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Driving into December

November 27, 2006 - ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


THIS WEEK'S OPPONENTS: (all times PT)

vs. LONG BEACH ICE DOGS (Friday, 12/1 * 7:30 p.m.)

After playing a stretch of three games last week against Idaho and Alaska, who had honors of the best record in the ECHL and the defending Kelly Cup Champions respectively, the Thunder takes on a three-game stretch this week comprising of two teams that have a combined record of 8-21-5 and hold the basement in their respective divisions, beginning with a Friday matchup against the Long Beach Ice Dogs. The Thunder is 3-0-0 against the Ice Dogs this season and 4-0-4 all-time versus Long Beach. Stockton assistant captain and former Ice Dog Nathan Martz leads the Thunder in scoring this season against Long Beach with four points (3g-1a).

vs. UTAH GRIZZLIES (Saturday, 12/2 * 7:30 p.m., Sunday 12/3 * 4:00 p.m.)

A weekend back-to-back series against the Utah Grizzlies highlights the continuation of a season-long nine-game homestand for the Thunder, two more of the seven times both teams will face each other this season. Stockton previously defeated Utah 7-1 on November 19 at Stockton Arena, setting numerous team records while center Nathan Martz broke a Thunder single-game record with four assists. After making the Kelly Cup Playoffs in its first ECHL season last year, Utah is looking to get out of the West Division basement with a 4-11-3 record. Rugged winger Brad Herauf leads the Grizzlies in scoring through 18 games with 13 points (8g-5a).

Thunder games can be heard live on the internet (free-of-charge) and are available for viewing at a $6 "pay-per-view" fare at www.stocktonthunder.com, courtesy of B2 Networks. Thunder broadcaster Mike Benton will provide play-by-play commentary, with the pre-game show beginning 7:15 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 3:45 p.m. on Sunday.

UPCOMING PROMOTIONS

FRIDAY, 12/1
o THUNDER TEAM PHOTO NIGHT (presented by Guaranty Bank, Premier Furniture Gallery & AM-970 ESPN Radio)
- All fans in attendance receive a commemorative 2006-07 Thunder team photo

o "I AM HERE!" NIGHT (presented by The Record, Food 4 Less & Zamora Automotive Group)
- Students who met attendance goals for the period selected by their school receive complementary admission

SATURDAY, 12/2
o BACK PACK NIGHT (presented by News10, Pepsi, 97.7 & 98.3 KWIN, and The Record)
- The first 2,000 children (ages 12 and under) in attendance receive a free Thunder back pack

SUNDAY, 12/3
o TOYS FOR TOTS/ THOR'S BIRTHDAY
- Free admission for children who bring a new toy to Thunder mascot "Thor's" birthday party which is donated to Toys for Tots

o FAMILY DAY (presented by Alpine Meats, with Clearwire and 99.3 KJOY)
- 4 tickets, 2 hot dogs and 2 pucks available for only $34
- Discount admission coupon available via Alpine Meats display, at area grocery stores and Clearwire retail locations

o ACADEMIC ALL-STARS DAY (presented by California Welding Supply and Guaranty Bank)
- Students who earned honor roll status for a recent grading period will receive complimentary admission

UPCOMING MILESTONES:
o Tim O'Connell is 5 games shy of 200 in his ECHL career, and is 15 points shy of 100 in his ECHL career
o Tim Verbeek is 2 assists shy of 100 in his professional career
o Tim Sestito is 3 games shy of 100 in his professional career

TEAM NOTES:
o ATTENDANCE UPDATE: The Thunder leads the ECHL in attendance with an average of 6,915 fans per game, an increase of 13% from the 2005-06 season
o Defenseman Beau Geisler is tied for fourth in the ECHL in scoring among defensemen with 15 points (4g-11a)
o Center Nathan Martz has posted nine assists in his last four games
o Stockton's power play at home has converted at a 24.6 percent rate, ranking second in the ECHL
o Stockton is 5-0-2 at home this season, setting a new Thunder record for longest home unbeaten streak
o Rookie right wing Troy Bodie leads the team with eight goals and is tied for ninth in the ECHL in scoring among rookies with 13 points (8g-5a)

LAST WEEK IN REVIEW

Thursday, November 23 STOCKTON 6 - Idaho 5

Nearly 5,000 fans with gold-colored rally towels were treated to an exhilarating 6-5 Thunder win over the Idaho Steelheads at Stockton Arena on Thanksgiving night, as defenseman Beau Geisler led the charge with his second two-goal game of his career with a first period shorthanded goal and the game-winning goal to break a 5-5 tie in the second period. Nathan Martz collected three assists while Mike Lalonde scored a goal and added two assists, as the Thunder became the ECHL's second 10-win team of 2006-07 and took its third win in four games over Idaho.

Friday, November 24 ALASKA 3 - Stockton 2 (SO)

The Thunder had its five-game home winning streak snapped but pushed its unbeaten streak at Stockton Arena to six consecutive games in a 3-2 shootout loss to the Alaska Aces. Alaska's Kimbi Daniels forced overtime with a game-tying goal with 43 seconds remaining in regulation, while Barrett Heisten scored the decider in the shootout's fifth round. Brendon Hodge and Stephen Slonina scored a goal each for the Thunder, while Devan Dubnyk provided a stellar effort with 35 saves in net for Stockton.

Saturday, November 25 IDAHO 4 - Stockton 3 (OT)

Francis Wathier's overtime game-winning goal capped Idaho's third period rally in a 4-3 Thunder overtime loss to the Steelheads, before 8,004 at Stockton Arena on Saturday. The Thunder moved into first place in the Pacific Division with a point gained in the standings by taking Idaho into overtime, and continued its team-record seven-game home unbeaten streak. Forwards Stephen Slonina, Mike Lalonde, and Troy Bodie scored second period goals for the Thunder, who helped move Stockton's season record against Idaho to 3-1-1.

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING
(courtesy of The Record)

"It was just another tough, entertaining (game) against a very good team. We played well and we played hard. It was a very good effort."
- Thunder head coach Chris Cichocki after a 4-3 overtime loss to Idaho to finish the week 1-0-2 against Idaho and Alaska, who have a combined 18-10-2 record

"It was a weird game in a way, but in the last minutes of a game you just tell yourself it's 1-0 and we have to stop them. It doesn't matter whether you win 1-0 or 6-5 or 7-1. The important thing is to get the two points (for the win), and we were able to do that again."
- Goaltender Cam Ellsworth after a 6-5 win against Idaho on Thursday, who made 27 saves and 12 in the third period

"I am honored when people recognize my father or my brother and ask about them. Hockey is a huge part of our family."
- Assistant captain and center Brendon Hodge on his father Ken Hodge (Boston Bruins, Chicago Blackhawks, New York Rangers) and brother Ken Hodge Jr. (Boston Bruins, Minnesota North Stars, Tampa Bay Lightning)



ECHL Stories from November 27, 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.

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