Steelheads Blank Falcons, 6-0
November 23, 2002 - ECHL (ECHL)
Idaho Steelheads News Release
BOISE, Idaho - The Idaho Steelheads returned home after a 29-day road trip Friday night and blanked the defending Taylor Cup Champion Fresno Falcons, 6-0.
A full house of 5,139 at the Bank of America Centre saw the Steelheads score early and often to win their first game of the season against the Falcons and hand Fresno its second shutout loss of the campaign. Fresno had defeated Idaho in three games in California earlier. Tonight's game was the first visit by Fresno to the B of A Centre since they beat Idaho in overtime in Game 6 of last year's Taylor Cup playoffs on May 24, 2002.
The Steelheads jumped out to an early lead just 1:15 into the game on a goal by Joe Rybar, his 5th of the year, assisted by Cory Morgan and Scott Swanson.
Marty Flichel made it 2-0 in favor of Idaho with a bullet that beat Fresno goalie Terry Friesen at the 11:59 mark. Dan Shermerhorn got the lone assist.
Idaho continued to dominate the first period as Cory Morgan blasted his 7th goal of the season at the 18:58 mark. Jonathan Shockey and Joe Rybar assisted on the tally, which made the score after the first 3-0, Idaho. Rybar's helper was his 8th, and continued his streak of assists in six straight games.
Marty Flichel's second goal of the night, with an assist by Ben Keup at 13:41, made it 4-0 in favor of the home team. The goal was Flichel's team-leading 10th of the season.
Steelheads goalie Blair Allison was outstanding between the pipes all night, and made his best save in the third period as he sprawled across the crease to rob Fresno's Kayle Short who was staring at an open net.
The Steelheads offense tallied twice on the power play in the final period, as Derrick Atkinson scored at 7:27 on an assist by Martin Vasut. The final goal of the night was scored by Jonathan Shockey on a blast from the blue line at the 11:17 mark. Petr Suchanek and Derrick Atkinson assisted on the sixth goal of the game.
Blair Allison stopped all 18 shots Fresno fired at him in recording his second shutout of the season, and 14th of his professional career.
Idaho, which boasts the league's best power play, was 2-for-4 with the man advantage, while killing off both Fresno power plays. Idaho also leads the league in penalty killing.
The Steelheads now lead the league with a record of 11-4-2 and 24 points and lead second place Bakersfield by 8 points.
The two teams face each other again at 7:05 Saturday night at the B of A Centre.
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