8,034 see Lee score game-winner on Bobblehead Night

March 16, 2008 - ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


STOCKTON, Calif. - Defenseman Brian Lee's goal with 12:12 left in regulation snapped a 1-1 tie and lifted the Stockton Thunder (25-33-3, 53 points) to a 2-1 win over the Fresno Falcons before a crowd of 8,034 at Stockton Arena on Saturday night.

Lee's winner, scored on the same night where the Thunder defenseman was promoted for his Bobblehead Doll night, moves the Thunder to within 13 points of clinching its second straight Kelly Cup Playoff berth. The ninth-place Bakersfield Condors dropped to six points behind the Thunder in an 8-3 loss at Rabobank Arena.

The Thunder offense got rolling early in the first period taking 14 shots on goal, unable to capitalize on former netminder Jake Moreland. Fresno scored first with 7:04 elapsed in the first period on a goal coming from all-star Igor Gongalsky, putting the Falcons ahead 1-0. Gongalsky netted his 18th of the year when his screen re-directed a pass from Josh Prudden in the left corner past Thunder goaltender Tim Boron.

The Thunder had to thwart five Fresno power-plays in the first period which preceded a scrap between Stockton's Geoff Paukovich and Fresno giant Matt O'Dette in the second period.

The bout sparked the Thunder's efforts and with 1:41 left in the second period, a perfectly-executed wrist shot by veteran Tim O'Connell, his second goal of the season and his first goal in 35 games, brought the Thunder to a 1-1 tie on an assist by Joel Stepp. The Thunder won an end-zone faceoff and Stepp set up O'Connell at the right point, who fired a 60-foot bomb through a screen that beat Moreland under the crossbar.

Play continued at a chippy pace and the Thunder took the lead with 12:12 left in the period. Lee's eventual game-winning goal put the Thunder ahead 2-1 on a snap shot from the top of the slot that beat Moreland through traffic for his 7th goal of the season. Ryan MacMurchy and Tyler Hirsch added assists on the play.

Boron shut the door in the final 12 minutes of the game to wrap up a 33-save effort for his 11th win of the year.

NOTES: Edmonton Oilers vice president of hockey operations Kevin Prendergast was in attendance ... the Thunder missed the services of Adam Huxley (healthy scratch), L.P. Lachance (injured reserve), Jason Beeman (injured reserve), Beau Geisler (injured reserve) and Ryan Geris (injured reserve) ... the Thunder improved to 4-5-0 in the season series against Fresno ... Hirsch's assist on Lee's game-winner was his first point in a Thunder uniform ... Stepp's assist gives him a four-game scoring streak.

The Thunder returns to play on Monday, March 17 against the Bakersfield Condors, beginning at 7:00 p.m. from Rabobank Arena. The game can be heard live on radio at 1420-AM KSTN and online (video and audio available) at http://www.stocktonthunder.com/, courtesy of B2 Networks.

The Thunder has led the ECHL in attendance for two consecutive seasons and drew 244,085 fans to the Stockton Arena in 2006-07. Season tickets, group tickets and individual tickets for 2007-08 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.



ECHL Stories from March 16, 2008


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