Gulls Rock Out, Secure Key Win Against Tucson

Mar 28, 2025

By Samantha Mason/SanDiegoGulls.com

The Gulls certainly rocked and rolled all night, defeating the Tucson Roadrunners 5-1 for Classic Rock Night. 

This victory gave them the momentum that they needed as they battle the Roadrunners for the final playoff spot in the Pacific Division, as San Diego now sits five points behind Tucson with nine games to play. 

The opening frame came and went without a goal from either side.  

Ian Moore kicked off the scoring with his first goal as a Gull, and the first one of his professional career. With an assist from Jan Mysak and Justin Bailey, the power play goal put the Gulls in the lead 1-0. 

Tristan Luneau netted San Diego’s second, his seventh goal and 48th point of the season, assisted by Judd Caulfield and Carsen Twarynski. 

"We knew tonight was going to be a huge game for us, and we just knew we had to go out there and play our game," said Caulfield. "Just focus on this game. That's the biggest task at hand right now, and put ourselves in a better position. And we know he's got to keep bringing that up. Keep bringing that effort." 

Justin Bailey kept the good times rolling, assisted by Tyson Hinds and Noah Warren. San Diego was now on top 3-0. He scored his second goal of the game shortly after, with help from Nico Myatovic and Ryan Carpenter. 

"I’m just trying to move my feet, trying to impact the game as much as I can," said Bailey. "There's a lot of really good efforts. Howie had a huge block, Pitre had a couple really good blocks. Everybody's really bought in. And when everyone's bought in going down the stretch, it's fun to play these games." 

Tucson scored their first goal with less than five minutes left to play. But San Diego topped the night off with a fifth goal on an empty net, courtesy of Caulfield. 

"[The game was] fun to watch on a lot of different levels," said head coach Matt McIlvane. "Such a concentrated effort by our group and really impressed by the guys. The playoff push, just like the playoffs, the next game's the biggest, so we'll get ready for Calgary tomorrow." 

The Gulls return to Pechanga Arena tomorrow night to host the Calgary Wranglers for Mexican Heritage Night (6 p.m. PDT).