Sholl Stops 21 Shots, Steelheads Shut out Admirals in 2-0 Win

December 18, 2019 - ECHL (ECHL)
Idaho Steelheads News Release

NORFOLK, Va. - The Idaho Steelheads (15-9-5) tallied late to break the deadlock and stood tall defensively, shutting down the Norfolk Admirals (9-16-3) in a 2-0 win on Wednesday night from Norfolk Scope.

The Steelheads and Admirals were scoreless in the first two periods of the game, however the Steelheads built up offensive energy and momentum as the game went on, increasing their shot differential each frame before the third period saw a full stop gap to most Admirals attempts to counter.

After an early goal was waived away, the Steelheads kept up the pressure until finally they broke through. At 15:48, Steelheads defenseman Ondrej Vala stepped up into the slot during a loose puck scramble to flick a shot through a seam and get the first tally on the board, 1-0. The Admirals pulled their goaltender minutes later, and forward Will Merchant buried the empty net goal at 19:05 to extend his goal streak to three games and ensure the victory at a 2-0 scoreline. Forward A.J. White also extends his point streak to six games while assisting the empty net goal.

Steelheads netminder Tomas Sholl (11-4-4) earns his ninth-career shutout in a 21-save effort during the win, while Admirals goaltender Brandon Halverson (5-9-3) denied 41 of 42 shots in the loss.

The Steelheads and Admirals meet again on Friday, Dec. 20 at 5:30 p.m. MT from Norfolk Scope. Coverage begins at 5:10 p.m. on 1350 KTIK "The Ticket" and ECHL.tv.

The Steelheads return to CenturyLink Arena on Friday, Dec. 27 at 7:10 p.m. against the Allen Americans. Call the Steelheads Front Office at 208-383-0080 to plan your seats for this season, including single-game, flex plans and season tickets. Stay connected to the Steelheads on idahosteelheads.com or by following the team on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

ECHL Stories from December 18, 2019

• Halverson's 41 Saves Not Enough as Late Goal Dooms Admirals - Norfolk Admirals
• Glads' Offense Bogged Down by 'Blades - Atlanta Gladiators
• Sholl Stops 21 Shots, Steelheads Shut out Admirals in 2-0 Win - Idaho Steelheads
• Third Period Comeback Comes up Short in Railers 5-4 Loss to Americans - Worcester Railers HC
• Mavs Outlasted Despite Explosive Third Period, Downed 7-5 in Orlando - Kansas City Mavericks
• Adirondack's Powerplay Scores Twice in 5-3 Loss to Newfoundland - Adirondack Thunder
• Growlers Win Tenth Game in a Row at Mile One Centre - Newfoundland Growlers
• "My Battle on and off the Ice”: the Story of Brandon Fehd - Rapid City Rush
• ECHL Transactions - December 18 - ECHL
• Ryan Dmowski Reassigned to Maine - Maine Mariners
• Thunder Acquire Forward Freddy Gerard from Walleye - Adirondack Thunder
• Conway's Highway - Atlanta Gladiators
• 'Blades Host Gladiators for Season's First Meeting in Estero - Florida Everblades
• Fuel to Welcome Stanley Cup Champion Dave Bolland to Indianapolis - Indy Fuel
• Game Preview: Solar Bears vs. Mavericks - Orlando Solar Bears
• Gabe Gagne Loaned to Ontario of the American Hockey League - Allen Americans
• Allen Americans Weekly - Allen Americans
• Mariners Give Kids a Chance to Run the Show January 12th - Maine Mariners
• Americans and Railers Meet Tonight in Worcester - Allen Americans
• Grizzlies Win 8-2 on Tuesday Night in Wichita - Utah Grizzlies

The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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