San Diego gulls beat Tucson Roadrunners, 7-6

SAN DIEGO (KUSI) — The San Diego Gulls scored six consecutive goals, including two by Kevin Roy, to overcome an early three-goal deficit in a 7-6 victory over the Tucson Roadrunners, 7-6, Saturday in the season openers for both teams in Tucson, Arizona.

A power-play goal by Roy nine minutes, 25 seconds into the first period started the Gulls on their stretch of six unanswered goals. Their next goals came from Sam Carrick and Steve Oleksy, with the first period ending in a 3-3 tie.

Power-play goals by Andy Welinski and Roy gave the Gulls a 5-3 lead 5:28 into the second period. Nic Kerdiles increased the Gulls lead to 6-3 50 seconds later. Kerdiles had assisted on Oleksy and Welinski’s goals.

The Roadrunners cut the deficit to 6-4 on Scott Allen’s goal 12:50 into the period.

The Gulls regained a three-goal lead 23 seconds later when Mitch Hults scored off Roy’s assist.

Tucson, the Arizona Coyotes American Hockey League affiliate, scored the final two goals. Mario Kempe scored an unassisted goal with 1:21 left in the second period. Jens Looke scored a power-play goal 6:39 into the third period.

The Roadrunners took a 3-0 lead 8:06 into the game, with former Gulls scoring two of the goals.

Emerson Etem, who suffered a season-ending knee injury in the only game he played for the Gulls last season, opened the scoring at 3:40. Conor Garland scored a power-play goal at 4:50. Former Gull Zac Larraza scored at 8:06.

The Gulls scored on three of their seven power-play opportunities.

Tucson scored on two of its five power-play opportunities before a crowd at the Tucson Convention Center Arena announced at 5,711.

Kevin Boyle stopped 30 of the 36 shots he faced for the Gulls, the Anaheim Ducks AHL affiliate. Hunter Miska allowed all seven Gulls goals and made 18 saves over the first two periods for the Roadrunners. Adin Hill stopped both shots he faced in the third period.

The Gulls will next play Friday in their home opener at Valley View Casino Center against the Texas Stars, the Dallas Stars’ AHL affiliate.