D'Alvise Hat Trick Lifts Thunder to 4-2 Victory

Published on November 7, 2010 under ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


STOCKTON, Calif. - Chris D'Alvise notched his third career hat trick and the Stockton Thunder (4-1-2, 10 points) never trailed in a game that featured a three-goal rally in the final six minutes of regulation, taking over sole possession of first place in the Pacific Division in a 4-2 victory over the Bakersfield Condors before 9,015 fans at Stockton Arena on Saturday.

The Thunder, who improved to 4-0-2 in the last six games, continued a breast cancer benefit event, "Thunder Goes Pink V" and were also aided on a game-winning goal by Bretton Cameron in the third period, his first pro goal.

"We came on the upper hand of a good, hard fought win," said Thunder head coach Matt Thomas. "We knew Bakersfield would give a much tougher challenge tonight and we were able to capitalize on more extra opportunity than they did. Both goaltenders were really good and what can you say about Chris D'Alvise - he made fantastic plays to give us the confidence to get the third goal."

Both teams battled through a scoreless tie in the first period, with the Thunder outshooting Bakersfield, 14-7. Bretton Cameron had the best chance of the period, whose wrist shot from the right circle was turned away by Josh Tordjman's left shoulder.

Pitton kept Bakersfield at bay with a kill of a 5-on-3 power-play for less than a minute, also stopping a breakaway by J.P. Chabot off his left pad.

D'Alvise broke the scoreless tie with 3:36 left in the second period, when he took a feed behind the net, spun a Bakersfield defender away from the puck and recovered to put a wrap-around past Tordjman's glove.

Following Bakersfield's kill of a 5-on-3 disadvantage, Carter Smith leveled the score at 1-1 to silence the swelling crowd with his second goal of the year with 8:55 left. On a 2-on-1 break, Smith dangled from the right wing to the slot, and buried a snap shot past Pitton's blocker.

D'Alvise though put the Thunder back on top, 2-1 with a highlight reel shorthanded goal with 5:45 left in regulation. On a 2-on-1 break with Jason Pitton, he took a flip pass from Pitton into the slot, dangled the backhand and beat Tordjman to send the crowd into delirium.

Then 2:42 later, Aaron Clarke connected with Cameron for his first professional goal to lift the Thunder to a 3-1 lead, slamming a one-timer past Tordjman from the left circle.

Bakersfield wouldn't go down quietly and Stephane Goulet finished Andrew Ianiero's centering pass at the goal mouth with 24.3 seconds left on an extra attacker situation, cutting the deficit to 3-2.

After Pascal Morency missed on a blast from the left point, the puck ricocheted to center ice and D'Alvise hustled the loose puck down and buried the empty netter for the hat trick, closing the game out with 1.7 seconds remaining.

Pitton outdueled Tordjman in net with 21 saves. Tordjman took the loss with 34 stops.

NOTES: The Thunder scratched Trevor Hunt (injured reserve), Chase Ryan (injured reserve), Craig Valette (injured reserve) and Jordan Foreman (injured, day-to-day) ... D'Alvise's hat trick was the first for the Thunder on the season and extended his scoring streak to seven straight games ... the Thunder scored their third shorthanded goal of the year and outshot Bakersfield, 38-23 ... the crowd, near a sellout, was a season high for the Thunder with owner Brad Rowbotham in attendance ... Stockton improved to 2-0-1 this season against Bakersfield.

The Thunder concludes Thunder Goes Pink V tomorrow against Bakersfield, starting at 4:00 p.m. at Stockton Arena. The game can be heard and viewed live on the internet (pay-per-view charge) at www.StocktonThunder.com, courtesy of AmericaOne.

A two-time recipient of the ECHL "Award of Excellence," Thunder was voted "Best Local Sports Team" by readers of the San Joaquin Magazine, led the ECHL in attendance for four consecutive seasons and drew over 200,000 fans for the fifth consecutive season in 2009-10. Season Tickets, mini-plans and individual tickets for 2010-11 are on sale now. For more information about tickets, merchandise, or other inquiries contact the Stockton Thunder offices at (209) 373-1500 or visit http://www.stocktonthunder.com/.

THREE STARS:

1. STK - 10 Chris D'Alvise

2. STK - 31 Bryan Pitton

3. STK - 17 Jason Pitton

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



ECHL Stories from November 7, 2010


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