ECHL Idaho Steelheads

Steelheads Win Shootout Thriller Over Gulls, 3-2

Published on April 2, 2006 under ECHL (ECHL)
Idaho Steelheads News Release


San Diego, California - Rookie forward Greg Rallo scored the game-winning goal in the shootout and Steve Silverthorn stopped all four shooters he faced, as the Steelheads won 4-3 in a shootout over the host San Diego Gulls on Sunday from the iPayOne Center.

The win allows the Steelheads (42-21-8) to remain unbeaten in their last four games (3-0-1), while they improve to 2-3-1 against the Gulls (34-28-7) this season. With their 92 points, the Steelheads also set a club mark for most points in an ECHL season.

Steelheads' forward David Bararuk opened the game's scoring with his 25th goal of the season at 1:26 of the first period. Bararuk got to his own rebound off the pads of Gulls' goaltender Kris Mayotte (40 saves) and buried the second opportunity. Paul Caponigri and Andy Contois gathered the assists.

The Gulls answered at 5:57 of the frame, converting off a Steelheads' turnover. Defenseman Tyler Kindle accidentally played the puck off referee Matt Bialota while trying to clear the defensive zone, and Gulls' forward Jesse Bennefield found Steve Hildenbrand alone in the slot for his 28th goal of the season.

Rookie defenseman Conrad Martin gave the home team their first lead on a right point shot that found its way through traffic in front of Steelheads' goaltender Steve Silverthorn (35 saves). Hildenbrand and fellow defenseman Chris Cava drew the assists on Martin's second in as many nights.

Just over two minutes later, the Steelheads tied the match on a shorthanded goal by D'Arcy McConvey. Defenseman Jarad Bourassa sprung Dan Hacker and McConvey on a two-on-one break along the right wing side. Hacker found McConvey who pushed the puck past a sprawled out Mayotte for his ECHL-leading 39th goal of the season and his team-leading fourth shorthanded marker.

Again the Gulls responded minutes later, taking a 3-2 lead on Rob Flynn's seventh of the season. Evan Shaw got the only assist on the even-strength goal at 12:30 of the middle stanza.

With 24 seconds left in the second period, the Steelheads scored on the power play to tie the match at three. Rallo whacked home a rebound from the crease for his second professional goal. Mike Adamek and Paul Caponigri drew the assists.

There was no scoring in the third period and overtime. The final shots were 43-39 in favor of the Steelheads. Bararuk also scored in the shootout for the Steelheads, who improved to 3-4 in shootouts. With the win, Silverthorn is now 21-14-3, while Mayotte falls to 2-0-1.

The Steelheads conclude their 2005-2006 regular season on the road with a tilt against the San Diego Gulls on Wednesday, April 5. The puck drops at 8:05 p.m. MST. All the action can be heard live on ESPN Radio 1350 AM, "The Ticket," beginning approximately 20 minutes before the drop of the puck. Don't forget Steelheads fans, Kelly Cup playoff tickets are on sale now! Call 331-TIXS or visit any Select-A-Seat location to get your seats for the West Division Semi-Finals. The Steelheads will begin the best-of-seven series on the road, but play at home on Friday, April 14 and Saturday, April 15.

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ECHL Stories from April 2, 2006


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