Avalanche look to build on win over Santa Fe

Oct. 27, 2006

By Jeremiah Bartz/ Frontiersman

Alaska Avalanche head coach Dean Larson called Brad McCabe's performance in a 5-3 win over Santa Fe last Saturday, his best as a member of the Valley-based Junior A hockey club.

&#8220Not just because he scored two goals,” Larson said by phone Wednesday, as he team prepared for a three-game series against Wichita Falls. &#8220He did a lot of other things that were very important. He played great on the defensive side, great away from the puck. He took his first step to becoming a complete hockey player.”

McCabe scored the game-tying goal in the first period, and posted what proved to be the game-winner in the second. He also helped Alaska kill 11 of 12 Santa Fe power-play opportunities.

More important for Alaska - the Avalanche rebounded from a potentially devastating 3-2 loss the night before.

Alaska skated into the third period with a 2-0 lead against the top team in the North American Hockey Association, but Santa Fe managed to score a trio of third-period goals, including the game-winner with a mere 15 seconds left in regulation.

&#8220It was kind of a heartbreaker,” Larson said.

Larson said it was the type of game where coaches start to worry about team morale.

&#8220It was good to see them put it behind them,” Larson said. &#8220I've got to hand it to them. They showed some character.”

Santa Fe out-shot Alaska 62-34 in the contest. The Roadrunners put 21 shots on the Alaska net in the third period, and did not allow an Avalanche shot.

Goalie Adam Kraus was stellar in net, recording 59 saves. He continued his solid play on Saturday with 34 saves.

Alaska started its three-game series with Wichita Falls on Thursday. Results were unavailable prior to press time.

The series is key for both teams, as each squad is aiming to stay out of the North American Hockey League's South Division cellar. As of Thursday afternoon, Alaska occupied the bottom spot, with a 4-8-1 record. The Wildcats stood just a point better, with a 4-6-2 mark.

Larson said he and general manager Corey Millen were able to see a little bit of Wichita Falls during the NAHL Showcase tournament at the beginning of the season.

&#8220We know they're a hard-working team. They've got some players who can put the puck in the net,” Larson said. &#8220They're coming off a good weekend against Fairbanks.”

Wichita Falls swept the other team from Alaska in a two-game series last week, beating the Ice Dogs 6-1 and 4-3.

Forward Adam Cardwell leads the team with six goals, and is tied for the team lead with 11 points. Sean Nealon also has 11 points - four goals and seven assists - for the Wildcats.

Joel Sauer is among league leaders in assists with 10.

Tom Billick and Cal Heeter have split the time in net for Wichita Falls. Billick is 2-4-1 with a 3.22 goals against average, while Heeter is 2-2-1 with a 3.32 GAA.

Follow their time in Wichita Falls, Texas, the Avalanche have another five games on the road before they can return to the Last Frontier. Alaska hosts Bismark Nov. 16-18.

Contact Frontiersman sports editor Jeremiah Bartz at sports@frontiersman.com.