Steelheads blank Gulls, 3-0
January 10, 2003 - ECHL (ECHL)
San Diego Gulls News Release
SAN DIEGO -- When you play the Idaho Steelheads, you better hope to get the first goal. Otherwise, it could be a long night. That would prove to be the case for Gulls Friday night, as Idaho blanked San Diego 3-0, in front of 6,130 at the San Diego Sports Arena. It was the first time in franchise history the Gulls have been shutout at home in the regular season.
The Gulls (20-12-1) thought they scored first, but it was waived off. That would loom large because later on, the Steelheads "officially" hit the scoreboard first. Then again. Then again.
Idaho (26-7-3) came into the game with the league's top power play, but failed on four chances in the first period. The Steelheads out-shot San Diego 9-4 in the opening frame, but the Gulls had the best opportunity. Seconds after a San Diego power play expired, Sylvain Deschatelets tipped a shot past Jason Cugnet. Referee Nygel Pelletier ruled however that Deschatelets hit the puck in with a high stick.
The game remained scoreless until Idaho erupted for three straight goals in the second period. Derek Paget lit the lamp first at 8:22, scoring his second goal of the season. Paget took a feed from Derrick Atkinson, quickly swung around and beat a stretched-out Trevor Koenig. Ben Keup notched his eighth goal at 12:02, finishing off a two-on-one rush with Paget. Keup streaking down the wing, grabbed the pass and beat Koenig five-hole. Some 17 seconds later, Joe Rybar netted his 15th to give the Steelheads a commanding 3-0 lead. Scott Burt had the puck along the left boards and found a wide-open Rybar, who redirected the pass into the twine.
That was more than enough leeway for the Steelheads, who are now 19-0-2 when leading after two periods. San Diego gave it the old college try, mustering 10 shots in the final frame, but when push came to shove Idaho's defense was just too tough.
Notes: R.J. Enga played in his 500th straight professional game tonight. He hasn't missed a game since 1996... Koenig still needs four more wins for 100 in his WCHL career. He needs 11 more for 100 in his Gulls tenure... Steve Martinson is now 27-25-6 head-to-head against John Olver in the regular season. He's 333-90-23 all-time against everyone else... Idaho is now 20-2-2 when scoring first... He didn't score tonight, but Marty Flichel has 12 goals in 15 career games against the Gulls... The Blue and Orange are 7-12-2 against Idaho since 2000-01... Dennis Purdie remains on injured reserve with a separated shoulder... Marc Busenburg and Rob Voltera remain with the AHL's Hershey Bears...
San Diego concludes its longest homestand of the season Saturday against the Steelheads, with game time scheduled for 7 p.m. The first 5,000 fans will receive a Trevor Koenig bobble head doll, courtesy of City's Ace Rent-A-Car. After the game, fans are invited to join the Gulls at the Tilted Stick - located in Ocean Beach - for a postgame party. All games can be heard live on 1130AM-KSDO and at www.ksdo.com with Chris Ello calling the play-by-play. The Gulls' Internet radio show broadcasts live every Tuesday from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. on wsradio.com with Tera Black and Jeremy Zager hosting.
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ECHL Stories from January 10, 2003
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