Mariners Sail to Second Victory Over Utah, 5-2
The Ventura Mariners defeated the Utah Lightning, 5-2, Saturday night in the second contest of a three-game, Western States Hockey League series at the Easy Street Arena.
The Mariners (6-1-1) used first-period goals by WSHL scoring leader Rico Fulgenzi, Ace Pascual and David Mischel to pull away from the Lightning (0-10-1).
Ventura won the series opener, 9-6, Friday night.
Utah stayed in the game on the 46-save performance of goalie Chad Walsh.
“We tried to keep the play wide and spread them out,” said Mischel, who scored what proved to be the game-winning goal on a slap shot from the top of the left faceoff circle. “If we use our speed they can’t grab us.”
Mariner Coach Sean McGillivray agreed, saying Utah won many of the physical battles while playing a conservative game.
“They were letting us get the puck in close and then jumping on us,” he said. “They really cleared us out in front of the net.”
The Mariners got third-period goals from Fulgenzi, who has 19 points this season, and Steve Petritz. Jordan Leithem had 11 saves.
Go beyond the scoreboard
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