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Close scoring chances and goaltending stun Thunder in 3-2 loss

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


STOCKTON, Calif. - Victoria Salmon Kings (24-35-8, 56 points) goaltender B.J. Boxma posted 30 saves to headline a defensive survival against a furious Stockton Thunder (14-38-12, 40 points) offensive attack, as the Thunder fell to the Salmon Kings 3-2 at Stockton Arena Saturday night in front of 8,675 raucous fans.

Just like the previous night, Victoria drew first blood on a goal by Simon Mangos from 10 feet in the slot, knocking home a Lanny Gare centering bid at the 7:20 mark. Steve Roberts hiked the lead to 2-0 for the S-Kings, one-timing a backdoor pass from Taggart Desmet with 12:53 gone.

Stockton's Mike Lalonde converted a turnover at center ice, finishing off a 2-on-1 break with 2:28 to go, cutting the deficit to 2-1.

The second period turned into a mode of survival for Victoria, who averted 13 Thunder shots in the period, a majority of shots at the high-quality scoring chance variety. Thunder goaltender Jake Moreland stoned Victoria on all seven shots in the frame, while Boxma turned aside 13 shots.

Victoria extended their lead in the third period when Elias Godoy knocked in an Adam Taylor pass from behind the goal at the 6:21 mark. Lalonde added a shorthanded goal for the Thunder, his first of the season, with just 1.9 seconds remaining in the game for a consolation marker.

Lalonde's two goals on the night give him four points in the two game set against Victoria, with three goals and one assist in that span.

Moreland headlined the Thunder defensive efforts in net with 29 saves.

The Thunder wraps up the brief three-game homestand with a 4 p.m. PT game against the Phoneix RoadRunners on Sunday 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.



ECHL Stories from March 26, 2006


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