The Aces tied the game early in the second period, as Joe Talbot fed Mike Scott just 1:17 into the frame. But Goldie put Victoria ahead to stay with a pair of goals on deflections, the first coming at 10:58 on the power play, and the second coming after an Alaska turnover in the defensive zone at 14:20.
The Aces, who went 9-1-1 during the regular season against the Salmon Kings, mounted a furious rally in the third period, out-shooting the visitors 15-8 and climbing within 3-2 on Matt Robinson's goal with 8:16 remaining, but rookie goaltender Julien Ellis held Alaska at bay for the rest of the game, finishing with 31 stops. The Aces look to even the series tomorrow night at 7:15 p.m. before the series shifts to Victoria, BC for Games Three and Four Thursday Friday at 6:00 p.m. ADT.
On its way to the 2006 Kelly Cup, Alaska twice lost series openers at home, yet came back to win the series. All 2007 playoff games will be broadcast live on the flagship home of Aces hockey, KFQD 750 AM, and all road playoff games will be simulcast on GCI Cable Channel 1, beginning Thursday night. Tickets for all 2007 Kelly Cup playoff games are now available at the Aces offices on 15th and Gambell as well as at participating Fred Meyer locations or by logging onto www.alaskaaces.com.
#2 Alaska vs. #7 Victoria
(Salmon Kings lead series 1-0)
Game 1: Victoria 3, at Alaska 2
Game 2: at Alaska - tomorrow night, 7:15 p.m.
Game 3: at Victoria - April 12, 6:00 p.m.
Game 4: at Victoria - April 13, 6:00 p.m.
Game 5: at Victoria - April 14, 6:00 p.m. *
Game 6: at Alaska - April 16, 7:15 p.m. *
Game 7: at Alaska - April 17, 7:15 p.m. *
*If necessary
(all times AT)
ECHL Stories from April 10, 2007
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- ECHL Today - ECHL
- Salmon Kings Stun Aces In Game One, 3-2 - Alaska Aces
- Kings over Aces in first playoff appearance - Victoria Salmon Kings
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