Stockton Thunder Wins Game 3 With A 5 Goal 3rd Period Outburst / A Game Recap

GAME 3 RECAP: Stockton 7 - Alaska 4

04/09/2010 10:10 PM

SEVEN HEAVEN
Thunder sends Alaska to brink of elimination in five-goal third period rally

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FINAL STATS: BOX SCORE
VIDEO: Highlights and postgame locker room reaction
AUDIO: Game highlights


STOCKTON, Calif. - All-star center Chris D'Alvise scored two goals and added an assist, Andrew Perugini made 39 saves and the Stockton Thunder scored a playoff club record five goals in the third period, en route to a thrilling 7-4 victory over the Alaska Aces in Game 3 of the National Conference Quarterfinal of the 2010 Kelly Cup Playoffs, before 4,212 fans at Stockton Arena on Friday.

The Thunder, who took a 2-1 series (best-of-five) lead and sent Alaska to the brink of elimination in the first round, scored five times in a span of 6:42 in the third period, ending with Ryan Constant's second goal of the night, an empty-netter with 1:55 left.

STOCKTON VS. ALASKA - NATIONAL CONFERENCE QUARTERFINALS
Game 1: Stockton 3 at Alaska 4
Game 2: Stockton 5 at Alaska 2
Game 3: Alaska 4 at Stockton 7
Game 4: Alaska at Stockton - Saturday, April 10 - 7:30 p.m. (Stockton Arena)
Game 5: Alaska at Stockton - Monday, April 12 - 7:00 p.m. (Stockton Arena) *
* If necessary

"In this whole series to date, the third period has won it," said Thunder head coach Matt Thomas. "I know we learned a very good lesson. Ultimately, we found a way to win and when it was on the line, we made it happen. We didn't have that playoff inch at first but we really earned it with our effort and lift in momentum in the end. We have to be ready for the challenges that lie ahead for tomorrow night."

Kelly Czuy picked up his third consecutive multi-point game in the postseason and the game-winning goal. (photo by George Steckler)

The Thunder, who has scored nine goals in the third period of the last two combined games, also received a goal each from Jason Pitton, Matt Marquardt and the eventual-game winner from Kelly Czuy with 5:16 left in the game.

A pair of power-play goals by two defensemen left the score knotted, 1-1 after the first period beginning on Bryan Miller's backdoor finish with 12:58 left when he finished Judd Blackwater's cross-ice pass at the left circle.

Constant helped the Thunder retaliate with 2:57 left in the period when he finished off a pass by Marquardt from between the circles with a one-timer that beat Scott Reid to the blocker side.

The Thunder grabbed the lead for the first time in the game on D'Alvise's breakaway goal, his second of the playoffs, with 1:42 gone in the second period when he converted Matt Robinson's lead pass on a backhand deke.

The eight-goal third period for both teams started when Alaska countered with back-to-back goals from Miller, his second of the game, and rookie Dion Knelsen and took a 3-2 lead with 14:13 left in the game.

Following a timeout, the Thunder regrouped and began the remarkable rally on Pitton's game-tying goal, on the power-play, with 8:37 left when he re-directed a pass from the left corner, off traffic at the goal mouth.

Marquardt then took an Igor Gongalsky drop pass and beat Reid with a snap shot from the right circle with 5:55 left, sending Stockton Arena into pandemonium with a 4-3 Thunder lead.

On the ensuing shift, J.F. Caudron slipped a pass to Czuy at the base of the left circle and fired a wrist shot past Reid for a 5-3 Thunder lead just 41 seconds later, when Reid came off the blocker side of the post.

The Aces called a timeout and capitalized on the following faceoff. Driving down the left wing, Blackwater snuck a wrist shot past Perugini from off the rush to cut the deficit to 5-4, just nine seconds after Czuy's goal.

D'Alvise restored the Thunder two-goal cushion with 3:01 left in the game on a four-on-four skating situation, converting James Bates' centering pass from between the hash marks with a one-timer past Reid's blocker.

Constant then put the Aces away with an empty-net goal from his own blueline with 1:55 remaining.

The Thunder fired 20 shots on goal in the third period and victimized Reid, who was making his first start of the playoffs, with the loss on 39 saves.

NOTES: The Thunder scratched Riley Emmerson (inactive list), Brett Hemingway (inactive list), Trevor Hunt (inactive list), Justin DaCosta (healthy) and Colin Hemingway (injury, day-to-day) ... the Thunder converted at a 2-for-3 rate on the power-play ... Stockton's seven goals, a team playoff record as well, toppled the six-goal mark achieved twice (last: Apr. 11, 2009 at Ontario - 6-5 win) ... the Thunder improved to 2-3 in lifetime in Game 3 situations and have won five of the last seven home playoff games ... Czuy's third straight multi-point game gave him 21 points in 16 career first rounds games with Stockton and Las Vegas.

The Thunder, who can advance to the second round of the playoffs for the second straight year with a win on Saturday, host the Aces, at Stockton Arena at 7:30 p.m. The game can be viewed online exclusively at www.stocktonthunder.com, courtesy of B2 Networks (audio is free of charge). Tickets are available by calling (209) 373-1700 or by visiting http://www.stocktontickets.com/ .

The Thunder was voted "Best Local Sports Team" by readers of the San Joaquin Magazine, has led the ECHL in attendance for four consecutive seasons and drew 223,854 fans to Stockton Arena in 2008-09. Season Tickets for 2009-10 are on sale now. For more information about tickets, merchandise, or other inquiries contact the Stockton Thunder offices at (209) 373-1500 or visit http://www.stocktonthunder.com/.

THREE STARS:
1. STK - 10 Chris D'Alvise
2. STK - 34 Kelly Czuy
3. AK - 15 Bryan Miller

Written by the Stockton Thunder

*Reprinted by Oilers Jambalaya with permission from Stockton Thunder Professional Hockey Club, ECHL. The Stockton Thunder are a proud 'AA' affiliate of the Edmonton Oilers (NHL) and Springfield Falcons (AHL) *

Thunder Even Up Series With Win Over Alaska

GAME 2 RECAP: Stockton 5 - Alaska 2

04/06/2010 11:18 PM

FIT TO BE TIED
Thunder send series back to Stockton tied, 1-1 in four goal third period rally

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FINAL STATS: BOX SCORE
AUDIO: Game highlights


WASILLA, Alaska - A four goal effort in the third period, stamping a string of three unanswered goals, helped the Stockton Thunder sink the host the Alaska Aces in a 5-2 victory in Game 2 of the National Conference Quarterfinals of the 2010 Kelly Cup Playoffs at the Menard Memorial Sports Center on Tuesday.

The Thunder, who tied the best-of-five series, 1-1, return home to Stockton Arena for Game 3 on Friday. Forwards Kelly Czuy (1g-1a), Oren Eizenman (two assists), defensemen Anthony Aiello (1g-1a) and Jordan Bendfeld (two assists) all led the offense with two points apiece while goaltender Andrew Perugini made 28 saves.

STOCKTON VS. ALASKA - NATIONAL CONFERENCE QUARTERFINALS
Game 1: Stockton 3 at Alaska 4
Game 2: Stockton 5 at Alaska 2
Game 3: Alaska at Stockton - Friday, April 9 - 7:30 p.m. (Stockton Arena)
Game 4: Alaska at Stockton - Saturday, April 10 - 7:30 p.m. (Stockton Arena)
Game 5: Alaska at Stockton - Monday, April 12 - 7:00 p.m. (Stockton Arena) *
* If necessary


"It's a huge win from the standpoint we needed to come up here and gain a split, giving us a chance going back to our own home ice," said Thunder head coach Matt Thomas. "I'm proud of the guys for how they responded."

The Thunder, who handed Alaska their fourth Game 2 loss in franchise history, improved to 2-3 in Game 2 situations.

Following a scoreless first period where the Thunder owned a 9-5 lead in shots on goal, Alaska responded with several scoring chances in front of Perugini but were thwarted on a diving glove save at the doorstep on the Aces' Jarrett Konkle with over six minutes into the period.

