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Mayors Ann Johnston, Harvey Hall Wage Civic Bet

April 15, 2010 - ECHL (ECHL) - Stockton Thunder News Release


STOCKTON, Calif. - The Stockton Thunder, a two-time recipient of the ECHL "Award of Excellence," is scheduled to start the second round (National Conference Semifinals) of the 2010 Kelly Cup Playoffs in Bakersfield against the geographic and division rival Bakersfield Condors Friday at 7:00 p.m., starting the "2-3-2" format series with the series' emotions now involving both cities' leaders.

On the eve of the best-of-seven series, Stockton mayor Ann Johnston and Bakersfield Mayor Harvey Hall have announced a friendly wager: a case of asparagus from Stockton versus a case of Dewar's candies from Bakersfield. The winner not only will see their city's team advance to the Conference Finals for the first time in their club's history, but also enjoying a taste of the local food delicacy from the losing club.

"No one beats the Thunder," said Stockton mayor Ann Johnston. "They're a team on a mission and have our community's support, especially during the playoffs. We need something to chew on here!"

The Thunder, the #6 seed in the National Conference, finished 6-4-2 this season against the Condors (earning three wins in Bakersfield) and it is the first time both teams will meet in the Kelly Cup Playoffs. Stockton has won six of its last eight playoff games at home, dating back to last season.

Stockton and Bakersfield finished five points apart in the Pacific Division this season. Both teams are currently first and second in the league in playoff attendance and are separated by just 240 miles which marks the closest proximity for a playoff opponent in Thunder history.

Stockton, who has led the ECHL in attendance for four consecutive seasons (2005-09) and drew over 200,000 fans to Stockton Arena for the fifth straight year in 2009-10, has advanced to the second round for the second straight season and Bakersfield returns to the second round for the first time since 2007.

The Thunder returns home for the playoff series at Stockton Arena for Game 3 on Wednesday, Apr. 21, while Game 4 is scheduled for Friday, Apr. 23 at 7:30 p.m. and Game 5 (if necessary), slated for Saturday, Apr. 24 at 7:30 p.m.. The 25th annual Stockton Asparagus Festival, an event to celebrate Stockton's most famous agricultural product, will be hosted in downtown Stockton from April 23-25 during the same time of the playoff round.

Listed below is the head-to-head schedule, following a "2-3-2" format:

STOCKTON FACES BAKERSFIELD - NATIONAL CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS

Game 1: Stockton at Bakersfield - Friday, Apr. 16 - 7:00 p.m. (Rabobank Arena)

Game 2: Stockton at Bakersfield - Saturday, Apr. 17 - 7:00 p.m. (Rabobank Arena)

Game 3: Bakersfield at Stockton - Wednesday, April 21 - 7:00 p.m. (Stockton Arena)

Game 4: Bakersfield at Stockton - Friday, April 23 - 7:30 p.m. (Stockton Arena)

Game 5: Bakersfield at Stockton - Saturday, April 24 - 7:30 p.m. (Stockton Arena) *

Game 6: Stockton at Bakersfield - Tuesday, Apr. 27 - 7:00 p.m. (Rabobank Arena) *

Game 7: Stockton at Bakersfield - Wednesday, Apr. 28 - 7:00 p.m. (Rabobank Arena) *

* If necessary

PLAYOFF TICKET INFORMATION: Round-by-round ticket packages for the 2010 Kelly Cup Playoffs are now on sale and can be purchased by calling the Stockton Thunder at (209) 373-1500. Individual playoff tickets for all home games at Stockton Arena are on sale and available in person at the Stockton Arena Alpine Meats ticket office, by phone at (209) 373-1700 or online at www.StocktonTickets.com. Kelly Cup Playoff tickets start as low as $9 per seat and range to $28 (Comcast Club).

THUNDER ON THE ROAD: PLAYOFF WATCH PARTIES: The Thunder is hosting Kelly Cup Playoff Watch Parties from the "King's Room" of Stockton Arena for all Thunder playoff road games as available. A tradition which started last season, fans can enjoy the game on several television monitors which will carry playoff game coverage through B2 Networks, "the official Broadband Broadcast Provider of the ECHL." Admission to Playoff Watch Parties is $5 for the general public ($3 for full Thunder Season Ticket Holders). Doors to the King's Room, located at the North Entry of Stockton Arena, will open to all fans 30 minutes prior to puck drop. Throughout each game, fans can enjoy discounts on food and beverages.

ALL FANS ASKED TO "GO GOLD" FOR KELLY CUP PLAYOFFS - FREE GOLD RALLY TOWELS!: The Stockton Thunder are asking all fans in attendance for Thunder home Kelly Cup Playoff games at Stockton Arena to "go gold" and wear gold clothing similar to the color in the Thunder uniform scheme. The first 1,000 fans in attendance next Wednesday and Friday will receive a free Thunder playoff rally towel to wave proudly during the playoff run! The Thunder will roll out exclusive playoff merchandise for affordable prices, including playoff rally towels, collectible playoff pucks and gold bandanas. Special gold playoff t-shirts with the second round theme are scheduled to be released at this Saturday's Kelly Cup Playoff Watch Party and will be on sale afterwards at all home games in the Stockton Arena "Fan Attic" and all in-arena merchandise locations.

The proud ECHL affiliate of the Edmonton Oilers of the National Hockey League and Springfield Falcons of the American Hockey League, the Thunder was voted "Best Local Sports Team" by readers of the San Joaquin Magazine, led the ECHL in attendance for four consecutive seasons and drew over 200,000 fans for the fifth consecutive season in 2009-10. Season tickets for 2010-11 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/.

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