Climie's perfection earns victory for Steelheads

Saturday, December 13th

The Idaho Steelheads (14-10-2) avoided being swept by the Alaska Aces (16-8-1) as Matt Climie was perfect, and one goal from Steve Gainey was all the Steelheads would need. The two teams ended the first period tonight just as they did each of the last two nights; scoreless after one period of play. However, like Friday night, a team would go ahead late in the second. The difference though: in the final period tonight, it was the Steelheads taking a 1-0 lead. Bryan McGregor placed a pass to Kory Scoran at the left point, and Scoran one-timed the shot. Steve Gainey made contact with the puck on the way in to earn credit for the goal, which proved to be the game-winner. The Steelheads earned the win tonight without Travis Wight, who was injured Tuesday, Justin Bourne, who was injured Friday, and Marty Flichel, who was serving a suspension after a hit he threw Saturday night. Climie stopped all 12 Alaska shots in the third period, and stopped all 31 Aces shots he faced this evening for the Steelheads first shutout of the season; Climie improved to 7-5-0 with the win. Jean-Philippe Lamoureux stopped 20 of 21 Idaho shots in taking the loss, as his record falls to 13-6-1. TONIGHT?S AQUAFINA THREE STARS: 1. J.P. Lamoureux (AK) 2. Bryan Miller (AK) 3. Scott Burt (AK) TONIGHT?S COORS LIGHT OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME: Kory Scoran (IDH)