Wranglers’ Goldie shines against Idaho

By Ed Hauth

Saturday, Dec. 3, 2011 | 11:14 p.m.

Las Vegas center Ash Goldie scored a goal and notched two assists in the second period to help the Wranglers defeat Idaho 4-1 Saturday evening in front of 4,949 fans at the Orleans Arena.

It was Goldie’s fourth game in a Wranglers uniform this season after missing October and the majority of November with an injury.

“It felt great. I have a little confidence back and that’s when you play your best,” Goldie said. “It was a great night to have a night like that. It was a big win for our team.”

After a scoreless first period, forward Josh Lunden started the scoring spree in the second period with a rebound goal in front of the Steelheads’ cage at the 7:07 mark. Lunden was assisted by Goldie and Jason Krischuk.

Just over seven minutes later, Goldie recorded his first goal of the season as he blasted an Adam Miller centering pass into the back of the net to give the Wranglers a 2-0 lead.

“I’m really impressed with how hard Ash competes,” Wranglers head coach Ryan Mougenel said. “He makes no shortcuts. He takes the hardest route to the puck, which has impressed me.”

Wranglers forward Scott Campbell scored a power-play goal with 11.5 seconds remaining in the second period to extend the lead to 3-0. Campbell received a pass near the crease from Chris Francis and fired it by Idaho goaltender Jerry Kuhn for his fifth goal of the season.

Las Vegas defenseman Mike Madill notched a power-play goal at the 4:04 mark of the third period for his first goal of the season to give the Wranglers a commanding 4-0 lead.

Idaho forward Jacob Cepis avoided the shutout for the Steelheads as he recorded an unassisted goal with less than five minutes to go in regulation.

Stars of the game: 1. Ash Goldie (1 goal, 2 assists); 2. Josh Lunden (1 goal, 1 assist); 3. Jason Krischuk (2 assists).

Lots of shots: For the second consecutive night, the Wranglers recorded over 50 shots on goal. With 57 shots on goal Friday and 54 more on Saturday, the Wranglers tallied over 110 shots on net in the two-game set against Idaho to help pick up three points in the standings.

First goals: Goldie, Lunden and Madill each picked up their first goals of the season for the Wranglers.

Next up: Las Vegas returns to the ice Tuesday for a late-night tilt against the Stockton Thunder scheduled for 9:05 p.m. to commemorate “Over 18 Night.” Fans under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian as mild adult language will be used. It will be the fifth match-up between the teams, with the season series split at two games apiece.

Final word: “I thought overall I was really happy with how everyone contributed,” Mougenel said. “From the goaltending to the defensemen to the forwards, I thought it was a collective effort. We are doing a lot of things right in our own end.”