The pressure continued and after Alaska killed a 5-on-3 penalty kill, Ryan Turek sent the partisan crowd into eruption with his first goal of the postseason with 8:41 left when he corralled Brock McBride's feed at the left circle and slipped a wrist shot through traffic for a 1-0 lead.

The Thunder had a breakaway by Kelly Czuy negated on an offside call but continued to press and finally knotted the score, 1-1 on a Czuy shorthanded goal with less than 33.7 seconds left when he blasted a shapshot past Billy Sauer from the right wing.

Marquardt, who had fired eight shots in the game already, finally broke through with his first goal of the postseason to give the Thunder a 2-1 lead and stunning the Aces home crowd with 2:26 gone in the third period when his wrist shot from the right wing beat Sauer off the rush.

A power-play goal by Caudron, who knocked in a rebound at the right goal post, put the Thunder ahead, 3-1 with 13:46 remaining on his second goal of the playoffs after Sauer stopped Czuy's shot from the left circle.

Alaska crawled back into the game on a Bryan Miller goal from between the hash marks just 2:10 later, cutting the deficit to one.

Yet, Stockton restored the two-goal gap with Pitton's first goal of the playoffs, coming with 4:34 left when he re-directed Bendfeld's drive from the right point to the back of the net.

An empty-net goal by Aiello with 24.4 seconds remaining sealed the game, when he hit the back of the net on a 190-foot heave from his own defensive zone, completing the rally.

"We talked about momentum as a team and how it helps you in the playoffs," said Thomas. "We created a ton of it with a great goal at the end of the second. Then we came out with the right energy and had guys like Pitton and Marquardt scoring while our power play steps up. We did the little things that were needed to win and rally from a tie game, on the road, in the third period."

Sauer was tagged with the loss, making 26 saves for Alaska.

NOTES: The Thunder scratched Riley Emmerson (inactive list), Brett Hemingway (inactive list), Trevor Hunt (inactive list), Justin DaCosta (healthy) and Colin Hemingway (injury, day-to-day) ... the only other Game 2 win in Thunder history was at Ontario last year, a 6-5 win in the first round - Stockton went onto win the series in seven games ... the Thunder went 1-for-4 on the power-play and kept Alaska sealed at an 0-for-3 clip ... Czuy's multi-point game gave him 19 points in 15 career first rounds games with Stockton and Las Vegas.

The series moves to Stockton Arena for the remainder of the series and game three, between the Thunder and Aces, is at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. The game can be viewed online exclusively at www.stocktonthunder.com, courtesy of B2 Networks (audio is free of charge).

The Thunder was voted "Best Local Sports Team" by readers of the San Joaquin Magazine, has led the ECHL in attendance for four consecutive seasons and drew 223,854 fans to Stockton Arena in 2008-09. Season Tickets for 2009-10 are on sale now. For more information about tickets, merchandise, or other inquiries contact the Stockton Thunder offices at (209) 373-1500 or visit http://www.stocktonthunder.com/  

THREE STARS:
1. STK - 34 Kelly Czuy
2. STK - 7 Anthony Aiello
3. STK - 9 Oren Eizenm

Stockton Thunder Goes For The Kelly Cup / Yesterdays Game 1 Recap

GAME 1 RECAP: Alaska 4 - Stockton 3

04/05/2010 11:41 PM

FINISHING WITH THE CRUMS

Crum's two goals lifts Alaska to late rally, lead series 1-0

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FINAL STATS: BOX SCORE

AUDIO: Game highlights

WASILLA, Alaska - Defenseman B.J. Crum scored back-to-back goals, including the game-winner with 2:51 left in regulation to snap a 3-3 tie and help the Alaska Aces rally in a third period comeback, defeating the Stockton Thunder, 4-3 in Game 1 of the Kelly Cup Playoffs National Conference Quarterfinal round at the Menard Memorial Sports Center on Monday.

Alaska, who took a 1-0 series lead, were led by Crum's two goals in the game, who mounted half of his three-year career total (4) in just a five-minute span. Kelly Czuy led the Thunder with a goal and assist, while Chris D'Alvise and J.F. Caudron also scored for Stockton.

STOCKTON VS. ALASKA - NATIONAL CONFERENCE QUARTERFINALS
Game 1: Stockton 3 at Alaska 4
Game 2: Stockton at Alaska - Tuesday, April 6 - 8:30 p.m. (Menard Memorial Sports Center)
Game 3: Alaska at Stockton - Friday, April 9 - 7:30 p.m. (Stockton Arena)
Game 4: Alaska at Stockton - Saturday, April 10 - 7:30 p.m. (Stockton Arena) *
Game 5: Alaska at Stockton - Monday, April 12 - 7:00 p.m. (Stockton Arena) *
* If necessary

"It's pretty evident we're in the playoffs now," said Thunder head coach Matt Thomas. "Territorially, we dominated the game. But we got beat in a nine minute span. We learned we have got to be better when the game is on the line and it counts. We ran around making mistake after mistake and it cost us."

The Thunder rallied from a 2-0 hole with three unanswered goals and at one point, owned a 21-17 shots advantage after two periods.Alaska took a 2-1 edge after one period, beginning on back-to-back goals from T.J. Fast and Jason Ryznar.

Fast drilled a wrist shot from the left wing with 7:17 gone in the game for a power-play goal, and Ryznar followed with a shorthanded goal with 8:45 left when his wrist shot from the right wing snuck through Andrew Perugini's five-hole.

Czuy silenced the partisan crowd just 27 seconds later with a power-play goal to cut the gap to 2-1, taking Oren Eizenman's pass and blasting a slap shot under the crossbar.

The Thunder continued to build on momentum with two goals in the second period, outshooting the Aces 9-6 and taking a 3-2 lead. D'Alvise scored the first playoff goal of his career with 10:43 left in the period when his one-timer beat Billy Sauer from between the circles.

Caudron then struck for a shocking, 60-foot slapshot goal before the buzzer to put the Thunder ahead for the first time of the game, 3-2 with less than three seconds left.

The Thunder continued to apply physical force in the opening minutes of the period but were hemmed in the defensive zone for Crum's tying goal, with 7:04 left in the game, when he took Brock McBride's cross ice pass at the left wing and buried his first of the playoffs from the left circle.

Following a timeout by the Thunder with less than four minutes left, the Aces' Crum notched his second of the game with 2:51 remaining, when his slapshot at the high slot seared its way through traffic after he cradled a Thunder clearing pass.

"The easy thing is to know we weren't going undefeated in the playoffs and learned a valuable lesson in game one," said Thomas. "We learned a lot can happen and we can correct it moving forward."

Perugini took the loss, making 15 saves while counterpart Billy Sauer won in his playoff debut with 18 stops.

NOTES: The Thunder scratched Riley Emmerson (inactive list), Brett Hemingway (inactive list), Trevor Hunt (inactive list), Justin DaCosta (healthy) and Colin Hemingway (injury, day-to-day) ... the Thunder fell to 3-2, lifetime in game one contests ... their only other game one loss was to Ontario in last year's first round, 4-3, and Stockton won the seven-game series, 4-3 ... Alaska's leading scorer, Nick Mazzolini, left the game in the first period due to injury when he fell to the ice in a post-whistle altercation with Jordan Bendfeld and did not return.

Game two series is Tuesday at the Menard Center in Wasilla beginning at 8:30 p.m. between Stockton and Alaska. The game can be heard on radio at 1280 KWSX and viewed online exclusively at www.stocktonthunder.com, courtesy of B2 Networks (audio is free of charge).

