Bakersfield rally sends Thunder to 3-2 shootout loss

Published on March 21, 2006 under ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


BAKERSFIELD, Calif. - Dave Bonk's game winning shootout goal for the Bakersfield Condors (33-23-5, 71 points) capped off a frantic post-regulation stretch resulting in a 3-2 shootout loss for the Stockton Thunder (13-37-12, 38 points), in front of 3,764 at Rabobank Arena on Monday.

Bonk's goal, which beat Thunder goaltender Jake Moreland past his blocker side, capped off a Condors rally which spurred a dramatic shutout duel between Moreland and Bakersfield netminder Ryan Munce, with Bonk's sudden-death sixth round marker accounting for the only shootout goal.

The Thunder drew first blood only 24 seconds into the game when Ned Havern slipped a 20-foot shot from the base of the right circle through Munce's legs, catching the Bakersfield goalie scrambling. Moreland upheld the 1-0 Thunder lead through one period with an impressive array of 15 saves.

Bakersfield retaliated for a 1-1 tie with 7:56 gone in the second period, when Kevin St. Jacques converted a Bonk centering feed for a power play goal. Joel Irwin then pushed the Thunder out front again at a 2-1 score with a power play marker 3:07 into the third, netting a Kevin Gardner feed from the right circle.

The Thunder's chances at escaping Bakersfield with two points were snuffed beginning with Josh Liebenow's one-timed goal only 2:06 left in regulation, tying the game at 2-2.

Following a scoreless overtime period, the two teams battled through five wild scoreless shootout innings before Bonk's goal, which included saves by Munce on Geno Parrish and Lance Monych, originally positioning the Thunder for victory.

Moreland headlined the Thunder defensive efforts with 46 saves, while Munce collected 32 stops. Irwin's two points (1g-1a) highlighted the Thunder's individual offensive support. Stockton finishes the eight-game road trip with a 3-4-1 mark.

The Thunder returns home for its next game with a 7:30 p.m. PT match-up on Friday against the Victoria Salmon Kings at Stockton Arena. The game can be heard live on the internet (free-of-charge) at 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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