Salmon Kings Stop Skid

December 31, 2005 The Salmon Kings headed into tonight's game losers of six games in a row. The streak started with an 8-0 loss to Alaska in Victoria. It ended in Anchorage as the Kings beat the Aces 5-3 before almost 6,000 fans cheering on the New Year. Down two games on the 3-game series in Anchorage, the Kings took the final game and gave the Aces their first regulation loss in 17 games. Alaska and Las Vegas (also of the West Division) are fighting to hold the lead as the ECHL's best team. The Wranglers also recently lost their winning streak of 13 games. Jade Galbraith got the scoring started just seven minutes into the first period on Alaska's first penalty of the night. After the Aces knotted it back at one-goal apiece, Mike Wirll was able to put the Kings back on top. A few minutes later Captain Ryan Wade put the Kings up 3-1 just before the first intermission. Rob McVicar, who was pulled in his last two starts, played great and kept Victoria alive in the second as the shots were 13-0 in favour of the Aces (it is contested that Victoria did in fact have a shot on net that was not credited). In all the ex-Canuck made 26 saves for the win. Alaska was again able to fight back as they put the first goal on the board in the third period, but Victoria defenceman Simon Mangos scored the eventual game-winner just one minute later off the stick of Wirll. Alaska scored once more but were unable to capitalize after pulling their goalie and Ryan Wade put them to rest with an empty-net goal. Some fire-works did fly on this New Year's Eve as Peter Metcalf picked a fight with Victoria's Lanny Gare after Wade's empty-netter. Metcalf picked up an extra unsportsmanlike conduct for the altercation. Team points leader Mike Wirll had a 3 point effort and Ryan Wade has now scored 4 goals in his last 5 games. Jade Galbraith has 3 goals and 2 assists in his last 4 games. The Salmon Kings return home to take on the Pacific Division leading Fresno Falcons Thursday, January 5th. They also play the Falcons on Friday and Saturday night.