The Thunder was voted "Best Local Sports Team" by readers of the San Joaquin Magazine, has led the ECHL in attendance for four consecutive seasons and drew 223,854 fans to Stockton Arena in 2008-09. Season Tickets for 2009-10 are on sale now. For more information about tickets, merchandise, or other inquiries contact the Stockton Thunder offices at (209) 373-1500 or visit http://www.stocktonthunder.com/


THREE STARS:
1. AK - 2 B.J. Crum
2. STK - 34 Kelly Czuy
3. AK - 15 Bryan Miller

Written By The Stockton Thunder

*Reprinted by Oilers Jambalaya with permission from Stockton Thunder Professional Hockey Club, ECHL. The Stockton Thunder are a proud 'AA' affiliate of the Edmonton Oilers (NHL) and Springfield Falcons (AHL) *

Stockton Thunder (ECHL) Go To Playoffs / Final Roster Named

Bendfeld Returns, Playoff Roster Announced

04/05/2010 2:02 PM - Bendfeld reassigned from Springfield; playoff tickets on sale now

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STOCKTON, Calif. - The Stockton Thunder, the proud ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League's Edmonton Oilers and American Hockey League's Springfield Falcons, announced the Oilers have reassigned defenseman Jordan Bendfeld to the Thunder from Springfield.

The roster move completes the team's mandatory 24-man playoff roster, which was due to the ECHL league office at Noon PT on Monday (subject to verification by the ECHL league office).

Additionally, it was announced that defenseman Trevor Hunt, right wingers Brett Hemingway and Riley Emmerson have been placed on the playoff inactive list and goaltender Bryce Christianson was signed as an emergency backup goaltender.

Bendfeld, 22, who earned the first recall of his AHL career on Mar. 3, and was selected in the seventh round (193rd overall) of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft by Edmonton and this season posted an assist and seven penalty minutes in 10 AHL games.

The 6-foot-3, 230-pound defenseman skated in 52 games for Stockton this regular season, collecting ten assists and 91 penalty minutes.

Through 69 career games with the Thunder, the 6-foot-3, 230-pound defenseman has scored one goal, 12 assists and posted 116 penalty minutes through two seasons (2008-10).

Christianson, 23, competed for the last three seasons (2007-10) in college at the University of Alaska-Anchorage (NCAA), compiling a record of 11-20-4 with a .876 save percentage with two career shutouts.

The 6-foot-2, 195-pound goaltender enjoyed a career-best 2.60 GAA, 21 games played and 8-8-4 record as a 2008-09 sophomore.

STOCKTON THUNDER PLAYOFF ROSTER:

Goaltenders (3): Bryce Christianson, Andrew Perugini, Bryan Pitton*

Defensemen (8): Anthony Aiello, Jordan Bendfeld, Ryan Constant, Justin DaCosta, Trevor Hunt, Daryl Marcoux, Steve Vanoosten, Bryan Young

Forwards (13): James Bates, J.F. Caudron, Kelly Czuy, Chris D'Alvise, Oren Eizenman, Riley Emmerson, Igor Gongalsky, Brett Hemingway, Colin Hemingway, Garet Hunt, Matt Marquardt, Jason Pitton, Matt Robinson
* Denotes currently on recall or loan to respective American Hockey League club (AHL)

Game one of the Kelly Cup Playoffs (National Conference Quarterfinal) begins tonight at the Menard Center in Wasilla beginning at 8:30 p.m. between Stockton and Alaska. The game can be heard on radio at 1280 KWSX and viewed online exclusively at www.stocktonthunder.com, courtesy of B2 Networks (audio is free of charge).

Kelly Cup Playoff tickets start as low as $9 per seat and range to $28 (Comcast Club). Current Thunder season ticket holders receive tickets to the first two rounds of the Kelly Cup Playoffs in their ticket package. Fans wishing to get priority seating on playoff tickets can do so by placing a deposit on new Thunder season tickets for the 2010-11 season.

The Thunder returns home for game three of the series on Friday, beginning at 7:30 p.m. at Stockton Arena.

A two-time recipient of the ECHL "Award of Excellence," the Thunder was voted "Best Local Sports Team" by readers of the San Joaquin Magazine, has led the ECHL in attendance for four consecutive seasons and drew 223,854 fans to Stockton Arena in 2008-09. Season tickets for 2009-10 are on sale now. For more information about tickets, merchandise, or other inquiries contact the Stockton Thunder offices at (209) 373-1500 or visit http://www.stocktonthunder.com/ 

Written by the Stockton Thunder

Stockton Thunder Lose In A Tight Game / A Game Recap

GAME RECAP: Bakersfield 5 - Stockton 4

03/31/2010 10:03 PM

OUT OF TIME
6,871 fans witness wild comeback attempt in 5-4 loss, regular season home finale

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FINAL STATS: LINK TO BOX SCORE
VIDEO: Highlights and postgame locker room reaction
AUDIO: Game highlights

STOCKTON, Calif. - A five-goal attack by the Bakersfield Condors in the first two periods was enough to stave off a furious three-goal rally by the Stockton Thunder (33-28-9, 75 points) in final period, ultimately a 5-4 Thunder loss before a crowd of 6,871 at Stockton Arena on Wednesday night.

Chris D'Alvise's pair of goals put him one off the Thunder single-season record (35).

(photo by George Steckler)

The Thunder, who finished the regular season home schedule at 17-12-7, were led offensively by Chris D'Alvise's pair of goals, needing one to tie Ryan Huddy's single-season record (35) set last season. James Bates also chipped in with three assists and Bryan Young and Oren Eizenman also scored for the Thunder.

Bakersfield took sole possession of first place in the Pacific Division, two points ahead of the Thunder with two games left.

The Thunder fell behind early and trailed 3-0 after one period, starting on a Gino Guyer goal from the slot with 7:16 gone in the period. Dan Kissel snuck a wrist shot past Kurtis Mucha's blocker side on a partial breakaway with 10:41 gone to make it 2-0.

Then with 6:54 left after a Thunder penalty kill, a Thunder turnover produced Jean-Marc Beaudoin's first professional goal, sneaking a wrist shot under the crossbar from the right circle to hike Bakersfield's lead to 3-0.

Stephane Goulet's breakaway goal boosted the Condors edge to 4-0 with 4:04 gone in the second period, but the Thunder finally broke Timo Pielmeier's shutout string on the 33rd goal of the year by D'Alvise, who buried a backhander under the crossbar from close range and cut the deficit to 4-1 just 16 seconds later.

Yet, Bakersfield padded the lead again when Nick Kemp finished Ryan Menei's centering feed from the left corner with 4:50 left in the second and pushed the Thunder back into a four-goal hole.

Following a deliberate pace of play for the opening minutes of the third period, the Thunder cut the gap to 5-2 on Young's fourth goal of the season with 9:50 left, burying a rebound at the left goal post after Pielmeier stopped Steve Vanoosten's drive from the right point.

The comeback attempt was cranked up on two goals after the Thunder pulled Mucha for an extra attacker, beginning with Eizenman's 21st of the year to slice the deficit to 5-3 with 1:03 left when he converted Justin DaCosta's centering pass from between the circles.

Following an interference penalty issued to Ryan Constant, the Thunder won a faceoff in the defensive zone and James Bates sent a nifty, angled pass off the left boards to a streaking D'Alvise, who sent Stockton Arena's crowd into eruption and closed the deficit to 5-4 with just 35 seconds left when he buried a wrist shot into an open net after Pielmeier missed on a poke check by coming out of his net.

The Thunder then parlayed off the momentum with one final attack in the closing seconds, but Bates' snap shot and bid for the tie from the left circle caught the tip of Pielmeier's glove. The Condors tied the puck up in the right corner to close the game.

Mucha, making his first pro start, 25 saves in the loss. Menei's pair of assists led the Condors offensively and the team had 12 different players make the scoresheet.

NOTES: The Thunder scratched Brett Hemingway (healthy), Matt O'Dette (injured reserve), Trevor Hunt (injured reserve), Garet Hunt (injured reserve), Riley Emmerson (injured reserve) and Craig Valette (injured reserve) ... the Thunder finished the season series with a record of 6-4-2 against Bakersfield ... the Thunder were outshot, 30-26 by Bakersfield ... Stockton averaged over 6,000 fans for the fifth consecutive season ...

