Third-period comeback bid comes up just short

Anchorage, AK (1/3/14) - Tommy Grant scored a pair of third-period goals and Tyler Elbrecht collected his first multi-point game as a pro but it was not enough as the Idaho Steelheads fell to the Alaska Aces, 4-3, in Anchorage on Friday night.Idaho (16-11-4, 36 points) trailed Alaska, 3-0, two minutes into the final period before nearly staging an improbable rally in hostile territory.A back-and-forth first period was scoreless until an Alaska power play with less than four minutes left in the frame when Matthew Sisca threaded a pretty pass from the goal line on the right-wing side across the top of the crease to Evan Trupp at 16:27 to give the Aces a 1-0 lead. Idaho would have numerous chances to tie in the second but came up empty on three power-play chances. Moments after the third man-advantage expired, Trupp returned the favor to Sisca, passing from the right wing to Sisca at the bottom of the left circle for a quick shot to make it 2-0.A Nick Mazzolini redirection at 1:21 of the third appeared to bury the Steelheads at 3-0, but Idaho would bounce back. First, 43 seconds later, Mitch Wahl slammed home the rebound of Elbrecht's shot from the high slot at 2:14 to make it a 3-1 game. Then, after a couple of near misses, it was Grant at 12:26 tapping home a Brett Robinson centering feed (also assisted by Elbrecht) to cut the lead to 3-2.Grant and William Rapuzzi each nearly tied the game in the middle stages before a Jordan Kremyr empty-net goal at 19:17 appeared to put the issue to rest, but Grant kept the faint pulse alive with a shot from the right enge of the slot at 19:47 for his second of the night, 11th of the season, to make it 4-3. Idaho would win the ensuing faceoff with a chance to tie, but Patrick Cullity's home-run pass went for icing with less than five seconds to play to allow Alaska to escape with the one-goal victory.Pat Nagle played solid in defeat for Idaho, stopping 30 of 33 shots. Olivier Roy allowed three goals on 26 shots in victory. Idaho's power play went 0-4 while Alaska converted on one of three opportunities on the man advantage.Idaho remains in Anchorage for a Saturday-night matchup with the Aces. Puck drop is 9:15 PM (Mtn) and can be heard live on KTIK (1350 AM or www.ktik.com). The team's next home game is Wednesday, January 15, when the Steelheads host the Utah Grizzlies. Tickets are available by calling the CenturyLink Arena box office at 208-331-8497.COORS OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME - Tyler Elbrecht (2A)CENTURYLINK THREE STARS:1) Evan Trupp (AK)2) Tommy Grant (ID)3) Matthew Sisca (AK)Group outings at a Steelheads game are a great way to gather friends, colleagues, or co-workers for a fun night out in downtown Boise. Ticket prices are discounted and you can get a Pepsi, Double-R Ranch Hot Dog, and bag of Tim’s Cascade Chips with each ticket. Contact the Steelheads front office at 208.383.0080 for more information.