DeHart completes weekend sweep of Bakersfield with overtime goal

Published on October 29, 2012 under ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


STOCKTON, Calif. - Tony DeHart's blast from the high slot with six seconds left in sudden death overtime lifted the Stockton Thunder (4-1-1, 9 points) to a 3-2 victory over the Bakersfield Condors before 5,062 fans at Stockton Arena on Sunday.

Returning to Stockton Arena after a two-week road trip, the Thunder played host to the arch rival Bakersfield Condors in an early Sunday clash. Despite the Thunder dominating every facet of the game, outshooting their opponents 45-26, overtime was required to decide this contest.

"Every shift felt like a power play," DeHart said. "We were peppering them with shots the whole game. When you run into a hot goaltender like we did tonight, it can make it tough. I'm glad we were able to get the win."

"I guess the hockey gods were smiling upon us," Thunder head coach Matt Thomas said, "I thought we played a heck of a game. To be in the situation we were, giving a point away, wasn't too appealing. To end it in the way we did was a big play."

With the win, the Thunder improve to 1-1-0 at home, while Bakersfield falls to 3-4-1.

The Thunder started the game on fire, getting off eight shots on the Bakersfield goal before the Condors got their first serious chance. That chance came at 4:26 into the first period. Jacob Lagace took the puck down the right side, slotting a backhanded shot passed Thunder goaltender Tyler Bunz to put Stockton in an early 1-0 hole.

That lead lasted until 15:56 into the second period. After largely outshooting the Condors and coming up empty, forward Philippe Cornet found forward Toni Rajala, who kicked it out to defenseman Ryan Constant on the right side. From about twenty feet out, Constant buried a wrist shot passed Scott Greenham to tie the score at 1-1, much to the delight of the Thunder faithful.

Stockton continued to dominate in the third period before Bakersfield's Levi Nelson's shot hit the post. The rebound deflected right to Tyler Brenner, who slotted the puck behind Bunz to give the Condors a 2-1 lead at 7:16 in the third period.

Peppering the opposing net with more and more shots, the Thunder brought into a scramble near the left side of center ice. In the commotion, defenseman Nathan Deck managed to find Rajala, who was all alone just a few feet in front of Greenham. Rajala was able to beat the keeper between his legs, tying the score at 2-2 with 6:01 left in regulation.

The Thunder had a chance to take the lead with 3:40 left in the final period. Cornet stole the puck on a penalty kill, earning a penalty shot when Greenham tripped him up on the ensuing breakaway. However, Cornet's penalty shot was saved and the game went into overtime.

In the extra period, the Thunder survived a Bakersfield power play with just over two minutes left to play. With the game looking like it was headed to a shootout, center Eric Hunter passed to DeHart, who, having just come back out onto the ice, blasted home the game-winning shot from just above the blue line with six seconds left to propel the Thunder to the 3-2 victory.

"I still don't think were firing on all cylinders, and that's scary," Thomas said. "We're creating a lot of chances; I just don't think we're burying enough chances. Tonight, we should have had a handful of goals. I think we've got a lot of skill and we're trying to be too skilled out there."

"I think our chemistry is starting to show, our defense is really playing well together, and that's igniting our ability to move up the ice with the puck."

Stockton's Bunz, who stopped 24 shots, saw his record improve 3-1-1 on the season with the win. Bakersfield's Greenham dropped to 2-1-1.

NOTES: The Thunder scratched Phil Mangan, Cameron Brodie, Cameron Abney, Jesse Fratkin, Evan Vossen and Mike Little ... the Thunder went 1-of-7 on the power play ... Steve Carlson of the "Hanson Brothers" was in attendance at the game.

The Thunder returns to play on Friday, Nov. 2 to start "Thunder Goes Pink VII" against Bakersfield at 7:30 p.m. (1280 KWSX/StocktonThunder.com) at Stockton Arena.

A two time recipient of the ECHL "Award of Excellence," the Thunder led the ECHL in attendance for four consecutive seasons and drew over 200,000 fans for the seventh consecutive season in 2011-12. Season Tickets, Group Tickets and Mini-Plans for 2012-13 are on sale now. For more information about tickets, merchandise, or other inquiries contact the Stockton Thunder offices at (209) 373-1500 or visit www.StocktonThunder.com.

THREE STARS:

1. STK - T. DeHart

2. STK - R. Constant

3. BAK - T. Brenner

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