The Alaska Aces jumped out to an early 2-0 lead over the Idaho Steelheads and held on to beat their ECHL rival, 4-2 to begin a three-game series at Sullivan Arena. Alaska improves to 3 and 0 on the young season.
Tyler Ruegsegger scored 14 seconds into regulation, and added another at 2:15 of the first period to lift the Aces. His second goal ended the evening for Idaho's starting goaltender, Steve Christie.
After Garry Nunn's goal at 8:41 of the first, Idaho made a game out of it, closing to within 3-2 in the third before Dan Kissel put the game away with his third goal of the season with 4:23 remaining.
The Aces outshot the Steelheads, 39-18 and will host Idaho twice more on Friday and Saturday.