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February 26, 2006 - ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


STOCKTON, Calif. - In cookie-cutter like fashion, the Stockton Thunder (8-31-11, 27 points) bagged a point despite succumbing to a late Bakersfield Condors (24-19-5, 53 points) rally, as both teams played into overtime again with the Thunder dropping a 3-2 overtime decision in front of a raucous 8,147 at Stockton Arena on Saturday night.

With the Thunder sporting 1980 United States Olympic hockey replica jerseys, both teams skated to a scoreless tie through one period, with Thunder goaltender Jake Moreland backstopping the Thunder defensive efforts with 16 saves in the frame. Moreland also stopped a flurry of chances late in the first period on Bakersfield's only power play, where the Condors collected three shots alone.

The Thunder drew first blood in the game midway through the second period, when Lance Monych scored his fifth goal since joining Stockton, tapping in a Joel Irwin centering feed from the left corner with a two-man advantage. Mike Lalonde's subsequent power play goal made it 2-0 in favor of the Thunder at the 11:25 mark, deflecting Dean Stork's blueline shot past Ryan Munce.

Mathieu Brunelle cut the lead to 2-1 for Bakersfield at the 14:15 mark, converting a Kevin Truelson backdoor feed from the right point.

Bakersfield tied the game at 16:34 in the third when Brian Collins fed Mike Hofstrand, who beat Moreland from the left circle.

Condors defenseman Kevin Truelson was credited with the overtime game-winner at the 2:40 mark, as Bakersfield converted on a two-on-one rush.

Moreland stopped more than 40 shots for the third straight game and the seventh time this season. The Thunder power play was a factor on the night, with both goals coming with the man advantage.

The Thunder returns to play on Sunday with a 4 p.m. PT face-off against the San Diego Gulls from Stockton Arena. The game can be heard live on the internet (free-of-charge) and is available for viewing at a $6 "pay-per-view" rate at www.stocktonthunder.com, courtesy of B-2 Networks.

Thunder season tickets, individual tickets, and mini packages are on-sale now. Individual tickets can be purchased in person at Stockton Arena's Ticket Office, online at www.stocktontickets.com, or by phone at (209) 373-1700. 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 February 26, 2006


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