Steelheads down Roadrunners, 3-2
March 31, 2009 - ECHL (ECHL)
Idaho Steelheads News Release
Boise, ID- The Idaho Steelheads (43-22-4) and Phoenix RoadRunners (29-34-5) finished the first period with Idaho in front 3-2, and that's how the game would end; with the loss, Phoenix is eliminated from playoff contention. 3,134 fans took in the game at Qwest Arena.
Brandon Svendsen picked up a Bryan McGregor rebound to put the Steelheads in front 48 seconds into the game; Tyler Shelast also assisted on the goal, Svendsen's fourth. David Rutherford tied the game less than seven minutes later for Phoenix, before Matt Cook put the Steelheads on top for good with his first professional tally.
Cook's goal at 14:22 was assisted by Blake Friesen and Matt McKnight; for Friesen, the assist was his first professional point.
Less than three minutes later, McGregor gave the Steelheads some insurance, which proved to be the game-winner. McGregor's 31st was assisted by Shelast. David Rutherford scored before the first period expired, but it was not enough to pull the RoadRunners back into the game.
In the third period, the physical play picked up when Phoenix's Gino Guyer crashed into Idaho netminder Matt Climie; Climie tackled Guyer in the Idaho crease, and both players were assessed minor penalties.
Climie's record improves to 27-12-1 with the win; he stopped 22 of 24 pucks that headed his way. Kyle Jones suffered the loss for Phoenix; he is now 8-15-2. He turned aside 38 of 41 Steelheads shots.
The teams play again tomorrow night. The puck drops at 7:10 PM at Qwest Arena.
TONIGHT'S AQUAFINA THREE STARS:
1 BRYAN MCGREGOR (IDH)
2. TYLER SHELAST (IDH)
3. DAVID RUTHERFORD (PHX)
TONIGHT'S COORS LIGHT OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME: MATT COOK (IDH)
• Discuss this story on the ECHL message board...
ECHL Stories from March 31, 2009
- Steelheads down Roadrunners, 3-2 - Idaho Steelheads
- Phoenix Eliminated From Playoff Contention With 3-2 Loss - Phoenix RoadRunners
- Grizzlies Mathematically Clinch Playoff Spot - Utah Grizzlies
- Blades win 5th straight; Baker ties EC HL record with 27th power play goal - Florida Everblades
- Gladiators Fall to Everblades 4-2 - Atlanta Gladiators
- ECHL Transactions - ECHL
- Aspenlind Returns - Elmira Jackals
- Jackals Lead ECHL in Sell Outs - Elmira Jackals
- Free Agent Naurato, Thunder Agree to Terms - Stockton Thunder
- Steelheads' Climie Named Reebok ECHL Goaltender Of The Week - ECHL
- Checkers Announce Playoff Dates Presented By Bud Light - Charlotte Checkers
- Nailers Changing the Record Book - Wheeling Nailers
- Big Games, Big Promotions - Wheeling Nailers
- Blades make changes to roster - Florida Everblades
- Wranglers Qualify For 2009 Kelly Cup Playoffs - Las Vegas Wranglers
- ECHL Today - ECHL
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.
