The Idaho Steelheads have won the Western Conference, eliminating the Toledo Walleye from the Kelly Cup Playoffs in five games. Toledo could not find an answer for Idaho’s crisp play and impeccable offense. In goal for Toledo on Saturday was Sebastian Cossa, and for Idaho, Adam Scheel.
Toledo struck first in the first in hopes of extending the series, but it would be their only goal of the game. Thomas Ebbing scored a full-strength goal at 3:02. Brett McKenzie and Conlan Keenan assisted his goal. Toledo held the lead for most of the first period until Idaho’s A.J. White found the back of the net at 13:19. Dawson Barteaux and Wade Murphy assisted his goal. Late in the period, Idaho took the lead with a goal by Owen Headrick (18:34). Ryan Dmowski assisted his goal. Neither team was penalized in Period 1. Idaho got by Cossa in two of their five shots on goal. Toledo had 14 shots on goal.
Toledo spent half of Period two trying to fight off power plays. Despite being on power plays, Idaho was unable to convert. Both goals came at full-strength, 6:17 and 10:08. The third goal of the night was scored on a breakaway by Jordan Kawaguchi, assisted by White and Murphy. The fourth goal was scored by Headrick, assisted by Jack Becker and Justin Misiak. After Headrick’s goal, Toledo pulled Cossa from goal and put in ECHL Goalie of the Year, John Lethemon. Toledo only had seven shots on goal to Idaho’s 13. Period two ended with Idaho up 4-1.
The Idaho Steelheads dominated the third period. Patrick Kudla scored an equal-strength goal at 8:33, assisted by Headrick and Misiak. Toledo had one penalty for tripping by Brandon Hawkins but were able to fight off the power play. Toledo had only two shots on goal during the entire period. Idaho had seven shots on goal. Idaho ended Toledo’s season with a 5-1 win.
The Idaho Steelheads await the Eastern Conference Finals winner, the series between the Newfoundland Growlers and Florida Everblades. The series is currently tied 2-2.
