MLN Newswire - www.mlntherawfeed.com- ANCHORAGE, Alaska - Scott Burt scored the game-winner at 2:16 of overtime as Alaska closed out 2008 with a 3-2 victory over Stockton before 5,193 Wednesday at Sullivan Arena.

The Aces remain unbeaten in 12 meetings with the Thunder in Anchorage (9-0-3) and climb within a point of second-place Idaho and within seven of idle Victoria in the West Division. Stockton still does not have a win in its last six games (0-5-1) but did earn a point under new head coach Matt Thomas, the former Fresno bench boss who lost his job when the Falcons ceased operations December 22, then replaced Chris Cichocki Monday.

The Thunder out-shot Alaska 13-5 in the first period on New Year's Eve, but came away with nothing to show for that effort, and the Aces began the second period on a power play. But Alaska not only failed to score but surrendered its third shorthanded goal of the season when Damian Surma beat Jean-Philippe Lamoureux on a breakaway at 1:29. Only 29 seconds later, former Fresno all-star Igor Gongalsky found Garet Hunt in the slot, and suddenly, the visitors had a 2-0 lead.

The Aces (18-12-1) redeemed themselves on the power play when Alexandre Imbeault followed his own rebound to put Alaska on the board at 7:58 of the middle frame, his 10th goal of the year. Vladimir Novak set up Tomas Kana for a one-timer from the right circle that tied the contest just 58.8 seconds before the break. Both teams managed 10 shots on goal in a scoreless third period, and Burt's goal, a wrist shot from the left circle that trickled through Glenn Fisher's pads, was the only one the Aces attempted in overtime. Lamoureux, named the starter for the National Conference All-Star team on Tuesday, finished with 30 saves to earn his league-leading 15th win of the season.

Alaska and Stockton (10-17-5) take tomorrow off before colliding again Friday and Saturday at 7:15 p.m. Both games will be broadcast live on KFQD AM 750, with coverage beginning 15 minutes prior to the opening face-off.

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