ECHL Atlanta Gladiators

Steelheads conquer Gladiators in game one, 5-3

Published on April 27, 2004 under ECHL (ECHL)
Atlanta Gladiators News Release


Duluth, Georgia - The Idaho Steelheads took the lead just 38 seconds into the game and never surrendered it as the Pacific Division Champions prevailed in a 5-3 victory over the Gwinnett Gladiators in Game 1 of the ECHL's Western Conference Finals. The win tonight in Duluth, Georgia was the first time this postseason Idaho claimed the opener of a series.

Head coach John Olver said after the game, "It was great to come into unfamiliar territory and have things go our way. We have had our backs against the wall in the last two series, got no breaks, no bounces, and it seemed to bring out the best in us. But, tonight things went our way. We couldn't ask for a better start. Tomorrow we'll go out and try to get a two-game sweep."

Brett Draney, Zenon Konopka and David Bararuk all had a goal and an assist, and defenseman Dan Vandermeer tallied two helpers to give Idaho a 1-0 lead in the series. Ben Keup and Lance Galbraith also scored goals for Idaho, which was outshot by the Gladiators 38-27. After Gwinnett rallied from a 4-1 deficit in the second period, Galbraith's power play goal at 12:40 of the third period reestablished Idaho's two-goal margin.

Idaho went 2 for 6 on the power play and Gwinnett converted 1 of 5 extra man chances.

Dan Ellis improved his record to 7-1 in the Steelheads' net, while Gwinnett's goalie Michael Garnett fell to 6-3 in postseason play.

Game 2 of the best-of-five series will be played at The Arena at Gwinnett Center Wednesday night at 5:35 MDT.

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