Gustafson Gives Coach First Victory
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BAKERSFIELD, Calif. - Former St. Lawrence goaltender Derek
Gustafson stopped 30 shots in regulation and overtime, then all
four in the shootout of an eventual 3-2 win over Bakersfield in
front of 4,833 Wednesday at Rabobank Arena, giving head coach Keith
McCambridge his first victory.
Alaska stifled the Bakersfield attack in the first period, holding
the Condors to just three shots on goal despite having to kill off
three penalties. Kimbi Daniels gave the Aces their first lead
of the season off the rush with 2:47 left in the opening frame,
assisted by Joey Hope. Mark Derlago tied the game only 23
seconds into the second period with a power play goal for
Bakersfield, but Matt Robinson answered for Alaska, beating Jamie
Hodson on a penalty shot at the 4:25 mark. Both teams
continued to enjoy plenty of scoring chances, each firing 15 shots
on goal in the period, but Hodson and Gustafson kept the score 2-1
through 40 minutes.
The Condors (2-0-1) finally broke through for the equalizer on the
power play with 4:24 left in the final period, as Andrew Ianeiro
picked up a loose puck at center ice, raced down the left wing, and
slid a perfect pass to Eric Sonnenberg, who one-timed it past
Gustafson. Each team had a power play in the ensuing overtime
session, which saw Bakersfield's Sean Venedam hit the post.
The shootout proved no contest, as Gustafson made four relatively
routine saves while Josh Soares and Olivier Filion scored in the
first two rounds to secure the victory and even Alaska's record at
1-1.
The Aces are scheduled to practice tomorrow in Bakersfield at 11:15 a.m. AST, then return to Fresno for a rematch with the Falcons Friday at 6:30 p.m. AST. The four-game trip wraps up Saturday in Stockton at 6:35 p.m. AST. All regular season games will be broadcast live on Alaska's flagship station, AM 750 KFQD, with coverage beginning 15 minutes prior to the opening face-off. The Aces fly home to Anchorage Sunday and take on Florida Friday, November 2, at 7:15 p.m., in the opener of a three-game series pitting last year's National and American conference finalists.
