Mark Derlago set multiple Steelheads offensive records in 2009-10.

Well, it turns out I was correct in part of my preview of last night’s game when I said to look for a big game out of Mark Derlago. The First Team All-ECHL performer from a season ago scored in the first and final minutes of the third period to help force an overtime last night, although the Steelheads fell short in the extra frame. Derlago now has three goals over the season’s first three games, and appears to be picking up exactly where he left off at the end of 2009-10. Derlago continues to be one of the best talents the Steelheads have boasted.

Tyler Beskorowany was also stellar last night. After two first period goals for Alaska, the rookie settled in and proceeded to stop 44 of 48 shots in the overtime loss. His 44 saves were the most for a Steelheads goalie since Kellen Briggs turned away 43 of 49 shots on January 25, 2008 in Fresno.

STEELIES NEED TWO POINTS TONIGHT

Rarely do you ever say that a game in October is a “must-win”, but trips to Alaska yield different expectations. Nobody wants to venture all the way to Anchorage and not get a win.

The biggest keys tonight: for the Steelheads, stay out of the box. They’ll need to take away former NHL’er Brian Swanson’s space as much as possible. And, especially in Alaska, scoring first is of the utmost importance. Anything a team can do to deflate the crowd in Anchorage is important. Last night, fans had left the building when Derlago tied the game in the final minute. For a stretch, the crowd was mute.

SYRACUSE STILL HAS A FOOTBALL PROGRAM

Donovan McNabb is the most accomplished Syracuse football alum this side of Jim Brown.

In other news, a round of applause is in order for the Syracuse Orange football squad for holding off 20th ranked West Virginia en route to a 19-14 road win over the Mountaineers today. After a dark and gloomy four years for Syracuse football, Doug Marrone has a good thing going on. People always joke about Syracuse football, but I only have to list a few names from recent years: Donovan McNabb, Marvin Harrison, Dwight Freeney, and Keith Bulluck have all been All-Pro NFL talents. Not many schools can claim a roster like that.

ANCHORAGE – OFF THE ICE

The trip to Anchorage has been fun as a whole. Thursday night, Coach Sauter, Jason Switzer, and I went on a brisk arctic walk in search of a convenience store; a search that lasted roughly 12 minutes. Last night, new Aces broadcaster Josh Bogorad and I sampled the cuisine of Humpy’s in Downtown Anchorage. Featured on the Food Network, Humpy’s provided Halibut Tacos that could only be matched by Red Fish Blue Fish in Victoria, BC. Tonight, the team will depart Anchorage on a red-eye, and arrive back in Boise with a few days to recover before welcoming Utah to town for Wednesday night’s clash at Qwest Arena.

Following tonight’s game, we’ll head to the airport, and I’ll purchase a copy of the USA Today College Hoops Preview.  Duke, Michigan State, and Syracuse, of course, are all teams to watch this season. 

LASTLY, MY ON-THE-ROAD SONG OF THE WEEK:

“You” from the Grand Rapids, Michigan ska band Mustard Plug.

I’ll be talking to you all later. Tune in tonight on KTIK and/or America One for all the action from Anchorage beginning at 9:00PM MST.