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Ellsworth and Yeats engage in a goaltending duel

February 23, 2007 - ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


BEAUMONT, Texas - Texas Wildcatters goaltender Matt Yeats made 38 saves as a Stockton Thunder (22-17-10, 54 points) comeback attempt fell short in a 2-1 loss to Texas at Ford Arena on Friday night.

Thunder netminder Cam Ellsworth made 20 saves in the first period to keep the Thunder to within a 1-0 deficit, as Brandin Cote scored his 20th goal of the season at the 17:15 mark to give Texas the lead after one frame. Texas forward Daniel Sparre set up the goal by driving around the perimeter to the right corner, where his deflected pass found Cote driving down the left wing. Cote roofed a one-timer over Ellsworth's blocker side for the first goal.

Texas took a 2-0 lead through periods on Jonathan Paiemont's fifth goal of the season at 13:25. The Thunder generated an up-ice attack with Mike Lalonde bidding for a tie, but found his shot blocked from the slot. Texas turned the puck back up ice and Paiemont took a drop pass in the slot from Baker, who beat Ellsworth with a wrist shot to the blocker side.

Yeats kept the Thunder off the scoreboard with 27 saves through two periods, as the Thunder barely missed on close-range attempts by rookie Mathieu Melanson and Jim Dahl. Melanson's open-net bid was turned away by an opposing poke-check, while Dahl corralled a rolling puck that was fired too high with Yeats leaving the upper portion of the net unguarded.

Playing in his first professional game, forward Mathieu Melanson scored his first goal of his career at 15:06 mark to cut the deficit to 2-1. Melanson forced a turnover at the left wing and netted a wrist shot that beat Yeats to the blocker side.

Ellsworth made 33 saves in net for the Thunder.

The Thunder faces a rematch on Saturday, February 24, beginning at 5:05 p.m. against the Texas Wildcatters at Ford Arena. 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).

Recently named host of the 2008 ECHL All-Star Game, the Thunder drew 228,364 fans to Stockton Arena in its inaugural season, the ECHL's best attendance mark for 2005-06. Thunder season tickets, mini-plans, group tickets 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 February 23, 2007


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