ECHL Idaho Steelheads

Steelheads Down RoadRunners, 5-3

December 22, 2005 - ECHL (ECHL)
Idaho Steelheads News Release


Marty Flichel netted the game-winning goal midway through the third period, as the Steelheads bested the Phoenix RoadRunners, 5-3, at America West Arena on Thursday night.

For the 15th consecutive game, the Steelheads scored the first goal, opening the game's scoring at 8:26 of the first period. Rookie defenseman Tyrell Moulton fired a shot from the left point that beat RoadRunners' goaltender Mike Mole (29 saves). Fellow rookie Brad Thompson drew the only assist on Moulton's second goal of the year.

Defenseman Brent Henley tied the contest at one just over four minutes after Moulton scored. Henley was left open in front of the Steelheads net, and he beat Steve Silverthorn (19 saves) with a snap shot. Henley's tally was assisted by forwards Mark Wires and Shawn Snider and was the result of a Steelheads' turnover.

The goal snapped the RoadRunners scoreless streak at 68:11, most of which was due to their 7-0 blanking at the hands of the Steelheads one night prior. Furthermore, it was the first goal Silverthorn had allowed in his last 104:23, dating back to a 5-2 win versus Victoria on December 10.

After one period, the game was tied, with the RoadRunners out-shooting the Steelheads 11-10.

At 10:59 of the second period, Garett Bembridge blasted a one-timer, top shelf over the right shoulder of Mole to give the Steelheads their second lead of the night. The power play goal, Bembridge's 21st of the season was assisted by forwards Flichel and Mike Stutzel.

The Steelheads stretched their lead to 3-1 just 64 seconds later when defenseman Jonathan Zion scored from the slot after a nifty centering feed from captain D'Arcy McConvey. McConvey scooped up a rebound off Stutzel's initial offering and found Zion who had crept in from his point position. The even-strength goal was Zion's seventh of the year.

In the third period, the RoadRunners would cut the deficit to 3-2 on a tally by Wires. Wires jammed home a loose puck in the crease for a power play goal at 6:35. Snider and Joe Dusbabek recorded the assists.

Flichel's ninth goal of the season at 10:33 of the third period was his first game-winner of the year. Jarad Bourassa took the initial shot from the left point, and Flichel swept the rebound underneath Mole to make the game 4-2.

The RoadRunners responded at the 12:25 mark on J.F. Soucy's fourth goal of the season. The home team's captain, Dean Tiltgen, got the lone helper.

Bembridge iced the contest with less than one minute left in regulation with his second goal of the evening. The goal was unassisted.

The final shots were 34-22 in favor of the Steelheads.

Silverthorn won his third straight start, improving to 9-3-0 on the season. With the win, the Steelheads improved to 12-5-2 in West Division play and 4-0-1 in their last five contests. The team is now 4-0-0 against the RoadRunners this season, out-scoring them 24-7.

The Steelheads return to action on Monday, December 26 when they travel to Utah to tangle with the Grizzlies. It's the first-ever meeting in Utah between the two clubs.

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ECHL Stories from December 22, 2005


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