ECHL Idaho Steelheads

Steelheads grind out 2-1 win over Long Beach

February 5, 2005 - ECHL (ECHL)
Idaho Steelheads News Release


BOISE, Idaho - The Idaho Steelheads claimed a much-needed 2-1 win over the West Division-leading Long Beach Ice Dogs Friday night at the Bank of America Centre. Forward Billy Tibbetts made his home debut before a crowd of 4,784 and set up the game-winning goal late in the third period.

Steelheads' goaltender Frank Doyle stopped 28 shots and improved his record to 16-10-2, while Long Beach's Olivier Michaud turned away 20 of Idaho's attempts and saw his record fall to 10-9-3 on the season.

The first twenty minutes ended the way they began, with no score, despite two Long Beach power plays. Both teams had good offensive chances, but both goaltenders played well and made some nice saves. The Ice Dogs outshot Steelheads 10-7 in the frame.

Long Beach got on the board midway through the second period when Mike Vellinga dumped the puck into the Idaho end and the puck caromed off the end boards at an odd angle, catching Doyle out of the net. Vellinga played the puck and muscled a shot top shelf past Doyle, who couldn't get back into position. The period ended with Long Beach holding onto a 1-0 lead, despite being outshot by Idaho 12-7 in the frame.

Idaho finally got on the board 4:26 into the third period when defenseman Jonathan Zion shot the puck in behind the net and Jim Leger's wraparound attempt went through the crease. The puck was loose in front of the net until Scott Burt, fighting off a Long Beach defender, spun around and backhanded a shot that Michaud got a skate on, but couldn't stop. Idaho took the lead on a backhander by Bobby Russell off a perfect feed from Tibbetts at 14:59. Tibbetts has scored 5 points in his first 4 games with Idaho.

The two teams will face off again for the second of a two-game set tomorrow night at 7:10 pm at the Bank of America Centre.

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