Escobedo's Two Goals Not Enough to Beat Las Vegas

Published on March 16, 2014 under ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


Defenseman Sean Escobedo scored both Thunder goals but it wasn't enough for the team to beat the Las Vegas Wranglers, falling by the final score of 3-2 Sunday afternoon at Stockton Arena.

The Thunder offense was clicking early and often, however, the team was unable to light the lamp. The Thunder played an aggressive style of hockey and pressed the issue the entire game, ending with 32 shots on goaltender Travis Fullerton, including 12 shots alone in the first.

"I think tonight we were getting to the net better tonight than we did last night and that made a difference for us," said Head Coach Rich Kromm. "Utah doesn't give up a lot of shots and I think Las Vegas gives up more shots on a regular basis but we had more bodies going to the net."

The offense was led by Escobedo who scored on both his shots on the night, making it the second straight game where the Thunder defense collected the goals.

Escobedo first goal came when he blasted the slap-shot past Las Vegas goaltender Fullerton. With the man advantage, the Thunder power play demonstrated their passing proficiency, ending with Escobedo's defensive partner Lee Baldwin finding him for the first Thunder tally of the game.

"On the first goal it was a great pass by Corey Trivino and Baldwin," said Escobedo. "Baldwin really sold it up top and I was lucky enough to get it through."

The Thunder defenseman's second goal came with 1:37 left in the third period, aiding the potential Thunder comeback when Thunder goaltender Brian Foster skated off for the extra man. After a mad scramble in front of Fullerton, Escobedo pounded the loose puck in to cut the lead in half.

"Baldwin made a great shot for the second goal, I just kind of wacked the puck in," said Escobedo. "It was a sloppy second goal but it was really Baldwin who made the play."

Unfortunately for Escobedo and the Thunder, Las Vegas tallied three times, one in each period. A scramble in front of Foster ensued after the goaltender stopped the initial shot when former Thunder forward Adam Huxley putting in the bouncing puck to give the Wranglers the 1-0 lead.

Las Vegas then collected the only goal in the second period courtesy of forward Chad Nehring. Initially Foster was tied up with forward Adam Hughesman as they both battled for the puck just outside the crease. Hughesman ended the battle with the puck, allowing him to feed the puck in front of the crease where Nehring's one-timer secured the 2-1 lead.

Las Vegas final goal came in the third doubled the lead with 6:47 left on the clock. After Geoff Paukovich wristed a shot that hit off the high glass behind the net, forward Chris Kushneriuk chased down the puck. In one motion, he slid the puck behind the hustling Foster who inadvertently kicked the puck into the net trying to get back into position. Foster ended the night with 24 saves on 27 shots faced. Following the loss, the Thunder take to the road on Wednesday when the team plays the Utah Grizzlies at the Maverik Center. Fans can watch the game at the Thunder's official home away from home, the University Plaza Waterfront Hotel.

The Thunder return to Stockton Arena for a two game set against the Alaska Aces beginning on Saturday when the Thunder will transform for a final time from the Stockton Thunder to the Rough & Ready Islanders. The first 1,000 fans in the building will receive a free mini Thor bobblehead with the mascot sporting his own Rough & Ready jersey. Game-worn and game-issued jerseys will be available during and after the game via silent auctions, live auctions, and online auctions.

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