A Break Before The Beach

January 23, 2006 - ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


THUNDER OVERALL RECORD: 6-22-5 (17 points)
LAST WEEK: 0-3-0

THIS WEEK'S OPPONENTS:
Friday, January 27 at San Diego (7:35 p.m. PT)
The Thunder comes off a rest from the All-Star festivities to face the San Diego Gulls (Colorado Avalanche ECHL affiliate), who have split two games this season with the Gulls at Pacific coast-flanking iPayOne Center. Steve Slonina's overtime goal gave the Thunder its first franchise victory on November 5 (4-3 win at San Diego). The Gulls then sent the Thunder to a 5-3 setback on November 26. Steve Hildenbrand leads San Diego's offense with 38 points (15g-23a).

Saturday and Sunday, January 28-29 vs. Long Beach (7:30 p.m., 4 p.m. PT)
Stockton makes its first home appearance in two weeks against Long Beach (Montreal Canadiens ECHL affiliate), the first time both teams will face each other at Stockton Arena, and the first meeting overall since a 4-3 Thunder shootout loss at Long Beach on October 29. The Ice Dogs are unbeaten in eight of their last 10 games, and are led offensively by National Conference All-Star forward Christian Larrivee's 37 points (15g-22a).

A large crowd is expected at Saturday's game, which will feature the Thunder's first-ever Teddy Bear Toss, presented by California Water Supply, Jackson Rancheria, KAT Country & News-10. Family Day (presented by Alpine Meats & KJOY) highlights Sunday's matinee start, where fans can purchase a special ticket package for $34, which includes four upper premium or end-zone seats, two hot dogs, and two hockey pucks.

Family Night vouchers can be picked up at participating Stockton-area grocery stores.

All three games can be heard live on the internet (free-of-charge) and are available for viewing a $6 "pay-per-view" fare at www.stocktonthunder.com, courtesy of B-2 Networks. Thunder broadcaster Mike Benton will provide play-by-play commentary, with the pre-game show beginning 7:20 p.m. PT on Friday, 7:15 p.m. PT on Saturday, and 3:45 p.m. PT on Sunday.

Left wing Mike Lalonde and goaltender Jake Moreland are also slated to make their ECHL All-Star debuts on Wednesday, January 25 at 7 p.m. PT at the 2006 ECHL All-Star Game presented by Bud Light, held at Fresno's Save Mart Center. The game will be televised on January 26, viewable on OLN from 2-4 p.m. PT, and on Comcast SportsNet West at 10:30 p.m. PT (check local listings). XM Radio will carry live radio coverage beginning at 7 p.m. PT on HOME ICE XM 204.


UPCOMING MILESTONES:
o Dean Stork is nine assists away from 100 in his ECHL career
o Nathan Martz is 23 points away from 100 in his ECHL career
o Steve Slonina is 20 points away from 100 in his ECHL career
o Maris Ziedins is four games away from 100 in his ECHL career


WEEK IN REVIEW

WORL-WIND OF A WEEK
The Stockton Thunder agreed to terms with right wing Jeff Worlton, Thunder head coach Chris Cichocki announced last Wednesday. Per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

"We've skated a man short in our lineup lately and Jeff helps us fill that void," said Cichocki. "He brings an added dimension of grit that will compliment our team area of toughness."

Worlton came to the Thunder out of the United Hockey League, where he previously split the 2005-06 season between the Fort Wayne Komets and Roanoke Valley Vipers. He also spent the 2004-05 campaign at Fort Wayne, logging four points (2g-2a) in 68 games, along with 372 penalty minutes.

Worlton makes Stockton his third ECHL stop. He previously spent time with the Louisiana IceGators and Cincinnati Cyclones from 2001-04.

Wednesday, January 18
Alaska 7 vs. STOCKTON 1
Alaska forward Ryan Gale's hat trick and Mike Scott's two goals paced the Thunder to a 7-1 loss to the Aces on Wednesday night, with Alaska notching five unanswered goals. Thunder left wing Aaron Foster's second period power play goal accounted for the only Thunder score on the night, banging in a rebound on the left side of the crease. Aces goaltender Matt Underhill turned aside 22 Thunder shots.

Friday, January 20
Alaska 5 vs. STOCKTON 2
The Thunder fell victim to an Alaska three-goal rally on Friday in a 5-2 loss to the Aces at Sullivan Arena. After falling into a 2-0 hole, Aaron Foster (power play goal) and Dave McCulloch helped Stockton climb back to a 2-2 tie at the end of one period, with two goals in under a minute span. Alex Leavitt picked up the game-winning goal just 20 seconds into the second period, while Vladimir Novak spearheaded Alaska's offense with two goals.

Saturday, January 21
Alaska 6 vs. STOCKTON 3
Nathan Martz's three assists was countered with Alaska center Alex Leavitt's five point (1g-4a) night, in a 6-3 Thunder setback at Sullivan Arena on Saturday. Mike Lalonde, Maris Ziedins, and Geno Parrish pumped in goals for the Thunder, including two in the third period on Alaska goaltender Matt Underhill. Special teams units were extremely active, with both teams combining for three power play goals on 16 chances.


THUNDER NOTES:
o Defenseman Geno Parrish has recorded 21 points, with 17 points (3g-14a) coming on the power play, tied for the team-lead in power play scoring
o Stockton has gained five of its six wins outside of divisional play
o The Thunder has drawn crowds of 6,000 or greater in four of its last five home games
o Left wing Aaron Foster has collected five points (2g-3a) in his last five games



ECHL Stories from January 23, 2006


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