Boisclair scores in debut, Grizzlies use three-goal third period to defeat Thunder

January 26, 2013 - ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


STOCKTON, Calif. - Ian Schultz scored twice and sparked a third period rally to help the Utah Grizzlies send the Stockton Thunder (21-16-4-3, 49 points) to a 4-2 defeat before 4,256 fans at Stockton Arena on Friday.

"We're in a funk," said Thunder head coach Matt Thomas, "That's the best way to say it. We've got too many key guys that aren't contributing. We've just got to work our way out of it."

Playing in his first game with the Thunder, forward Maxime Boisclair notched his first goal with the Thunder in the first period. Center Harrison Reed collected an assist on Boisclair's goal and added one of his own in the second period.

Goaltender Cody Reichard recorded 32 saves on the night, while Utah's Andrew Engelage stopped 31 shots.

Boisclair took care of any pre-game nerves early. Boisclair and defenseman Colton Hayes battled for the loose puck in front of the crease. With his back to the goal, Boisclair spun around and sent a shot past a diving Engelage into the top left corner of the net. Boisclair's first goal in a Thunder uniform put Stockton on top 1-0 15:44 into the first period.

Utah leveled the count at the 6:10 mark of the second period. On a power play, Nick Tuzzolino blasted a shot from the point that made its way to Ian Schultz, who deflected the puck past Reichard, tying the score at 1-1.

The Thunder took the lead back on a power play in the waning seconds of the second period. With the clock ticking down, center Harrison Reed collected a rebound at the left circle, burying the puck past Engelage's stick with a one-timer to put the Thunder up 2-1 with just 20 seconds left in the period.

The Grizzlies even things out with another power play goal. Again it was Schultz, who knocked the puck in off a deflection at the top of the crease at 6:20 into the third period to make the count 2-2.

Just 1:34 later, Berkley Scott slotted a pass to a cutting T.J. Battani, who beat Reichard on a crossover move to put Utah up 3-2.

"I hear the fans yelling that the power play is not working," Thomas said, "The power play is working. They're working hard. It's just not happening for us right now. Sometimes, you go through stretches like that, and the only way you get through them is to work your way out of it."

Mitch Wahl added an empty-netter with 56 seconds left to make the final count 4-2.

NOTES: The Thunder scratched Teigan Zahn, Jeese Fratkin, Kevin Noble, and Cameron Abney...Ryan Green returned to the lineup for the first time since Jan. 9 at Colorado...Maxime Boisclair's goal was his first in the ECHL since scoring two for the Ontario Reign in a 6-2 home win over the Thunder on Dec. 21, 2008...the Thunder have lost three consecutive regulation games for the first time this season...the loss was the first the Thunder suffered when leading after two periods this season.

The Thunder will continue its three-game series with Utah tomorrow, Jan. 26, at 7:30 p.m. (StocktonThunder.com) at Stockton Arena. Tomorrow night will be the Thunder's eighth-annual Teddy Bear Toss, and fans are encouraged to bring and throw stuffed animals onto the ice when the Thunder scores their first goal of the game.

A two time recipient of the ECHL "Award of Excellence," the Thunder led the ECHL in attendance for four consecutive seasons and drew over 200,000 fans for the seventh consecutive season in 2011-12. Season Tickets, Group Tickets and Mini-Plans for 2012-13 are on sale now. 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 January 26, 2013


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