Gulls Suffer First Shutout

The San Diego Gulls, facing the Salt Lake City Golden Eagles for the third consecutive game to begin their first International Hockey League season, were shut out for the first time Wednesday night, 2-0, in front of 6,958 at the Salt Palace.

San Diego (1-2) outshot Salt Lake City, 25-21, but Golden Eagles goalie Wayne Cowley recorded his second shutout in three seasons with 23 saves. Salt Lake City improved to 2-1. Scott Brower, starting in goal for the first time, had 19 saves for the Gulls.

Brian Deasley scored his first goal in the first period off assists from Cowley and Todd Harkins. Randy Bucyk got his second goal of the year on a power play in the third period, assisted by Brian Glynn and C.J. Young.

San Diego and Salt Lake City combined for 208 penalty minutes in their game Saturday night in San Diego but totaled only 38 Wednesday. Salt Lake City had only six penalty minutes, giving the Gulls only two power plays.

“We played well,” Gulls Coach Mike O’Connell said. “The guys worked hard, and we learned a lot, but we’ve got to start getting some wins. I can’t fault our effort.”

Before the game, the Gulls learned that winger Robbie Nichols had been suspended for three games for continuing an altercation in Saturday’s 4-3 loss. Nichols did not play Wednesday and will miss games Friday and Saturday night at home against the Fort Wayne Komets.