The Thunder held a regular season awards ceremony following the game: Garet Hunt (Fan Favorite), Chris D'Alvise (Rookie of the Year), Daryl Marcoux (Unsung Hero), James Bates (Offensive Player of the Year and Most Valuable Player) and Anthony Aiello (Defenseman of the Year).

The Thunder returns to play Friday on the road, visiting the Alaska Aces in an 8:15 p.m. faceoff at Sullivan Arena. The game can be heard on radio at 1280 KWSX and viewed online exclusively at http://www.stocktonthunder.com/ , courtesy of B2 Networks (audio is free of charge).

The Thunder was voted "Best Local Sports Team" by readers of the San Joaquin Magazine, has led the ECHL in attendance for four consecutive seasons and drew 223,854 fans to Stockton Arena in 2008-09. Season Tickets for 2009-10 are on sale now. For more information about tickets, merchandise, or other inquiries contact the Stockton Thunder offices at (209) 373-1500 or visit http://www.stocktonthunder.com/ .

THREE STARS:
1. BAK - 32 Ryan Menei
2. BAK - 14 Nick Kemp
3. STK - 10 Chris D'Alvise

Written by the Stockton Thunder

*Reprinted by Oilers Jambalaya with permission from Stockton Thunder Professional Hockey Club, ECHL. The Stockton Thunder are a proud 'AA' affiliate of the Edmonton Oilers (NHL) and Springfield Falcons (AHL) *

The Stockton Thunder Clinches Playoff Birth / A Game Recap

GAME RECAP: Stockton 6 - Bakersfield 4

03/30/2010 11:21 PM

FIT TO BE TIED
Thunder tied for first place, clinch playoff berth for fourth consecutive season
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FINAL STATS: BOX SCORE
AUDIO: Game highlights

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. - Kelly Czuy scored a pair of goals while James Bates (1g-2a) and Matt Robinson (1g-2a) each had three-point efforts to help steer the Stockton Thunder (33-27-9, 75 points) to a first place tie in the Pacific Division in a 6-4 win over the host Bakersfield Condors, before 4,491 fans at Rabobank Arena on Tuesday.

The Thunder, who have clinched their fourth consecutive Kelly Cup Playoff berth by owning a series of tie-breakers over Ontario (five points back in the conference) and Las Vegas (three points back), received goal-scoring support from James Bates, J.F. Caudron, Jason Pitton and Matt Robinson, who won for the third time in four games.

Launching into typical late-season form, Kelly Czuy had his first multi-goal game of the season.

(photo by George Steckler)

Andrew Perugini picked up the win in net, making 21 stops.

The Condors' Dan Kissel opened the scoring just 1:49 in with a snap shot goal from between the circles, but the Thunder retaliated with three unanswered goals for a 3-1 lead after one period.

Bates knotted the score off a turnover, drilling a slapshot through Timo Pielmeier's five-hole at 7:57 for his 27th goal of the season, and D'Alvise followed with a power-play goal for a 2-1 Thunder lead with 5:21 left on a drive from the high slot.

Another Condor turnover produced a loose puck for J.F. Caudron in the right corner, who found Czuy all alone at the front of the net. Czuy deked Pielmeier to the backhand and lifted a shot under the crossbar with 3:14 left in the period for a two-goal cushion.

Stephane Goulet's 28th goal of the season cut the deficit to 3-2 when his one-timer at the right circle found the back of the net with 5:11 gone in the second period, but the Thunder responded with a pair of goals to take their biggest lead of the game after two periods, 5-2.

Following two physical shifts spent in the Bakersfield zone, Robinson wired a wrist shot from off the rush at the left circle to hit the 30-goal plateau, hiking the lead to 4-2 with 8:57 left.

Then, Pitton's ninth goal of the season boosted Stockton's edge to 5-2 on a 2-on-1 break, when his snap shot at the right circle beat Pielmeier to the glove side with 3:20 left.

Eric Regan took a cross-ice pass from Stephane Goulet and netted his 16th of the year on a wrist shot at the right circle, cutting the gap to 5-3 with 8:50 gone in the third period.

A defensive turnover by the Thunder resulted in an Adam Naglich goal just 3:07 later, cutting the deficit down to a goal.

Yet, the Thunder were undeterred and put the game away on Czuy's second of the game with 3:24 left in regulation, capitalizing on a cross-ice pass by Pitton with a one-timer at the right goal post.

Pielmeier took the loss making 45 saves.

NOTES: Before the game, Mark Pavli was released ... the Thunder scratched Brett Hemingway (healthy), Matt O'Dette (injured reserve), Trevor Hunt (injured reserve), Garet Hunt (injured reserve), Riley Emmerson (injured reserve) and Craig Valette (injured reserve) ... Stockton outshot Bakersfield, 51-25 (a season-high for shots) and had 23 shots on goal in the second period ... Pitton had a goal and an assist in his first game back from the American Hockey League ... the Thunder improved to 6-3-2 in the head-to-head series ... Bakersfield had sole possession of first place for 55 straight games until the Thunder victory on Tuesday night ... Robinson's 30th goal gave the Thunder their first pair of 30-goal scorers (joining D'Alvise) in team history.

The Thunder returns to play tomorrow with its next game at 7:00 p.m., hosting the Bakersfield Condors at Stockton Arena for the regular season home finale. The game can be heard on and viewed online exclusively at http://www.stocktonthunder.com/ , courtesy of B2 Networks (audio is free of charge).

The Thunder was voted "Best Local Sports Team" by readers of the San Joaquin Magazine, has led the ECHL in attendance for four consecutive seasons and drew 223,854 fans to Stockton Arena in 2008-09. Season Tickets for 2009-10 are on sale now. For more information about tickets, merchandise, or other inquiries contact the Stockton Thunder offices at (209) 373-1500 or visit http://www.stocktonthunder.com/ .


THREE STARS:
1. STK - 34 Kelly Czuy
2. STK - 17 Jason Pitton
3. BAK - 29 Eric Regan

Written by the Stockton Thunder

*Reprinted by Oilers Jambalaya with permission from Stockton Thunder Professional Hockey Club, ECHL. The Stockton Thunder are a proud 'AA' affiliate of the Edmonton Oilers (NHL) and Springfield Falcons (AHL) *

Stockton Thunder Wins Thrilling Barn Burner 6-5 (ECHL)

GAME RECAP: Stockton 6 - Las Vegas 5

03/28/2010 7:02 PM

ROCKIN' ROBIN(SON)
6,845 fans enjoy wild Thunder come-from-behind win, Robinson's hat trick

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FINAL STATS: BOX SCORE
VIDEO: Highlights and postgame locker room reaction
AUDIO (Coming soon): Game highlights

STOCKTON, Calif. - Left winger Matt Robinson completed a hat trick on a dramatic, game-winning goal with 59.5 seconds left in regulation, helping the Stockton Thunder overcome two separate three-goal deficits in a thrilling 6-5 come-from-behind win over the Las Vegas Wranglers before a crowd of 6,845 at Stockton Arena on Sunday afternoon.

The Thunder, whose magic number was reduced to three to clinch a Kelly Cup Playoff berth, moved to within two points of the idle Bakersfield Condors for first place in the Pacific Division, scored three goals in the final period and five of the last six goals in the game.

Matt Robinson celebrates his second goal of the game in the third period, giving the Thunder their first lead of the game, 5-4. (photo by George Steckler)

Chris D'Alvise (1g-2a) and J.F. Caudron (1g-1a) chipped in with multi-point games while Bryan Young added a first period goal for the Thunder, helping backup goaltender Kurtis Mucha earn the first win of his pro career.

The Wranglers raced out to a 3-1 lead by scoring on their first shot and first three out of ten. Chris Neiszner fired a bullet from of the rush past Andrew Perugini just 1:18 into the game for a 1-0 Las Vegas edge, and Alex Bourret followed with a rebound at the doorstep into an open net for a 2-0 lead and a Las Vegas power-play goal just 1:48 later.

