Condors soar past Thunder

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


STOCKTON, Calif. - Sean Venedam recorded a hat trick as the Stockton Thunder (8-25-7, 23 points) dropped its third consecutive decision in a 4-2 loss to the Bakersfield Condors (18-17-5, 41 points), in front of 3,066 at Stockton Arena on an early Sunday afternoon game.

Kevin Gardner knocked in a rebound in front of the goal to start the scoring for the Thunder at 4:35 in the first period, with Aaron MacInnis and Steve Slonina getting credit for assists on the goal. The Condors answered at 8:04 when Oriel McHugh shot a one-timer off the face-off past Thunder goaltender Jake Moreland. The Condors' Sean Venedam added a goal at 18:29 off a point shot, sending Bakersfield to a 2-1 lead into the first intermission.

Venedam added another just 20 seconds into the second period to extend the Condors lead, slipping a 20-foot wrist shot through Moreland's legs. The Thunder cut Bakersfield's lead to 3-2 at 2:29, when Jeff Worlton netted his first goal in his ECHL career, as he raced out of the penalty box to create a two-on-one and put in the puck as it slid across the crease off Slonina's stick, with Gardner also getting credited with an assist.

Bakersfield added a goal in the third at 5:35 when Venedam netted his third goal of the game for a hat trick on a nifty pass from behind the net.

Slonina now has a four-game scoring streak for the Thunder, with one goal and four assists over that span. Jeff Weber stopped 21 of 22 shots after replacing Moreland early in the second period.

The Thunder returns to play on Wednesday against the Fresno Falcons with a 7 p.m. 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.



ECHL Stories from February 5, 2006


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central