Steelheads Topple RoadRunners 3-1
October 23, 2008 - ECHL (ECHL)
Phoenix RoadRunners News Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. - The Phoenix RoadRunners got on the board first but suffered three unanswered goals as they lost to the Idaho Steelheads 3-1 Wednesday night in front of 2,151 fans at U.S. Airways Center.
The RoadRunners (2-2-0) got off to a quick start when Andrew Desjardins scored a power play goal 58 seconds into the game from in front of the crease off a rebound by Mitch Carefoot. Kimbi Daniels had the other assist, giving Phoenix a 1-0 lead.
"He scored a big goal early," Head Coach Brad Church said of Desjardins. "But (overall) we were out-worked, we were out-played, and it was a pretty embarrassing effort."
Phoenix started off the second period on a power play from a 5-minute major spearing penalty on Steelheads' defenseman Matt Stephenson that carried over from the end of the first, but the RoadRunners were not able to capitalize. After much neutral zone play, Idaho (1-0-1) was able to get on the board at 16:07 when Brent Shepheard scored an unassisted wrap-around goal, tying the game at 1-all.
The Steelheads came out in the third period with an early goal by Garett Bembridge from in front of the crease at 1:43. Ben Nelson and Steve Gainey had the assists on the go-ahead goal that gave Idaho a 2-1 lead. Then at 4:59 of the third, Marty Flichel scored a power play goal from the top of the left circle off a pass from Gainey. Bembridge had the other assist as the Steelheads went up 3-1, which would end up being the final score.
Looking ahead to Friday's rematch between the two teams, Church just wants his team to show up prepared.
"It doesn't matter how much we preach X's and O's, we're going to be a mediocre team if we don't show up and play," he said.
Phoenix outshot Idaho 32-26 in the loss. RoadRunners' goalie Gerald Coleman had 23 saves while Steelhead rookie Matt Climie had 31 saves.
The RoadRunners continue their six-game season-opening home-stand at 7:05 p.m Friday as they conclude a two-game series with the Idaho Steelheads at US Airways Center. Ultimate Fighting Champion Hall of Famer and Arizona State alumnus Dan "The Beast" Severn will be on hand to drop the opening puck and sign autographs throughout the night.
Great seats are still available beginning as low as $8 and can be purchased by calling Ticketmaster at (480) 784-4444, purchasing online ticketmaster.com or visiting the US Airways Center Box Office. Information on season tickets, half-season packages, and flex plans for the 2008-09 season of Phoenix RoadRunners Hockey are available by calling (602) 462-GOAL.
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