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This Week in Aces Hockey

April 1, 2002 - ECHL (ECHL)
Alaska Aces News Release


Final Regular Season Games this Week

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – This past week the Anchorage Aces (19-42-9) finished their home regular season with three games against the Idaho Steelheads (46-16-6). The Aces went 1-2-0 in the series.

Wednesday, March 27 vs. Idaho Bobby Cunningham's short-handed goal at 18:55 of the third period gave the Anchorage Aces a 4-3 come-from-behind victory over the Idaho Steelheads at the Sullivan Arena.

The victory had no effect on their position in the standings or in the upcoming West Coast Hockey League playoffs. The Aces will meet the Northern Division-leading Steelheads in first-round action. Anchorage was cast in the role of the spoiler, however, with Idaho (now 44-16-7) needing every victory possible in their quest for the league's Founder's Cup and home-ice advantage throughout the postseason.

The Steelheads carried a 3-1 lead into the final period, built by goals from Matt Oates (10:32 in 1st), Bobby Stewart (7:34 in 2nd) and Cal Ingraham at 10:47 of the 2nd). Anchorage surged back when J.J. Wrobel and Tobin Praznik lit the lamp in the 3rd period, setting the stage for Cunningham's game winner.

Recently acquired goaltender Parris Duffus stopped 28 of 31 Idaho shots to earn his first victory as an Ace.

Friday, March 29 vs. Idaho The Idaho Steelheads used a four-goal first period to assert dominance and coast to a 5-1 victory over the Anchorage Aces at the Sullivan Arena. Blair Allison backstopped the effort with a 32–save performance.

The victory pushes league-leading Idaho to 45-16-7 for 97 points, pushing them 8 points ahead of San Diego in the race for the West Coast Hockey League's Founders' Cup. The Gulls, now 43-20-3 (89 points), suffered a 5-3 loss to Bakersfield.

Dion Darling lead the Steelheads with a goal and two assists, while Greg Bullock and Scott Burt each added a goal and an assist, scoring both of Idaho's power-play opportunities (2 for 9) on the evening.

Anchorage, dressing only 13 skaters, got a lone goal from Zdenek Ondrej in the third period. While the Aces out shot Idaho 33-21, including a 14-1 advantage in the third period, they failed to capitalize on 11 power play opportunities.

Saturday, March 30 vs. Idaho The Idaho Steelheads came up with another explosive first period, scoring three goals in less than four minutes, to beat the Anchorage Aces 6-2 before 4,857 fans.

The victory pushes the Steelheads to 8 points (99-91) ahead of San Diego in the West Coast Hockey League's Founders' Cup race for home ice advantage through the Taylor Cup playoffs.

Kimbi Daniels led Anchorage with a goal and an assist.

TRANSACTIONS: Activated Forward Simon Duplessis from the 14-day IR. Placed Forward Nate Caswell on the 14-day IR.

INJURIES: Forward Nate Caswell 14-day IR

THIS WEEK: The Aces travel to Colorado Springs for the final two regular season games Friday and Sunday. All games can be heard on KFQD 750 AM or via the internet at www.anchorageaces.com with broadcaster Fred Rannard calling the play-by-play. The Inlet Tower Hotel Suites Pre-game show starts at 5:25 pm AST.

LAST WEEK: Friday night the first 300 fans who donated three cans of food or $5.00 to Catholic Social Services received a Boomer Bobblehead. Video City distributed coupons as fans exited the arena. Saturday, the first 1500 fans through the door received Aces Trading Cards courtesy of ACS Wireless. The Aces also hosted a pre-game tent party with food, drinks, photos, and a live band. The event was sponsored by Costco Wholesale, Coca-Cola of Alaska, and Bob & Mark of 100.5 the Fox. The Aces auctioned the black third jersey following the game.

ACES STATISTICAL LEADERS: Points Dean Larson 71 (27g, 44a) 8th in the WCHL Goals Kimbi Daniels 29 Assists Dean Larson 44 Shooting Percentage Bobby Cunningham 16.6% (28/169) Shots on Goal Kimbi Daniels 222 5th in the WCHL Power Play Goals Dean Larson 12 5th in the WCHL Short Handed Goals Bobby Cunningham 5 Tied for 2nd in the WCHL Penalty Minutes Chad Richard 278 5th in the WCHL Power Play Seventh 15.1% (59/392) Penalty Kill Eighth 79.3% (68/328)

GOALIE(S): GP; W-L-SOP; GAA; SPCT Jamie McCaig: 23; 4-11-2; 4.26; 87.3% Parris Duffus: 6; 1-5-0; 6.22; 81.0%

CURRENT STREAKS: · Tobin Praznik has twelve points in the last ten games. · B.J. Young has accumulated 63 penalty minutes in the last five games.

ACES HOME PRACTICE SCHEDULE: (Dates and times subject to change) Today 9:30 – 11:30 at Dempsey Ice Arena Tuesday 9:30 – 11:30 at Dempsey Ice Arena

PHOTOS: Action photos, head shots, and glamour shots can all be found at www.anchorageaces.com and clicking on the Digi-Pics link on the lower right side of the page. Fans who have purchased photos, but have yet to pick them up from Digi-Pics need to contact Simone at (907) 337-5338.

SEASON TICKET HOLDERS: Season tickets are on sale now at the Aces downtown office. Early-purchase discounts are available with a 10% discount if purchased by June 1st. Playoff tickets are available now. The first three games of the Taylor Cup Playoffs is part of the 2001-02 season ticket packages.

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MEDIA ADVISORY: For more information, contact the Anchorage Aces at 258-2237.

FAN'S ADVISORY: Playoff tickets are on sale at all CarrsTix locations, the Sullivan Arena Box Office and the Aces office. Stop by the Aces office at 245 W. 5th Ave., Suite 128; call 258-ACES; or visit www.anchorageaces.com for more information.

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