Idaho takes first of two-game set

Elmira, NY - It was a tough battle tonight in Elmira, but the Steelheads (2-1-1) came out on top over the Elmira Jackals (3-3) with a 4-3 win in front of 3,799 fans at First Arena in Elmira, NY. Steve Gainey opened the scoring for the Steelheads with a power play goal, his first of the season, at 4:17 of the first period. The assists went to team captain Marty Flichel and Ben Nelson. Moises Gutierrez evened the score less than three minutes later, with assists going to Tyler Donati and Steve Yetman. Idaho took a 2-1 lead into the intermission after Blaine Jarvis notched his first ECHL tally, a power play goal assisted by Matt Stephenson and Kory Scoran at 17:42. The second period saw Elmira strike first on a goal by Brandon Roach on the power play at 5:52 with assists again going to Yetman and Donati. The period, though, ended up being the Marty Flichel show, as he scored two even-strength goals in the frame in 1:12; the first came at 9:21, the second at 10:23. Collecting assists on the first goal were Nelson and Garett Bembridge, and helping on the second goal were Bryan McGregor and Dan Eves. McGregor played in his first game as a Steelhead tonight. The only goal of the third period was not enough: a power play goal from Benoit Doucet at 10:26. The assists went to Ryan Gibbons and Kaleb Betts. Matt Climie improved to 2-0 in net for the Steelheads, stopping 19 of 22 Elmira shots. Mitch O'Keefe fell to 2-2 with the loss, stopping 23 of 27 Idaho shots. The Steelheads continue their eastern road swing with a Friday night contest against the Jackals. Game time is 5:35 pm MDT. Tonight's Aquafina Three Stars: 1. Marty Flichel (IDH) 2. Blaine Jarvis (IDH) 3. Tyler Donati (ELM) Tonight's Coors Offensive Performer: Marty Flichel