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ECHL Idaho Steelheads

Sweep of Falcons Moves Steelheads to Top of Division

December 1, 2003 - ECHL (ECHL)
Idaho Steelheads News Release


BOISE, Idaho - With a three-game sweep of the Fresno Falcons this past week, the Idaho Steelheads pulled out of second place to first, and have finished the week tied with the Las Vegas Wranglers for top spot in the Pacific Division. Both teams have 26 points, but Idaho has more wins: Idaho has a record of 13-7-0; while Las Vegas has recorded 11-5-4. The three wins against the Falcons gives Idaho an all-time record versus the Falcons of 32-21-4 (at home: 20-9-2; at Fresno: 12-12-2).

The Steelheads remain tied for fifth in points in the League standings. After a slow start on the season, the Steelheads have won eight of their last ten, and have won four consecutive games. At home, Idaho's record is 9-3-0, and on the road it is 4-4.

GAME RECAPS:

11/25/03 vs FRESNO: IDAHO 2- FRESNO 1

BOISE, Idaho (Ticker) -- Jan Kopecky had a goal and an assist to lead the Idaho Steelheads to a 2-1 victory over the Fresno Falcons. Kopecky helped out on a power-play goal by Lance Galbraith 2:38 into the contest and netted his team-leading ninth marker of the season 2:40 later for a 2-0 lead. Dan Ellis turned away all 12 shots he faced in the third period and 27 overall for the win. Kevin Truelson scored midway through the second period for Fresno, which lost for the fourth time in its last six games. Terry Friesen finished with 27 saves in a losing effort.

11/26/03 vs FRESNO: IDAHO 6- FRESNO 2 BOISE, Idaho(Ticker) -- David Cornacchia scored twice and Scott Burt finished with three points to help the Idaho Steelheads defeat the Fresno Falcons, 6-2. Cornacchia tallied at 9:41 of the first period and scored midway through the third with Burt assisting. Burt buried the eventual game-winning goal 2:56 into the second period and also earned a helper just over 13 minutes later on a marker by Ben Keup. Zenon Konopka notched a goal and an assist, and Jan Kopecky and Derek Paget each had two assists for Idaho. Blair Allison made 16 saves to earn the win for the Steelheads, who have won eight of their last 10 games. Adam Stefishen and Jason Weaver each scored for Fresno, which has dropped three straight. Terry Friesen surrendered six goals on 29 shots to suffer the loss for the Falcons.

11/28/03 vs FRESNO: IDAHO 3- FRESNO 1

Chris Marinucci and Zenon Konopka each produced a goal and an assist to help the Idaho Steelheads top the Fresno Falcons, 3-1. Marinucci tied the game at 1-1 with a tally just 22 seconds into the second period and Konopka potted a marker just 2:42 later to give Idaho the lead for good. Chris Gobert added two assists for the Steelheads, who have won four in a row and three straight vs. Fresno. Dan Ellis made 26 saves to get the win in net. Greg Bullock recorded the lone goal for the Falcons, who have scored just five goals in losing four straight. Terry Friesen turned away 22 shots in a losing effort.

IN THE NET: Goaltender Dan Ellis has improved his record to 7-5, allowing 32 goals and making 293 stops. He is 2-0 in shootout wins, allowing only one 1 goal in 9 attempts. Ellis has posted a 2.65 average and a save percentage of .902. Goaltender Blair Allison has improved to 6-2, allowing 15 goals in 173 attempts. Allison has posted an average of 1.88 and save percentage of .920, and is currently fifth in the league. Going into this season, Allison holds the Steelheads all-time games played for goaltenders with 85 (2001-03); wins with 57 (2001-03); GAA with 2.55 (2001-03); and shutouts with 4 (2001-03).

Both Idaho goaltenders have had perfect games this season, each earning a shutout in a weekend duo against Cincinnati: Friday, November 7th Idaho shutout Cincinnati 3-0 with goaltender Dan Ellis in net, and Saturday, November 8th Blair Allison excelled as the winning goalie in a 1-0 match. The pair of wins marked the first back-to-back shutouts in Idaho Steelheads history.

SCORING LEADERS:

Czech native Jan Kopecky (F) holds top spot in scoring for the Steelheads, averaging a point a game and tallying 20 points (9G, 11A) in 20 games played. David Cornacchia moves into second spot with 14 points (4G, 10A). Chris Marinucci and Darrell Hay are tied for third in scoring with 13 points apiece - Marinucci (5G, 8A), and Hay (4G, 9A).

PP and PK: Idaho's power play improved to 13.82% this week, with the team scoring 19 in 123 chances on the season. The team's overall penalty kill also improved, moving to 82.24%, allowing 19 in 107 attempts.

PAST WEEK TRANSACTIONS:

11/26/2003 Add MARTIN VASUT (D), activated off 30-day IR
11/26/2003 Delete ADAM COPELAND (F), placed on 7-day IR
11/27/2003 Delete ANDREW PROSKURNICKI (F), placed on 7-day IR

IN THE COMMUNITY:

Members of the Idaho Steelheads will visit the St. Luke's Children's Hospital in conjunction with next weekend's sports auction to benefit the hospital. The players will wear special jerseys designed by an 11-year-old patient of the children's hospital, named Jackie. Jackie will also come in to meet the team and skate with them following their practice on Thursday, December 6th (approximately 11:00 am) at which time she will unveil the jersey.

UP NEXT:

December 5th - Idaho Steelheads vs Atlantic City Boardwalk Bullies, Bank of America Centre, 7:05 pm start. Promotion: Children's Hospital Sports Auction sponsored by Foresters. December 6th - Idaho Steelheads vs Atlantic City Boardwalk Bullies, Bank of America Centre, 7:05 pm start. Promotion: Children's Hospital Sports Auction sponsored by Foresters, and the Marine Corps Toys for Tots Teddy Bear Toss.

PRACTICE SCHEDULE:

Idaho will skate Tuesday through Saturday this week at the Bank of America Centre; Tues., Wed., Thur., from 10:00 a.m. - Noon, and Fri., and Sat., from 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. All skates open to the public.

TICKETS:

Game tickets for home games are available at the Bank of America Centre, by visiting any Select-A-Seat outlet, by calling 331-TIXS (8497), or by logging on to www.idahotickets.com or www.idahosteelheads.com. With every ticket purchased, fans will receive $1.00 off any 12-pack Pepsi product purchased at Jacksons throughout the season by redeeming any game ticket stub at a participating Jacksons store.

RADIO:

Join "Voice of the Steelheads," Britt Talbert on ESPN 1350 KTIK every night from 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. for the Bud Light Sports Talk Show. Every Monday features Steelheads Head Coach John Olver. Stay tuned on game nights as Britt will bring fans live action for all 72 games; Color Commentator Mark Broz joins Britt for home games. Games can also be heard via the Internet through the Steelheads website, www.idahosteelheads.com or by logging on to www.ktik.com.

TELEVISION:

Never miss a home game, as CableOne Channel 17 will air every game the following day at 6:00 p.m. and again at 9:00 p.m.

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