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Tuesday Disaster Harbinger of Winless Week

January 13, 2003 - ECHL (ECHL)
Alaska Aces News Release


ANCHORAGE, Alaska – After blowing a 5-1 lead last Tuesday and losing in a shootout, Anchorage dropped its next four games in five nights and may be fighting for its playoff lives for the rest of the season.

The Aces (10-25-2) still have three games remaining on their current road trip, beginning with tomorrow's rematch at 6:00 p.m. AST in Fresno's Selland Arena with the Falcons (17-12-4), who were the team that rallied last week to beat Anchorage at Sullivan Arena in the aforementioned shootout, and then proceeded to hand the Aces a 7-3 loss the next night and an 8-6 setback yesterday in Fresno. Anchorage heads to San Diego (21-12-1) for Friday and Saturday night games with the Gulls at 6:00 p.m. AST before returning home to play Fresno for the fifth time this month Wednesday, January 22, in the opener of a three-game series with the Falcons at Sullivan Arena (all three games begin at 7:00 p.m.). All games are broadcast live on KFQD 750 AM and at www.anchorageaces.com or www.kfqd.com, with Jack Michaels calling the play-by-play. Coverage begins 20 minutes prior to the opening face-off, presented by GCI.

The Aces looked like they were off to a flying start last week with a comfortable 5-1 lead at their backs late into the second period. Fresno responded with four goals in 17 minutes to even the score, but Anchorage appeared it would survive when Yvan Corbin scored his second goal of the game shorthanded for a 6-5 edge heading into the game's final minute. The Falcons tied the game with 42.8 seconds left in regulation, then won the ensuing shootout easily. In his first game back since missing a month due to injury, B.J. Young had a goal and an assist while Wes Dorey scored his first goal in an Aces' uniform to go along with a pair of helpers. Anchorage still looked in a daze the following night, falling 7-3 despite another goal by Young and a goal and an assist from Dorey.

Friday night, Young scored again to tie Long Beach 2-2 early in the second period after the Aces had fallen behind 2-0, but Chris Peyton's goal with 2:25 left in that period held up as the game-winner as B.J. Boxma turned in 27 saves for the Ice Dogs. Danielle Dube became only the third female goaltender in history to win a pro hockey game when she and Bakersfield upended the Aces 6-4 Saturday night before 6,548 rowdy fans at Centennial Garden. Receiving an ovation with every save, Dube needed to make only 16 as Anchorage was outshot 47-20 and lost to the Condors for the first time in six games this season despite two goals and an assist by Dean Larson and four helpers from Corbin. Don Martin and Kevin McNeill each contributed a goal and an assist in defeat.

With each team playing their fifth game in six nights and third in three different cities, the Falcons pulled out a wild 8-6 victory over the Aces Sunday thanks to a six-goal, 31-shot second period. Anchorage gave up a season-high 52 shots on goal but still had a chance to tie the game at the end of regulation thanks to a pair of goals from Corbin and Young and a goal and an assist by Kimbi Daniels and Paul Williams. An empty-netter with 10.8 seconds remaining sealed the Aces' fate and left them with four straight losses to close the week and a 1-8-1 record in their last 10 games.

Larson finished with nine points in the five games last week to push his league-leading total to 49. He also ranks second in the WCHL with 30 assists and third in goals with 19. Corbin took over league's goal-scoring lead with his 20th and 21st Sunday in the loss to Fresno, and now trails only linemate Larson for the overall scoring title with 45 points.

The team will be holding Military Appreciation Night Friday, January 24, during a 7:00 p.m. game against Fresno. Special pre-game and intermission activities have been scheduled showcasing military personnel and 100 camouflage Aces' jerseys will be given away that night. All groups will be recognized over the public address system and special group prices will be available for those military personnel wishing to attend ($7 for balcony seating, $14 for lower mezzanine). Tickets for military also will be available on the base at the ITT office.

Scout Night has been scheduled for Saturday, January 25, at 7:00 p.m. versus Fresno. The first 1,000 children age 14 and under will receive a rally towel courtesy of The Alaska Club and all scouts are eligible for special group rates. Everyone who purchases a Super Saturday 5-Pack by January 21, 2003 will be eligible for a chance to win a trip for two to San Diego! In April, you will travel with the Aces to sunny Southern California—airfare, accommodations, game tickets, and dinner all included in the Grand Prize. No purchase is necessary, and all season ticket-holders have been automatically entered. For more information regarding tickets, appearances, or upcoming games, please call (907) 258-ACES.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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