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A Tough Exam to Ace

February 5, 2006 - ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


STOCKTON, Calif. - A challenging night for the Stockton Thunder (8-24-7, 23 points) was headlined by two goals apiece from Alaska Aces (36-6-3, 75 points) forwards Alex Leavitt and Justin Maiser, part of an 8-2 Thunder setback to the Aces in front of 8,923 at Stockton Arena on Saturday night.

For the second straight night, the Thunder jumped to an early lead when Kevin Gardner put in a rebound of a Dave McCulloch slapshot 1:25 into the game. The Aces answered with three consecutive goals in the first period from Mike Scott, Olivier Filion and Maiser.

Steve Slonina scored to cut the Aces lead to 3-2, when he netted his team leading 16th goal of the season on a close rebound 7:24 into the second. Alaska answered with four more goals from Vladimir Novak, Leavitt (two goals), and Ryan Gaucher (shorthanded) to finish the period with a 7-2 lead.

Alaska picked up one more goal in the third, an unassisted goal by Justin Maiser and his second of the game with a shorthanded wrist shot that beat Thunder netminder Jeff Weber top shelf with 43 seconds gone.

The Thunder went scoreless on seven power play chances against Alaska's top-ranked penalty kill unit, while Alaska was able to score two shorthanded goals on Thunder power plays.

The Thunder returns to play on Sunday against the Bakersfield Condors with a noon PT face-off at 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.

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