Beware the Ides of March. Keeping in mind one of history's most famous warnings, no ECHL games were scheduled for March 15, 2010. Despite struggling in their home series with the league leading Idaho Steelheads, the Salmon Kings put on a highly entertaining show in the Saturday finale. They made a 5-3 loss a close game with hits and good plays that enthralled the fans. Newcomer Jeff Lynch scored his first ECHL goal and Scott Howes returned to active duty. Chad Painchauld's 61 points, leads the Salmon Kings and has him 13th in ECHL scoring, Wes Goldie's 40 goals remains the ECHL gold standard. Painchaud also leads the team with 34 assits. Tim Weddurburn's consistently stellar defense is aptly demonstrated by his team leading Plus 10.

Looking at ECHL individual stats, Wes Goldie is 1st in goals(40), 1st in game winners (8), 2nd in shots (250), 7th in power play goals (12) and 12th for insurance goals. He is also 6 for 9 in shootout attempts. Chad Painchaud is 12th in goal scoring (27). Victoria's 811 PIMs remain the lowest in the ECHL.

WRANGLERS CORRAL FOURTH---while the Salmon Kings struggled with Idaho, the Las Vegas Wranglers were sweeping the Bakersfield Condors. The result is 67 points for the Wranglers, putting them in 4th spot and with the Condors at 69 and the Salmon Kings with 68 points, the Vegas crew is in close contact. With the regular season reaching its final phase, the National Conference sees a small six point separation from the 2nd place Condors to the 8th spot Ontario Reign. Depending on how the various games turn out, it looks to be a wild ride for fans in seven of the eight Conference cities.

Perhaps this weeks California portion of the two week road trip, with a game in Stockton and two in Bakersfield will ultimately decide the fate of the 2009-10 Victoria Salmon Kings.