ECHL Idaho Steelheads

Steelheads Fall 4-3 To Ice Dogs In Sudden Death Shootout

Published on March 30, 2007 under ECHL (ECHL)
Idaho Steelheads News Release


Boise, ID - Tuomas Mikkonen scored twice in the third period and rookie Jay Beagle posted three points (1g, 2a), but it wasn't enough as the Steelheads lost 4-3 in a nine-round, sudden death shootout to the Long Beach Ice Dogs in front of 4,363 fans at Qwest Arena on Friday night.

The shootout defeat keeps the Steelheads (38-24-2-4) unbeaten in their last four games, while the Ice Dogs (25-39-0-3) end their three-game losing streak and keep their playoff hopes alive.

Derek Nesbitt and Mikkonen netted shootout goals for the Steelheads through the first eight rounds, while Chris Collins and Ryan Bennett found the back of the net for the Ice Dogs. Then after Ice Dogs' rookie Brandon Schwartz beat Steelheads' goaltender Steve Silverthorn (29 saves) under his right pad for a 3-2 shootout lead, Steelheads' rookie Charlie Johnson hit the left post with his attempt to end the tilt.

The Steelheads picked up the only goal of the first period at the 5:06 mark on Beagle's first professional tally. After an Ice Dogs' turnover, Beagle skated out of the right wing corner and deked around Ice Dogs' goaltender Mike Brown (43 saves) before depositing the puck into the back of the net for an unassisted marker.

Early in the second period the Ice Dogs tied the contest on an even-strength tally by Brad Bonello. Alexei Smirnov and Brandon Schwartz set up the goal, Bonello's 17th.

While on a power play late in the period, the visitors would take their first lead of the night on a stuff attempt by Collins. The Boston College product came out from below the goal line, and after Silverthorn stopped his initial bid, Collins swatted the rebound home for a 2-1 advantage. Smirnov again factored on the play, while defenseman Gabriel Prouxl picked up the other helper.

After 40 minutes of play the Steelheads trailed 2-1, and they led in shots 29-21.

Mikkonen potted his first of the evening at 5:14 of the third period to tie the game at two, with Kory Scoran and Beagle getting the assists, but Bo Cheeseman answered for the Ice Dogs with a breakaway goal midway through the stanza to put the Steelheads down 3-2.

Three minutes after Cheeseman's tally, Mikkonen had Scoran's point shot glance off his torso and past a stunned Brown to deadlock the tilt at three. Beagle registered the second helper on Mikkonen's 19th, which was a power play goal.

With no further scoring in regulation or overtime, it was on to the shootout. For the match, the Steelheads out-shot the Ice Dogs 46-33, as the home team dropped to 6-4 in shootouts and 8-6-0-1 in the month of March. Both teams ended one-for-four on the power play.

Check out the Idaho Steelheads Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



ECHL Stories from March 30, 2007


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.

OurSports Central