After Greg Collins converted a turnover with a snapshot at the left circle to put the Thunder in a 3-0 hole with 8:28 remaining, Perugini was lifted for Mucha, who made his Thunder debut.

The move sparked an early Thunder rally when Young's one-timer beat Jimmy Spratt from between the circles with 4:13 left in the period, cutting the deficit to 3-1 when Young converted on Kelly Czuy's pass from behind the net.

Barry Goers' first goal of his pro career stunted the Thunder comeback early in the second period with a slapshot at the right point that glanced off Mucha's glove for a 4-1 Las Vegas lead, coming 21 seconds into the period.

Back-to-back goals by Robinson and Caudron sliced the deficit to one goal before the end of the period, beginning on a Robinson rebound for his 27th goal with 6:55 left to cut the Las Vegas lead to 4-2.

Caudron beat Spratt on a breakaway, converting off Oren Eizenman's outlet pass with 1:29 left in the period, closing the gap to 4-3 on his 17th goal of the season and putting the Thunder back in the game.

Following a series of near-misses in front of Spratt to being the third period, D'Alvise's 31st goal of the year leveled the score at 4-4 on the power-play with 7:05 left when he rifled Justin DaCosta's cross-ice pass with a one-timer past Spratt's glove from the right circle.

Just 27 seconds later, Ryan Constant's drive from the left point caromed off a Robinson screen to the back of the net, sending Stockton Arena into delirium with the Thunder's first lead of the game at 5-4.

Yet, the Wranglers regrouped and tied the score with three minutes remaining at 5-5 on Adam Miller's 32nd goal of the season, the beneficiary of a Craig Switzer centering feed at the goal mouth that caromed through Mucha's five-hole.

The stage was set for Robinson's heroics and his 29th goal of the year and hat trick restored pandemonium in Stockton Arena with the eventual game-winner with 59.5 seconds left when he picked up a loose puck at the neutral zone on a counter-attack and drilled a slap shot past Spratt's blocker side from the left wing.

After Las Vegas pulled Spratt for an extra skater, Las Vegas worked the puck deep but failed to register a shot on net, preserving Stockton's comeback win.

NOTES: The Thunder scratched Brett Hemingway (healthy), Mark Pavli (injured reserve), Matt O'Dette (injured reserve), Trevor Hunt (healthy), Riley Emmerson (injured reserve) and Craig Valette (injured reserve) ... the Thunder finished the seven-game homestand at 4-3-0 ... Stockton registered its second comeback win when trailing after two periods ... the Thunder outshot Las Vegas, 32-27 and went 1-for-4 on the power-play ... eclipsing the 200,000 fan mark in attendance for the fifth straight season, the Thunder drew 20,615 fans during the weekend.

The Thunder returns to play Tuesday with its next game at 7:00 p.m., visiting the Bakersfield Condors at Rabobank Arena. The game can be heard on radio at 1280 KWSX and viewed online exclusively at www.stocktonthunder.com, courtesy of B2 Networks (audio is free of charge).

The Thunder was voted "Best Local Sports Team" by readers of the San Joaquin Magazine, has led the ECHL in attendance for four consecutive seasons and drew 223,854 fans to Stockton Arena in 2008-09. Season Tickets for 2009-10 are on sale now. For more information about tickets, merchandise, or other inquiries contact the Stockton Thunder offices at (209) 373-1500 or visit http://www.stocktonthunder.com/ .

THREE STARS:
1. STK - 71 Matt Robinson
2. STK - 10 Chris D'Alvise
3. STK - 12 J.F. Caudron

Written by the Stockton Thunder

*Reprinted by Oilers Jambalaya with permission from Stockton Thunder Professional Hockey Club, ECHL. The Stockton Thunder are a proud 'AA' affiliate of the Edmonton Oilers (NHL) and Springfield Falcons (AHL) *

Thunder Lose In A Close Game / A Game Recap

GAME RECAP: Las Vegas 3 - Stockton 2

03/27/2010 9:58 PM

BOURRET LASSOS IN THUNDER
Game winner stuns crowd of 8,053 with late goal, Thunder drop 3-2 loss
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FINAL STATS: BOX SCORE
VIDEO: Highlights and postgame locker room reaction
AUDIO: Game highlights


STOCKTON, Calif. - Alex Bourret bounced a loose rebound off traffic to the back of the net, snapping a 2-2 tie with 2:55 left in regulation, helping the Las Vegas Wranglers send the Stockton Thunder (31-27-9, 71 points) to a 3-2 loss before 8,053 fans at Stockton Arena on Saturday night.

The loss kept the Thunder's magic number at 5 to clinch a Kelly Cup Playoff berth and received goal-scoring support from Colin Hemingway and Matt Marquardt. Jimmy Spratt earned the win in net with 25 saves while Andrew Perugini took the loss with 26 stops.

Matt Marquardt tied the game with his first goal in a Thunder uniform in the second period.

(photo by George Steckler)

Hemingway finished off a backdoor feed by Steve Vanoosten from the blueline just 2:15 into the game to lift the Thunder to a 1-0 lead, scoring his 24th goal of the season.

Las Vegas countered with back-to-back goals for a 2-1 edge after one period, when Mick Lawrence buried the puck from a scramble at the front of the net with 6:27 left and Josh Prudden followed with 3:42 remaining with his 14th goal of the year on a rebound from the slot.

Following a series of missed chances to half open nets, the Thunder finally tied the score on a power-play goal by Matt Marquardt, his first in a Thunder uniform, with 4:05 left in the second period when he pumped a rebound into an open net at the goal mouth.

Following a series of scoring chances traded between both teams, Las Vegas delivered the stunning go-ahead goal with just 2:55 left courtesy of Bourret, whose wrist shot from the right wing was denied by Perugini, but the rebound rolled off traffic at the front of the crease and ricocheted to the back of the net.

The Thunder misfired on two quality scoring chances in the final seconds with an extra attacker and the Wranglers fell on the puck in the waning seconds to close the game.

NOTES: The Thunder scratched Brett Hemingway (healthy), Mark Pavli (injured reserve), Matt O'Dette (injured reserve), Justin DaCosta (healthy), Riley Emmerson (injured reserve) and Craig Valette (injured reserve) ... Marquardt's power-play goal snapped the Thunder 0-for-11 skid on the power-play ... the Thunder home record fell to 16-11-7 ... Hemingway's goal marked the 10th time in the last 11 home games that Stockton scored the game's first goal.

The Thunder finishes the seven-game homestand with its next game tomorrow at 4:00 p.m., hosting the Las Vegas Wranglers at Stockton Arena in the head-to-head series finale. The game can be heard and viewed online exclusively at www.stocktonthunder.com, courtesy of B2 Networks (audio is free of charge).

The Thunder was voted "Best Local Sports Team" by readers of the San Joaquin Magazine, has led the ECHL in attendance for four consecutive seasons and drew 223,854 fans to Stockton Arena in 2008-09. Season Tickets for 2009-10 are on sale now. For more information about tickets, merchandise, or other inquiries contact the Stockton Thunder offices at (209) 373-1500 or visit http://www.stocktonthunder.com/ .

THREE STARS:
1. LV - 17 Alex Bourret
2. STK - 37 Matt Marquardt
3. STK - 20 Colin Hemingway

Written by the Stockton Thunder

*Reprinted by Oilers Jambalaya with permission from Stockton Thunder Professional Hockey Club, ECHL. The Stockton Thunder are a proud 'AA' affiliate of the Edmonton Oilers (NHL) and Springfield Falcons (AHL) *

Stockton Thunder Sign Mucha To Tryout Deal

Goaltender Mucha Signs Tryout Deal

03/27/2010 10:52 AM - Mucha is WHL all-time leader in saves, Aaron Sorochan recalled to Springfield

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STOCKTON, Calif. - The Stockton Thunder, a proud affiliate of the Edmonton Oilers of the National Hockey League and Springfield Falcons of the American Hockey League, has agreed to amateur tryout contract (ATO) terms with goaltender Kurtis Mucha (MOO-kah), Thunder head coach Matt Thomas announced today.

