Nov 10, 2023
By Nick Aguilera/SanDiegoGulls.com
The San Diego Gulls couldn’t find their footing early and allowed four goals in the first period, as they lost 8-3 to the Calgary Wranglers Friday night at Pechanga Arena San Diego.
Olen Zellweger was a bright spot for San Diego, picking up a career-high three assists (0-3=3). He now co-leads AHL rookie defensemen in assists (6) and ranks second in points (2-6=8).
“We know Olen can produce offense and it’s good when he can get on the scoresheet, for sure,” head coach Matt McIlvane said. “He’s continually trying to work in areas of his game and it’s good to see him get rewarded.“
Andrew Agozzino added two assists to extend his assist streak to five games (0-6=6).
Calgary started the scoring with a goal from Colton Poolman 1:12 into the first. Ben Jones added two goals later in the period to stretch the lead to 3-0.
Matt Coronato added a fourth goal for Calgary four minutes later. It was the second game in a row the Gulls exited the first down at least three goals.
Calgary then scored twice on a 5-on-3 opportunity to push the lead to six to start the second. San Diego has given up a 5-on-3 power-play goal in three straight games.
Nathan Gaucher got the Gulls on the scoresheet with his first career AHL goal. Zellweger and Sasha Pastujov earned assists to complete the rookie trifecta.
“Crashing the net, getting a rebound in, pushing at the net,” Gaucher said about his goal. “The goalie was good today, so we had to find a way to put it in. So, good grind by Sasha, me and Zelly.”
Jacob Perreault scored the second San Diego from the blue line, his fourth of the season.
Brett Sutter exited the penalty box and netted the seventh goal for the Wranglers at 14:44 in the third period.
Coronato added another goal in the third. He ended the night with 2-1=3 points, his first AHL career multi-point game.
Pavol Regenda added a third San Diego goal for his team-leading seventh of the year.
Alex Stalock made 13 saves through two periods before being relieved by Calle Clang, who stopped 10 shots.
San Diego will look to get back in the win column on Saturday, as they host the Colorado Eagles for their annual Military Appreciation Day game (6 p.m. PST). The first 8,000 fans will receive a red, white and blue Gulls hat, courtesy of Indian Motorcycle of San Diego.
“That’s all you can look forward to is the next opportunity,” McIlvane said….
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