Posted : : 10/22/2005
ACES SQEEZE BY GULLS IN OPENER, 2-1
Chris Minard and Barrett Heisten contribute goal, assist
Alaska Aces Press Release
Anchorage, AK - Barrett Heisten set up Chris Minard for a power play goal late in the second period that turned out to be the game-winner in a 2-1 Alaska victory over San Diego before 5,702 in Friday's season opener at Sullivan Arena.
The Aces looked sharp early, scoring off the rush just 38 seconds into the game as Minard, skating down the right wing, found Barrett Heisten between circles for a one-timer that put Alaska ahead 1-0. The Aces held the Gulls to just four shots in each of the first and third periods, making things easy for goaltender Matt Underhill, who finished with 19 saves to collect his fourth regular season victory without a loss in an Alaska uniform.
San Diego's only goal came on the power play early in the second period, when Steve Hildenbrand shoveled a loose puck in front by Underhill at 3:07. The power play came courtesy of a five-minute major assessed against Justin Maiser for elbowing, but the Gulls failed to score during the remainder of that man advantage. Minard's go-ahead goal came on an Aces power play after he fought through heavy traffic in front to tap in a centering pass from Heisten with 3:46 remaining in the middle frame.
San Diego mustered little offense in the third period and fell in Alaska's home opener for the second straight year. The Aces improved to 3-7-1 in home openers and 4-6-1 in season openers with the victory.
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