ANCHORAGE, Alaska — Garry Nunn scored with 3:08 remaining in regulation to cap a wild third period and give the Alaska Aces a 2-1 victory over the Stockton Thunder in game one of the ECHL's Western Conference Semifinals at Sullivan Arena.
Following two scoreless periods, Stockton's Greg Squires broke the ice with a goal 8:07 into the third. The lead proved to be short lived, however, as Dan Kissel scored less than four minutes later, setting the stage for Nunn's heroics.
Gerald Coleman saved 25 of 26 shots in net to earn the win for Alaska and help the Aces improve to 17 and 6 in playoff series openers as members of the ECHL.
Game two is Saturday night at Sullivan Arena.
The Aces, defending Kelly Cup champions, finished the regular season with 43 victories and earned the top seed and home ice advantage throughout the postseason.
