ECHL Idaho Steelheads

Steelheads Clip Gulls, 2-1

December 29, 2005 - ECHL (ECHL)
Idaho Steelheads News Release


Boise, Idaho - Defenseman Jonathan Zion scored the game-winning, even-strength goal 2:50 into the third period, lifting the Steelheads (19-7-2) to a 2-1 victory over the San Diego Gulls in front of 4,163 fans at Qwest Arena on Thursday night.

With the Gulls (11-11-4) pressing late in the third period, goaltender Matt Yeats (23 saves) was phenomenal as were the Steelheads' penalty kill units in preserving the lead. The Gulls were stymied on three power play chances in the third period, while going zero for six on the evening.

For the second time in two games, the Steelheads allowed a shorthanded goal in the first period. Gulls' center Alex Kim opened the game's scoring, tallying at 5:24, while the Steelheads were on the man advantage. Forward Alex Rogosheske assisted on the marker, Kim's ninth of the season. The third placed team in the West Division has now allowed five shorthanded goals this season. In 2004-2005, the Steelheads allowed only five shorthanded goals through the entire 72-game schedule.

After 20 minutes of play, the visitors held a 1-0 lead.

The second period saw the Steelheads tie the contest at one. On the power play, rookie center Brad Thompson deflected a Mike Gabinet point shot into the back of the net for his seventh goal of the season. Defenseman Blake Forsyth added the other assist on the marker at 14:38. Gabinet's assist was his first point in a Steelheads sweater and his first ECHL point as well.

At the second intermission, the Steelheads held a 21-16 shot advantage and the score was tied at 1-1.

Zion's goal was the only tally for either team in the third. Thompson and Forsyth assisted on the Ottawa, Ontario natives' second game-winner of the campaign. The Steelheads leading scorer among blue-liners (29 points) now has a team-high and season-high, nine-game scoring streak.

With his one goal, one assist effort, Thompson now has four multiple point games, while Forsyth recorded a multiple point game for the second time this season.

Yeats earned his ninth win of the year and his first since December 16 versus Utah. With the defeat, Gulls' goaltender Tom Lawson (28 saves) dropped to 6-3-2.

The Steelheads improved to 8-10-1 in ECHL play against the Gulls. This was the first of seven meetings this season between these two clubs.

The next game of this three-game series is Friday night, December 30. The puck drops at 7:10 p.m. MST.

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