Steelheads Fall in First of Two Games in Anchorage

The Idaho Steelheads (13-11-6) dropped the first game of a two-game set against the Alaska Aces (16-9-1) by a 3-2 score Tuesday night. After stopping a season-high 40 shots in the losing effort, Idaho goalie Jase Weslosky has stopped 116 shots over his last three starts since December 18th. The Aces opened the scoring just 70 seconds into the game when Jerad Stewart wristed a puck from the top of the left circle to give Alaska the 1-0 lead. Matt Tassone answered for the Steelheads just over 10 minutes later at 10:14 with a wrist shot of his own from the right circle on the power play; the goal was assisted by Weston Tardy and John Swanson, and was the third of the season for Idaho?s rookie Tassone. The Aces regained the lead when Kory Falite tapped home a rebound at 14:39 of the opening period, making the score 2-1 in favor of Alaska. After a scoreless second period, the Aces took a two-goal lead when Garry Nunn tapped home a one-timer from the left wing circle less than three minutes into the third period. Kael Mouillierat pulled Idaho back to within a goal when he tipped a John Swanson point shot into the Alaska net on the power play at 5:43 of the third period for his 14th goal of the season. Jase Weslosky denied Alaska sniper Wes Goldie on a penalty shot opportunity in the third period, but Idaho was unable to tie the game as they fell 3-2. With the loss, Idaho is now 1-4-1 over the last six games. Weslosky stopped 40 of 43 Aces shots, and his record falls to 2-3-0 in net. Gerald Coleman earned the win, and is 12-7-1 for Alaska. Idaho and Alaska will meet again on Wednesday night, December 29th. The Steelheads return home to host Bakersfield on December 31st and January 1st.