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Dubnyk records his first pro career shutout, Thunder snaps five-game skid

January 5, 2007 - ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


BOISE, Idaho * In his first ECHL game since December 15, Stockton Thunder (16-7-5, 37 points) all-star rookie goaltender Devan Dubnyk posted his first career shutout in his first game back from the Spengler Cup tournament in Switzerland, as the Thunder snapped a five-game losing streak in a 1-0 win over the Idaho Steelheads at Qwest Arena on Friday.

At the exact site of where the 2004 first round NHL Entry Draft pick of the Edmonton Oilers will return in 12 days for the ECHL All-Star Game, Dubnyk made 29 saves on the night, improving his record to 9-2-4 as the Thunder penalty-kill unit blanked Idaho on six power-play chances.

Both teams skated to a scoreless first period draw as Dubnyk stopped all 14 shots by the Steelheads, with the Thunder defense keeping a majority of chances away from the slot. At one point, Dubnyk helped keep the game at a draw despite Idaho outshooting the Thunder 11-3. Idaho's counterpart John Daigneau registered seven saves on the Thunder through the first frame.

Thunder left wing Mike Lalonde nearly missed ripping off the game's first goal after hitting the left goal post at the second period's midway point. In spite, Dubnyk continued his goaltending mastery through two periods with eight more saves on the Steelheads, as his crease-controlling efforts were backed up by left wing Tim Sestito's late second period marker at 18:18 for the eventual game-winning goal.

Rookie forward Stephane Goulet angled a shot from the right side that produced a scramble for the rebound, which Sestito found deep in the slot and buried past Daigneau's stick side and into an open net for his eighth goal of the season.

The Thunder preserved the victory with seven stops by Dubnyk in the third period, including a key save late in the game on forward Tuomas Mikkonen's bid while wide open from the left wing.

After dropping all five games in regulation last season to Idaho, the Thunder has improved to a 4-1-1 mark this season in the head-to-head matchup.

Stockton returns to play on Saturday, January 6 for a rematch against Idaho at Qwest Arena in a 6:10 p.m. start. The game can be heard live on the internet (free-of-charge) and is available for viewing for a $6 "pay-per-view" charge at www.stocktonthunder.com (courtesy of B2 Networks).

Thunder season tickets, mini-plans and individual tickets for the 2006-07 season are on sale now. 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 January 5, 2007


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