Mucha, 20, is expected to be in uniform for the Thunder tonight, who host the Las Vegas Wranglers beginning at 7:30 p.m. (StocktonThudner.com/B2 Networks) at Stockton Arena.

"Kurtis comes as a highly recommended prospect from various contacts in the National Hockey League," said Thomas. "His size is a commodity that isn't frequently found in an available goaltender at this level and we're excited about the opportunity to evaluate another goaltender from a recruiting standpoint. His addition helps our depth down the stretch."

The 6-foot-2, 184-pound goaltender competed in NHL training camp with Edmonton and recently completed a respectable six-year junior career (2004-10) with the Portland Winter Hawks and Kamloops Blazers of the Western Hockey League, leaving the amateur ranks as the WHL's all-time leader in saves (6,998) and the Canadian Hockey League's all-time goaltending leader in games (245) and minutes (13,708).

Through his junior career, Mucha enjoyed nine shutouts and was 76-135-19 with a 3.66 goals-against-average and .892 save percentage. He split this season between Portland and Kamloops, posting a 23-17-4 record, two shutouts and a .900 save percentage in 48 games.

Mucha made his pro debut last season in the ECHL with the Idaho Steelheads, suiting up on an amateur tryout contract on April 3 and made 25 saves against the Phoenix RoadRunners.

Mucha's ATO agreement is on a five-game tryout basis with Stockton.

Additionally, the Thunder announced goaltender Aaron Sorochan has been recalled to Springfield and subsequently released.

A two-time recipient of the ECHL "Award of Excellence," the Thunder was voted "Best Local Sports Team" by readers of the San Joaquin Magazine, has led the ECHL in attendance for four consecutive seasons and drew 223,854 fans to Stockton Arena in 2008-09. Season tickets for 2009-10 are on sale now. For more information about tickets, merchandise, or other inquiries contact the Stockton Thunder offices at (209) 373-1500 or visit http://www.stocktonthunder.com/ .

Written by the Stockton Thunder

*Reprinted by Oilers Jambalaya with permission from Stockton Thunder Professional Hockey Club, ECHL. The Stockton Thunder are a proud 'AA' affiliate of the Edmonton Oilers (NHL) and Springfield Falcons (AHL) *

The Stockton Thunder Wins Against Vegas - A Game Recap

GAME RECAP: Stockton 3 - Las Vegas 2 (SO)

03/26/2010 10:54 PM -
THUNDER SHOOTS DOWN LAS VEGAS
Perugini's 19 saves guides Thunder to critical 3-2 SO win vs. Las Vegas
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FINAL STATS: BOX SCORE
VIDEO: Highlights and postgame locker room reaction
AUDIO: Game highlights

STOCKTON, Calif. - Goaltender Andrew Perugini made 19 saves, including all three in a shootout, to help guide the Stockton Thunder (31-26-9, 71 points) to a 3-2 shootout victory over the Pacific Division rival Las Vegas Wranglers, before 5,717 fans at Stockton Arena on Friday.

Andrew Perugini, perfect in the shootout, claimed his 21st win of the year.

(photo by George Steckler)

The Thunder, who claimed their first shootout win since Mar. 1, 2009 (snapping seven straight shootout losses), reduced its magic number to five to clinch a Kelly Cup Playoff berth after Alaska defeated Ontario, 2-1 earlier in the evening.

James Bates and Igor Gongalsky scored for the Thunder while Oren Eizenman put the game away with a shootout winner in the fourth round, firing a snap shot past Jimmy Spratt to the stick side.

In a game that marked the first time both teams were meeting in Stockton since last year's second round of the Kelly Cup Playoffs (Game 4), Bates gave the Thunder a 1-0 lead just 4:15 into the game when he scored his 26th goal of the season of the rush, beating Spratt with a snap shot from the right circle.

A meticulous puck possession game yielded only four shots on goal to Las Vegas and Stockton also killed off 40 seconds of a 5-on-3 penalty kill.

Gongalsky's 14th goal of the season elevated the Thunder lead to 2-0 with 4:55 left in the second period, sneaking a wrist shot through Spratt's five-hole from between the circles.

Las Vegas crawled back to within a goal just 21 seconds later, when Greg Collins' sharp-angled pass at the left wing caromed off traffic and into the back of the net.

After the Wranglers endured several penalties to begin the third period, including an altercation between Chris Frank and Ryan Constant, Chris Neiszner capitalized on the reciprocated momentum with his 14th goal of the year to tie the score at 2-2 with 6:25 left in regulation after he fired a wrist shot from the right circle.

After a scoreless overtime, ex-Wrangler Kelly Czuy scored in the second round and newcomer Matt Marquardt followed with a snap shot from between the circles in the third round, giving Stockton a 2-0 shootout lead after two rounds.

Perugini denied Alex Bourret's wrist shot in the third round to set the stage for Eizenman's game winner, firing his forehand bid after swooping in from the right wing.

Spratt took the shootout loss in a 34 save effort.

NOTES: The Thunder scratched Brett Hemingway (healthy), Mark Pavli (injured reserve), Matt O'Dette (injured reserve), Justin DaCosta (healthy), Riley Emmerson (injured reserve) and Craig Valette (injured reserve) ... Stockton outshot Las Vegas, 37-21 and owned a 7-1 edge early in the game ... the Thunder improved its home record to 16-10-7 ... Bates' goal marked the ninth time in the last 10 home games that Stockton scored the game's first goal.

The Thunder continues the seven-game homestand with its next game tomorrow at 7:30 p.m., hosting the Las Vegas Wranglers at Stockton Arena. The game can be heard and viewed online exclusively at http://www.stocktonthunder.com/ , courtesy of B2 Networks (audio is free of charge).

The Thunder was voted "Best Local Sports Team" by readers of the San Joaquin Magazine, has led the ECHL in attendance for four consecutive seasons and drew 223,854 fans to Stockton Arena in 2008-09. Season Tickets for 2009-10 are on sale now. For more information about tickets, merchandise, or other inquiries contact the Stockton Thunder offices at (209) 373-1500 or visit http://www.stocktonthunder.com/.

THREE STARS:
1. STK - 35 Andrew Perugini
2. STK - 28 James Bates
3. LV - 22 Chris Neiszner

Written By The Stockton Thunder

*Reprinted with permission from Stockton Thunder Professional Hockey Club, ECHL. The Stockton Thunder are a proud 'AA' affiliate of the Edmonton Oilers (NHL) and Springfield Falcons (AHL) *

ThunderVision: Kevin Prendergast Interview With StocktonThunder.com

This is a Kevin Prendergast interview with the StocktonThunder.com while he was in Stockton yesterday.

He talks about the Oilers association with the Thunder and the Falcons and ends it with a little goalie talk.

Thunder Gets Silenced / GAME RECAP: Utah 6 - Stockton 2 (ECHL)

GAME RECAP: Utah 6 - Stockton 2

03/19/2010 9:55 PM -

MEET MIKKO
Koskinen victimizes Thunder with 36 saves in ECHL debut

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FINAL STATS: BOX SCORE
VIDEO: Highlights and postgame locker room reaction
AUDIO: Game highlights


STOCKTON, Calif. - Mikko Koskinen, less than a year after being drafted 31st overall by the New York Islanders, made 36 saves in his ECHL debut and the Utah Grizzlies scored five unanswered goals in the first two periods to send the Stockton Thunder (29-25-9, 67 points) to a 6-2 defeat before 5,456 fans at Stockton Arena on Friday night.

The Thunder, who lost in regulation on home ice for only the third time in the last 19 games (12-3-4), fell to sixth place in the National Conference but maintained a four point deficit behind the first place Bakersfield Condors in the Pacific Division, who lost, 5-1 to Victoria.

