Condors Soar Past Thunder

Published on April 7, 2006 under ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


STOCKTON, Calif. - The Stockton Thunder (17-40-14, 48 points) fell short in a three-goal third period comeback attempt, as the Bakersfield Condors (39-26-6, 84 points) outlasted the Thunder at a 5-3 score in front of 8,259 at Stockton Arena on Friday.

Both teams played to a scoreless tie through the first period, including 15 saves on Thunder goaltender Jeff Weber's end, countered by Ryan Munce's 17 stops for Bakersfield. Joel Irwin missed on the biggest chance of the first period, stoned by Munce on a penalty shot 12:51 into the game.

The Condors followed by erupting for four second period markers, beginning at 2:29 on Dave Bonk's tip in-close from Shaun Fisher's blueline shot. Bakersfield hiked the lead to 2-0 at 4:43 on a Kevin Kotyluk goal, followed by Sean Venedam's turn-around shot from 10 feet out at the 8:25 mark to make it 3-0.

Josh Liebenow converted a long rebound from the left circle with 1:19 to go to send the Thunder to a 4-0 deficit, with Brian Swiniarski receiving credit for his first ECHL goal.

Stockton jump-started its third period comeback attempt with a Jeff Lang marker 4:06 into the period after converting a deflection from a Kevin Gardner shot. Gardner then aided the Thunder to a 4-2 hole at 7:57, deflecting home an Aaron Foster right circle shot. Maris Ziedins then converted a Geno Parrish deflection at the 17:17 mark to cut the lead to 4-3.

The Thunder pulled Weber for an extra skater, enabling Bakersfield's Mike Hofstrand to bury an empty net goal with 37 seconds left, sealing the game.

Weber aided the Thunder cause in net with 37 saves, while Munce stopped 41 shots for the Condors.

The Thunder wraps up the 2005-06 campaign with a 7:30 p.m. PT game against the San Diego Gulls on Saturday 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.

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ECHL Stories from April 7, 2006


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