Stockton Thunder vs. Bakersfield Condors
TICKETS: Sit wherever you want, for just $10 tonight
DATE:: Friday, October 7, 2011
TIME: 7:30 p.m.
SITE: Stockton Arena
RADIO: 92.5 FM (inside Stockton Arena only)
ONLINE: StocktonThunder.com (AmericaOne)
NHL AFFILIATES
Stockton Thunder: Edmonton Oilers, San Jose Sharks
Bakersfield Condors: None
NEXT HOME GAME
Friday, October 14, 2011 vs. Colorado Eagles (Opening Night) – 7:30 p.m.
TONIGHT’S MATCHUP
The Thunder open the 2011-12 preseason tonight against the Bakersfield Condors at Stockton Arena, the first of back-to-back matchups in as many days against their Pacific Division rivals. Both teams finished tied for first place in the Pacific Division last year and the Condors were awarded the title banner via a tiebreaker. Both teams will become very familiar with each other – there are 13 matchups ahead in the regular season, featuring a coaching matchup of past and present Thunder representatives. Both teams will close the preseason schedule tomorrow night in a rematch at Rabobank Arena.
THUNDER TEAM NOTES
The Thunder will roll out a re-tooled lineup tonight, featuring seven returning players from last year’s team and two newcomers – Jason Morgan and Matt Foy – who have playing experience in the National Hockey League. Morgan has suited up for five NHL clubs, most recently with Minnesota Wild. Coincidentally, Foy joins him as a reunited teammate, who previously skated with Morgan in Minnesota and in the American Hockey League with the Houston Aeros. Additionally, right winger Kevin Baker joins the roster after spending last season in Italy with Ritten-Renon and capturing the ECHL’s Most Valuable Player award with the Florida Everblades in 2008-09.
SIX DEGREES OF SEPARATION
The Thunder will be squaring off with familiar faces on the rival bench. The Condors are led by new head coach Matt O’Dette, who was with the Thunder the last three seasons as a defenseman and assistant coach. He either played or coached under head coach Matt Thomas from 2005-11 in Stockton and Fresno. Joining O’Dette on the Condors roster are four former Thunder players – goaltender Bryan Pitton, forwards Matt Marquardt and Jesse Gimblett, and defenseman Trevor Hunt (brother Garet is in his fourth season with the Thunder).
FREE PLAY
The Thunder return to Stockton Arena on Sunday for “Fan Fest” at 4:00 p.m., hosting an event that is free-of-charge and open the public, providing fans with a rare opportunity to interact with Thunder players and coaching staff, collect autographs and photos and pick up brand new Thunder merchandise for the season while experiencing a taste of the Thunder game night experience. Thunder players will participate in events such as Puck Control Relay, Hardest Shot and Breakaway Relay. The expanded event will include a special raffle, offering fans a chance to take their shot at a Thunder goaltender on the ice and a unique “empty net” shot competition for goaltenders.
The Fan Deck will be open during the event, where all fans will have a chance to win Thunder prizes and present kids with a chance to enroll in the new, no cost Thor’s “Kids Club.”Following the Skills Competition, several members of the Thunder will sign autographs for fans on the Fan Deck. Fans can also bring their hockey and lifestyle questions for their favorite player and coaching staff from 5-6 p.m. in the Comcast Club for a special “Q&A Session.”
-WRITTEN BY THE STOCKTON THUNDER-
*This article was reposted at OilersJambalaya.com with the permission from the Stockton Thunder hockey club.*
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