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Back On Their Feet And Running

February 25, 2008 - ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


THUNDER OVERALL RECORD: 21-29-3, 41 points LAST WEEK: 2-1-0

THIS WEEK'S OPPONENTS: (all times PT)

vs. PHOENIX ROADRUNNERS (Monday - 7:00 p.m.) - 1420 KSTN, B2 Networks

Holding a win streak for the first time since January, the Thunder faces the Phoenix RoadRunners for the final time in the seven-game series in a rare Monday night matchup, with playoff positioning at stake. The Thunder sits two points ahead of the RoadRunners for seventh place in the National Conference with a record of 21-29-3 (41 points). The Thunder is 4-2-0 in the season series and is 13-4-1 all-time against the RoadRunners. Monday's game begins a long home stretch for the Thunder, who plays seven of the next eight games at Stockton Arena.

vs. CINCINNATI CYCLONES (Thursday - 7:00 p.m., Saturday - 7:03 p.m.) - B2 Networks

One of the top teams in the American Conference makes a west coast visit as the Thunder and Cincinnati Cyclones face each other for two games on Thursday and Saturday. The Thunder dropped a two-game series to Cincinnati last year at Stockton Arena and will is facing the only American Conference opponent this season in the Cyclones. The Thunder is 6-5-1 all-time versus American Conference teams.

vs. UTAH GRIZZLIES (Friday - 7:30 p.m.) - 1420 KSTN, B2 Networks

It is meeting number six of the year between the Thunder and Utah Grizzlies, as both teams meet for the final time this year at Stockton Arena. The Thunder is 1-3-1 this season against the Grizzlies and is 8-8-1 in the all-time series. Thunder rookie Geoff Paukovich leads the Thunder in scoring for the season series with five points (3g-2a) in five games against the Grizzlies.

1420 KSTN is the Thunder's flagship radio station and all Thunder games can be heard live on the Internet (free-of-charge) and are available for viewing at a $6 "pay-per-view" charge at www.stocktonthunder.com, courtesy of B2 Networks. Radio broadcaster Mike Benton provides play-by-play commentary, with the "Thunder Forecast" pre-game show starting 15 minutes before each broadcast.

In addition, Valley Brew Family Restaurant is in its second season as official host of the Thunder Watch Party (via B2 Networks' "Bar and Pub Network") for all road games, featuring prizes and broadcast-interactive contests for all fans in attendance.

Located at 157 W. Adams Street in Stockton, Valley Brew Family Restaurant is placed in the heart of Stockton's "Miracle Mile" district and features an array of acclaimed burgers, beverages, appetizers, specialties and more, offering customers free wi-fi internet access inside the restaurant.

WEEK IN REVIEW

Monday, February 18 (Fresno 3 - Stockton 2)

John Morlang's eventual game-winning goal with 14:14 left in regulation snapped a 2-2 tie and helped the Fresno Falcons send the Thunder to a 3-2 loss before an announced President's Day matinee crowd of 4,859 at Save Mart Center on Monday. Brandon Schwartz scored a shorthanded goal to highlight the Thunder offense and Andy Contois added a first period goal. Thunder goaltender Tim Boron made 22 saves to backstop the defensive efforts.

Friday, February 22 - (Stockton 3 - Fresno 2)

Rookie goaltender Glenn Fisher made 35 saves as the Thunder ended an eight-game winless skid and garnered its first all-time win in 12 games in Fresno, sinking the Fresno Falcons in a 3-2 victory before 6,408 at Save Mart Center on Friday night. Fisher stopped the final 25 of 26 shots faced in the final two periods to preserve the victory, garnering his first win since January 16 when he guided the Thunder to a 2-1 home victory over Fresno, when he stopped 44 shots. Pat Bateman, Adam Huxley and L.P. Lachance all scored first period goals for the Thunder.

Saturday, February 23 - (Stockton 5 - Bakersfield 2)

Goaltender Tim Boron made 39 saves to help the Thunder jump into seventh place in the National Conference with a 5-2 victory over the Bakersfield Condors in front of 6,648 at Rabobank Arena on Saturday night. The win puts the Thunder four points ahead of Bakersfield in the race for playoff positioning, as the Thunder garnered its first win streak since Jan. 6-9. Five different Thunder scored a goal, led by Tim Verbeek's 100th goal as a professional in the second period.

UPCOMING PROMOTIONS

THURSDAY, 2/28 vs. Cincinnati Cyclones

- Be Cool, Read! (presented by 99.3 KJOY and Dreyer's Ice Cream)

Students who achieved reading goals within participating Stockton-area schools are rewarded with complimentary tickets to Wednesday's game. - Knight of Sight & Thunder (presented by Lion's Club of San Joaquin County)

All fans are invited to bring a pair of eyeglasses, to be donated to the Lion's Club of San Joaquin County

FRIDAY, 2/29 vs. Utah Grizzlies

- Never A Wasted Ticket Night Season ticket holders can redeem old tickets for a ticket of the same or lesser value for this game (subject to availability)

SATURDAY, 3/1 vs. Cincinnati Cyclones

- Thunder Cap Night (presented by Jackson Rancheria, 104.1 The Hawk and Comcast)

The first 2,000 fans (ages 13 and over) receive a free Thunder cap! - Be Cool, Read! (presented by 99.3 KJOY and Dreyer's Ice Cream)

Students who achieved reading goals within participating non-Stockton-area schools are rewarded with complimentary tickets to Wednesday's game.

UPCOMING MILESTONES:

o Jason Beeman is 24 games away from 100 in his ECHL career

o Brian Lee is 14 games away from 200 in his professional career

o Lance Monych is 6 points away from 100 in his professional career

o Brandon Schwartz is 12 points away from 100 in his ECHL career

o Tim Verbeek is 19 games away from 400 in his professional career

TEAM NOTES:

o Goaltender Glenn Fisher has a .926 save percentage in the month of February

o Rookie goaltender Tim Boron is tied for second in the ECHL with three shutouts

o Lance Monych is on a six-game scoring streak with seven points (4g-3a) in that span

o Stockton leads the ECHL in attendance with 169,767 fans (6,529 average)

o Stockton is 20-12-1 when scoring first

o Stockton is 14-3-0 when leading after 2 periods

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING

(courtesy of The Record)

"The confidence was lacking heading into that game, and winning it was a step in the right direction, and 24 hours later we played as well, if not better. I think it's safe to say (the Fresno) win was what we needed."

- Thunder head coach Chris Cichocki on weekend victories against the Fresno Falcons and Bakersfield Condors

"I feel we've been playing well the past two games, and it's nice to finally get some reward. Now we have to keep winning."

- Thunder goaltender Glenn Fisher after Friday's 3-2 win over the Fresno Falcons "If you are getting traded, it's far better to go somewhere where you know what is expected of you. I know it's a good situation there, and I know Chris. It should be fun."

- Right wing Lance Monych after being acquired by the Thunder last Wednesday from Mississippi

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