James Bates and Matt Robinson scored for Stockton, while Utah was led offensively by Ryan Kinasewich's pair of goals.
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James Bates got the Thunder off to a good start with a 1-0 lead and his 23rd goal in the first period. (photo by George Steckler)
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Bates' 23rd goal of the season, 4:14 into the game helped the Thunder draw first blood with a 1-0 lead, depositing a rebound at the goal mouth after Mikko Koskinen stopped Anthony Aiello's bid from the left point.

Utah leveled the score at 1-1 on Simon Ferguson's first goal in a Utah uniform, when he set a screen in front of Andrew Perugini and got a piece of Matt Sorteberg's drive from the right point.

Vladimir Nikiforov continued the Utah rally with his 17th goal of the season, tapping in a rebound at the doorstep for a 2-1 lead with 3:30 gone in the second period. A.J. Perry converted a backdoor set-up by Dylan Hunter from the right circle, hiking Utah's edge to 3-1 just 2:09 later.

Back-to-back shorthanded goals by Ryan Kinasewich, 2:24 apart opened the Grizzlies advantage to 5-1starting with his 40th goal of the season on a breakaway with 10:38 remaining.

Kinasewich then finished off a 2-on-1 break with Matt Clarke on the ensuing penalty kill, tapping the puck into a half open net at the left goal post.

A post-to-post feed by James Sixsmith found Tom May at the right wing, who slipped in a one-timer with his forehand with 1:15 into the third period and boosted Utah's margin to 6-1.

The Thunder finally bookended the scoring with a Matt Robinson shorthanded breakaway goal just 4:03 later, closing the gap to 6-2 when his wrist shot beat Koskinen to the blocker side.

Koskinen wrapped up his ECHL debut stopping an array of Thunder quality scoring chances in 10 saves for the final period. Perugini took the loss with 23 stops.

NOTES: The Thunder scratched J.F. Caudron (injured reserve), Igor Gongalsky (injured, day-to-day), Matt O'Dette (healthy) and Craig Valette (injured reserve) ...

Stockton outshot Utah, 38-29 and fell 2-3-2 in the head-to-head series this year ... Chris D'Alvise's assist on Bates' goal gave him 12 points (4g-8a) in the last six games ... Edmonton Oilers assistant general manager Kevin Prendergast was in attendance at the game.

The Thunder continues the seven-game homestand tomorrow at 7:30 p.m., hosting the Utah Grizzlies at Stockton Arena in a weekend rematch. The game can be heard and viewed online exclusively at www.stocktonthunder.com, courtesy of B2 Networks (audio is free of charge).

The Thunder was voted "Best Local Sports Team" by readers of the San Joaquin Magazine, has led the ECHL in attendance for four consecutive seasons and drew 223,854 fans to Stockton Arena in 2008-09. Season Tickets for 2009-10 are on sale now. For more information about tickets, merchandise, or other inquiries contact the Stockton Thunder offices at (209) 373-1500 or visit http://www.stocktonthunder.com/ .


THREE STARS:
1. UTA - 9 Ryan Kinasewich
2. UTA - 14 Tom May
3. UTA - 41 Mikko Koskinen

Written By StocktonThunder.com

*Reprinted with permission from Stockton Thunder Professional Hockey Club, ECHL. The Stockton Thunder are a proud 'AA' affiliate of the Edmonton Oilers (NHL) and Springfield Falcons (AHL) *

GAME RECAP: Stockton 7 - Victoria 2 (ECHL)

GAME RECAP: Stockton 7 - Victoria 2
03/17/2010 9:40 PM


03/17/2010 9:40 PM -
O'BROTHER!
Thunder routs Victoria on St. Patrick's Day to open seven-game homestand,
Hemingways, Hunts chip in

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Colin Hemingway continued his assault on Victoria's backchecking scheme with a goal and two assists, totaling 24 points in 15 games this year against the Salmon Kings. (photo by George Steckler)

STOCKTON, Calif. - All-Star center Chris D'Alvise (2g-1a) was one of five players to record multi-point games and help lead the Stockton Thunder (29-24-9, 67 points) to a 7-2 rout of the Victoria Salmon Kings before 4,072 fans at Stockton Arena on Wednesday.

In opening a seven-game homestand which includes eight of the last 11 games of the season at Stockton Arena, the Thunder, who led wire-to-wire in the game, improved to 12-2-4 at home since Dec. 4 and moved to a fourth place tie in the National Conference with Las Vegas, one point behind Victoria for third place.

Colin Hemingway and brother Brett were paired on the same line with Oren Eizenman and the brotherly duo combined for five points (3g-2a), while Eizenman had one assist. Defenseman Trevor Hunt, making his pro debut and brother Garet each recorded an assist as well.

On the first shift of the game, Eizenman batted a loose puck out of mid air at the doorstep to lift the Thunder to a 1-0 lead just 44 seconds in, after Brett Hemingway hit the post on a snap shot at the right wing and Colin Hemingway was stopped on a rebound from tight range.

Brett broke a nine-game goal-scoring drought to push the lead to 2-0, finishing a rebound at the right goal line after Daryl Marcoux was stopped on a wrist shot from between the circles.

Jimmy Sharrow converted a backdoor feed by Randall Gelech from the left corner just 42 seconds into the second period to slice the deficit to 2-1, but just 11 seconds later, a Daryl Marcoux long bomb pass found D'Alvise on a breakaway, who beat Matt Keetley inside the right goal post for his 27th goal of the year to restore the Thunder two-goal margin at 3-1.

Victoria got back into the game again on Chad Painchaud's 28th marker of the year with 14 minutes left in the period, taking a rebound below the left circle and sneaking it through Andrew Perugini's five hole for a 3-2 score.

Yet, a four-goal attack by Stockton put the game out of reach in the third period, beginning with Matt Robinson's career-high 25th goal of the year to boost the lead to 4-2 just 1:04 into the period off a rebound at the left post.

Just 45 seconds later, Igor Gongalsky caught a piece of Garet Hunt's spin-around shot from between the circles with a screen at the goal mouth and increased the bulge to 5-2 with his 13th goal of the season.

A blast by Colin Hemingway, his 23rd goal, hiked the Thunder lead to 6-2 when he teed up a loose puck at the right circle and beat Keetley past the glove.

D'Alvise's second goal of the game put on the finishing touches with 33.1 seconds left, burying a one-timer from inside of the left circle on a feed by James Bates from behind the net. Trevor Hunt completed his debut and +2 effort with an assist on the play, feeding the puck to Bates from the left point.

Perugini earned his 19th win of the season (19-12-4) by making 22 saves.

NOTES: The Thunder scratched J.F. Caudron (injured reserve), Riley Emmerson (healthy), Matt O'Dette (healthy) and Craig Valette (injured reserve) ... the Thunder outshot Victoria 37-24 and raced out to a 9-1 advantage in the opening minutes of the game ... Eizenman's pair of points boosted his scoring streak to seven straight games ... Marcoux earned the third star honors with a +4 rating and career-high three asssits ... Colin Hemingway's three-point effort gave him 24 points in 15 games against Victoria this season.

The Thunder continues the seven-game homestand on Friday at 7:30 p.m., hosting the Utah Grizzlies at Stockton Arena. The game can be heard and viewed online exclusively at www.stocktonthunder.com , courtesy of B2 Networks (audio is free of charge).

The Thunder was voted "Best Local Sports Team" by readers of the San Joaquin Magazine, has led the ECHL in attendance for four consecutive seasons and drew 223,854 fans to Stockton Arena in 2008-09. Season Tickets for 2009-10 are on sale now. For more information about tickets, merchandise, or other inquiries contact the Stockton Thunder offices at (209) 373-1500 or visit http://www.stocktonthunder.com/

THREE STARS:
1. STK - 10 Chris D'Alvise
2. STK - 20 Colin Hemingway
3. STK - 27 Daryl Marcoux

CLICK HERE FOR THE ORIGINAL ARTICLE AT STOCKTONTHUNDER.COM

*Reprinted with permission from Stockton Thunder Professional Hockey Club, ECHL. The Stockton Thunder are a proud 'AA' affiliate of the Edmonton Oilers (NHL) and Springfield Falcons (AHL) *

Andrew Perugini, Stockton Thunder's All Time Shutout Leader

‘GINI IN A BOTTLE

Goaltender Andrew Perugini, who is tied for second in ECHL save percentage (.915) and is tied for fourth in the ECHL in goals-against-average (2.79), became the Thunder career shutout leader (4) on Feb. 12 and posted his most recent blanking on a week later at Bakersfield, a career-high 45-save effort in a 2-0 Thunder win. Perugini was named Reebok Hockey ECHL Goaltender of the Week in February for the second time in his career.

