Victoria explodes for eight against Utah

October 29, 2005 - ECHL (ECHL)
Victoria Salmon Kings News Release


Victoria, BC - The Victoria Salmon Kings took on the Utah Grizzlies in West Valley City, UT Friday night, for their first meeting in history, and the game would prove to be an offensive juggernaut.

The Salmon Kings opened the scoring at 5:39 from Forward Mike Wirll. Wirll's first of the season was scored on the powerplay with Ryan Wade and Lanny Gare each drawing assists. After just 9:09 Grizzlies Goaltender Justin Eddy left the game with the flu and was replaced by Alfie Michaud, who received a rude awakening in short order.

Victoria scored two goals 28 seconds apart to extend their lead to three. Adam Taylor won a face-off deep in the Grizzlies zone drawing it back to Defenseman Steve Lingren, who scored a similar goal to his first of the season last game, a rifle from the top of the circle.

Wirll responded quickly with his second of the night, a solo effort as he walked out from behind the net and beat Michaud for the Salmon Kings third goal in 4:09.

Victoria's offense continued in the first with Pete Gardiner recording his first of the season, unassisted. But the Salmon Kings were unable to hold the Grizzlies off the board.

Utah's powerplay started the comeback. Matt Craig scored his fourth goal of the season, beating Salmon Kings Goaltender Rob Muntain to put Utah on the scoreboard. Then with just seconds left, Craig scored his second goal in less than three minutes to cut the Salmon Kings lead in half at the break.

After a tentative start in the second, the Grizzlies struck first. Barrett Ehgoetz notched his second marker of the season, unassisted at 3:35 to put the Grizzlies back in the game. They then tied the game at four, at 12:30 of the second period off of Anthony Battaglia's third goal of the campaign, from Matt Craig and Jim Laux. Craig recorded two goals and an assist on the night while Laux added three helpers.

After four unanswered goals by Utah the Salmon Kings took the lead again via the powerplay it was Ryan Wade's first of the season and was assisted by Lingren. Victoria converted 50% of their power play's capitalizing on three of their six opportunities.

But the Grizzlies replied again with less than 60 ticks left on the clock on a powerplay goal of their own scored by Brad Herauf. Herauf's goal knotted things up at five heading into the second intermission.

The Salmon Kings took the lead for the final time in the third on Taylor's first goal of the season, Lingren added another assist, his second and third point of the game.

Victoria Forward Dustan Heintz extended the Salmon Kings lead to 7-5 with just under 5 minutes to go in the third. Taylor added an assist on the play to finish the evening with three points (1-2-3). Salmon Kings Forward Lanny Gare (1-1-2) then added the final touches on the night with an empty net goal completing the massive scoring summary, with Victoria finishing on top 8-5.

The Salmon Kings prevail but were out-shot 31-25 before 1625 fans at the E-Center.

Victoria Salmon Kings season tickets are still available as well Half Season, Super Saturday and Crazy Eight and Group packages. To purchase ticket packages please contact the Salmon Kings sales team at 250-220-7888.

The Victoria Salmon Kings face-off against the Utah Grizzlies on Saturday before heading east to continue their road trip, they will play four games against the 2004-05 Kelly Cup Champion Trenton Titans, Dayton Bombers, Toledo Storm and Wheeling Nailers. The Salmon Kings first home game at the brand new Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre is Thursday November 10th against the Stockton Thunder.



ECHL Stories from October 29, 2005


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