ALL-TIME THUNDER SHUTOUT LEADERBOARD

GOALTENDER SHUTOUTS
1. Andrew Perugini (2008-present) 5
2. Tim Boron (2007-08)                 3
3. Devan Dubnyk (2006-07)          2
    Glenn Fisher (2007-08)              2
    Jake Moreland (2005-06)          2

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CLICK HERE TO SEE ORIGINAL ARTICLE AT STOCKTONTHUNDER.COM

*Reprinted with permission from Stockton Thunder Professional Hockey Club, ECHL. The Stockton Thunder are a proud 'AA' affiliate of the Edmonton Oilers (NHL) and Springfield Falcons (AHL) *

The Stockton Thunder Rocks The Arena

Have you ever wondered what other hockey teams are using for their music?  Today we will look at the Stockton Thunder's game music experience. Here is what StocktonThunder.com says.

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What's the name of the Thunder goal song and other music played at games?
Below is a sample of the familiar music you hear at a Thunder game each night at Stockton Arena!

Pre-game warmups:
Beastie Boys - Sabotage
Bush - Machine Head
Disturbed - Land of Confusion
Foo Fighters - Monkey Wrench
Green Day - Basket Case
Linkin Park - Bleed It Out
Metallica - Fuel
Metallica - Master of Puppets
Methods of Mayhem - Crash
Motley Crue - Kickstart My Heart
Nickelback - Animals
Incubus - Megalomaniac
P.O.D. - Rock The Party
Pearl Jam - Even Flow
Red Jumpsuit Apparatus - Face Down
Rob Zombie - Dragula
Rob Zombie - Feel So Numb
Trapt - Headstrong

Countdown:
U2 - Where the Streets Have No Name
Lake & Palmer Emerson - Karn Evil 9 Impression 1

Thunder takes the ice (pre-game):
AC/DC - Thunderstruck

Thunder takes the ice (second and third period):
Bush - Machine Head
OK Go - Here It Goes
Methods of Mayhem - Crash
Motley Crue - Kickstart My Heart
Rob Zombie - Dragula

Fights/penalties:
2Unlimited - Workaholic
Beastie Boys - Fight For Your Right (To Party)
Carl Douglas - Kung Fu Fighting
Drowning Pool - Bodies
Offspring - Come Out and Play
Marilyn Manson - Beautiful People
Metallica - Fuel
Twisted Sister - We're Not Gonna Take It

Thunder goal:
Kernkraft 400 - Zombie Nation

Thunder wins:
AC/DC - Thunderstruck
Aerosmith - Sweet Emotion

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Original Post about the songs from StocktonThunder.com

*Reprinted with permission from Stockton Thunder Professional Hockey Club, ECHL. The Stockton Thunder are a proud 'AA' affiliate of the Edmonton Oilers (NHL) and Springfield Falcons (AHL) *

Game Recap: Utah 4 - Stockton 3 (ECHL)

Game Recap: UTAH 4 - STOCKTON 3 (SO)
03/14/2010 6:31 PM

03/14/2010 6:31 PM -
UTAH 4 - STOCKTON 3 (SO)
Thunder fights off injuries, third period deficit to claim shootout point

WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah - Two goals in the third period helped the Stockton Thunder (28-24-8, 65 points) claim a point for the second straight road game, ultimately won by the Utah Grizzlies, 4-3 in a shootout before 2,498 fans at The E-Center on Sunday.

The Thunder, who were led by relief goaltender Aaron Sorochan's 32 stops, including 18 of the last 19 faced, return home for eight of the last 12 games and a seven-game homestand, where they are 11-2-4 at Stockton Arena since Dec. 4. The Thunder are now tied for fifth place in the National Conference with the Alaska Aces.

Kelly Czuy, Colin Hemingway and Chris D'Alvise score for Stockton, while Utah was led by a pair of goals from Ryan Kinasewich. Mitch O'Keefe picked up the win in net with 36 saves.

Following a hit away from the play by Utah's Lance Galbraith (an interference call), chasing injured goaltender Andrew Perugini in favor of Sorochan in the first period, the Thunder retaliated on the ensuing power-play on Hemingway's marker with 9:54 left in the period when he buried a wrist shot from the left circle.

Utah responded with back-to-back goals to assume a 2-1 lead after one period, beginning with Tom May cleaning up a rebound on the power-play at 14:09 and a snap shot by Kinasewich from the slot for his 37th goal of the year with 2:27 left in the first period.

Sorochan and the Thunder weathered the storm and kept the deficit at a goal through two periods, helped out by a series of saves on A.J. Perry and Tim Crowder from close range.

Mitch O'Keefe countered with 14 saves in the second period for Utah.

The Thunder began their second straight third period rally with back-to-back goals to assume a 3-2 lead, beginning with a give-and-go play from the rush. Garet Hunt's pass from the left wing found Czuy at the doorstep, who tucked a backhander past O'Keefe with 5:14 elapsed.

Just 3:40 later, James Bates' post-to-post feed from another rush found D'Alvise at the right wing, banging a one-timer past O'Keefe's glove to restore the Thunder lead at 3-2 on D'Alvise's team-leading 26th goal of the year.

Utah responded with a flurry of play in front of Sorochan and Kinasewich finished off a rebound in the crease through a swarm of physical contact, tying the game at 3-3 with his second goal of the game coming with three minutes left.

In overtime, the Thunder outshot Utah 5-1 and missed on two close chances to win the game. A backdoor pass to Anthony Aiello found the defenseman at the left circle, but O'Keefe got in the way of his snapshot. Then with over a minute left, D'Alvise found a semi open net at the left post, but missed tucking in a fluttering puck.

In the shootout, Thunder goals by Aiello and Oren Eizenman were answered in three straight rounds by Vlady Nikiforov, AJ Perry and Kinasewich. O'Keefe then forced a Bates deke wide to the right goal post to seal the win in the bottom of the fifth round.

Perugini exited in the first with nine saves.

NOTES: The Thunder scratched Brett Hemingway (healthy), Mark Pavli (healthy) and Craig Valette (injured reserve) ... the Thunder power-play converted at a 6-for-20 rate in the two games at Utah during the weekend ... Eizenman's assist on Hemingway's goal pushed his scoring streak to seven straight games ... Utah outshot the Thunder, 46-39 ... J.F. Caudron left in the first period due to injury.

The Thunder returns to play to open a seven-game homestand on Wednesday at 7:00 p.m., hosting the Victoria Salmon Kings at Stockton Arena. The game can be heard and viewed online exclusively at www.stocktonthunder.com, courtesy of B2 Networks (audio is free of charge).

The Thunder was voted "Best Local Sports Team" by readers of the San Joaquin Magazine, has led the ECHL in attendance for four consecutive seasons and drew 223,854 fans to Stockton Arena in 2008-09. Season Tickets for 2009-10 are on sale now. For more information about tickets, merchandise, or other inquiries contact the Stockton Thunder offices at (209) 373-1500 or visit http://www.stocktonthunder.com/

THREE STARS:
1. UTA - 9 Ryan Kinasewich
2. UTA - 79 Dylan Hunter
3. STK - 34 Kelly Czuy

Written by StocktonThunder.com

*Reprinted with permission from Stockton Thunder Professional Hockey Club, ECHL.  The Stockton Thunder are a proud 'AA' affiliate of the Edmonton Oilers (NHL) and Springfield Falcons (AHL) *