Five-Game Homestand Continues This Weekend

December 18, 2007 - ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


THIS WEEK'S OPPONENTS: (all times PT)

vs. BAKERSFIELD CONDORS (Friday - 7:30 p.m.) - 1420 KSTN, B2 Networks

The Thunder continues a season-long five-game homestand on Friday against the Bakersfield Condors, the first game in seven days for the Thunder and the third game in the nine-game season series. The Thunder is 6-6-6 lifetime against the Condors and went 3-1-1 at home against Bakersfield last year. The game marks the return of veteran defenseman Tim O'Connell, scheduled to play in his 500th career game after ending an eight-month retirement last Friday.

vs. PHOENIX ROADRUNNERS (Saturday - 7:30 p.m.) - B2 Networks The Thunder faces the Phoenix RoadRunners for the fifth time this season, looking to improve on a 3-1-0 season series record in the first matchup at Stockton Arena between both teams. The Thunder is concluding its two-day "Winter Thunderland" promotional night, where special Holiday-themed jerseys worn by the Thunder during both games will be auctioned off following Saturday's game. Andy Contois, Jacob Micflikier and Ryan MacMurchy have five points each to lead the Thunder in scoring for the series.

1420 KSTN is the Thunder's flagship radio station and all Thunder games can be heard live on the Internet (free-of-charge) and are available for viewing at a $6 "pay-per-view" charge at www.stocktonthunder.com, courtesy of B2 Networks. Radio broadcaster Mike Benton provides play-by-play commentary, with the "Thunder Forecast" pre-game show starting 15 minutes before each broadcast.

In addition, Valley Brew Family Restaurant is in its second season as official host of the Thunder Watch Party (via B2 Networks' "Bar and Pub Network") for all road games, featuring prizes and broadcast-interactive contests for all fans in attendance.

Located at 157 W. Adams Street in Stockton, Valley Brew Family Restaurant is placed in the heart of Stockton's "Miracle Mile" district and features an array of acclaimed burgers, beverages, appetizers, specialties and more, offering customers free wi-fi internet access inside the restaurant.

UPCOMING PROMOTIONS

FRIDAY, 12/21 vs. Bakersfield

- Winter Thunderland

Thunder will wear special Christmas-themed jerseys during the game, available to fans via silent auction during the game

- Player Photo Series #3 (presented by KHOP 95.1 & In-Shape Health Clubs)

All fans in attendance receive a photo sporting this year's Thunder defensemen

- Be A Winner! Night (presented by Bank of Agriculture and Commerce)

Students who were recognized by their schools for outstanding character will receive free tickets for today's game!

- Family Night (presented by Alpine Meats & 99.3 KJOY)

$34 family upper premium / end zone admission (four tickets, two hot dogs, two hockey pucks) with discount admission coupon available via Alpine Meats display at area grocery stores

SATURDAY, 12/22 vs. Phoenix

- Winter Thunderland and Jersey Off Our Back Night (presented by 104.1 The Hawk and Comcast)

Thunder will wear special Holiday-themed jerseys during the game, available to fans via silent and live auction during the game

- Jersey Off Our Back Night (presented by 104.1 The Hawk and Comcast)

Thunder will wear special Holiday-themed jerseys during the game, available to fans via silent auction during the game

- Thunder Christmas Ornament Silent Auction

Ornaments decorated by Thunder players will be available via silent auction during the game

- Be A Winner! Night (presented by Bank of Agriculture and Commerce)

Students who were recognized by their schools for outstanding character will receive free tickets for today's game! display at area grocery stores

UPCOMING MILESTONES:

o Chris Cichocki is 7 wins shy of 200 in his ECHL coaching career

o Tim O'Connell is 1 game shy of 500 in his professional career

o Mark Adamek is 1 game shy of 100 in his professional career

o Phil Cole is 2 games shy of 300 in his professional career

o Brian Lee is 2 games shy of 100 in his professional career

TEAM NOTES:

o Jacob Micflikier is tied for third in ECHL rookie scoring with 30 points (8g-22a)

o Jacob Micflikier leads ECHL rookies with 22 assists

o Ryan O'Marra is tied for second among ECHL rookies with 7 power-play goals

o Stockton leads the ECHL in attendance with 69,911 fans (6,991 average)

o Stockton is tied for the ECHL lead with 6 shorthanded goals

o Stockton is 7-for-20 (.350) on the power-play in the last four games

WEEK IN REVIEW

Tuesday, December 11 (Alaska 5 - Stockton 2)

Josh Soares tied a career-high with a four-assist game as the Alaska Aces scored four unanswered goals to send the Thunder to a 5-2 loss at Sullivan Arena on Tuesday. Alaska veteran Kimbi Daniels scored two goals and added an assist. Rookie Jacob Micflikier tied the game at 1-1 with a power-play goal for the Thunder in the first period before Alaska's four-goal spurt. Both Micflikier and Stephane Goulet each had a goal and an assist to lead the Thunder scoring.

Wednesday, December 12 (Stockton 4 - Alaska 3, OT)

Captain Brad Farynuk's game-winning goal 49 seconds into overtime lifted the Thunder to a come-from-behind 4-3 victory over the Alaska Aces at Sullivan Arena on Wednesday. The win was the first in eight tries (1-6-1) for the Thunder on Alaska's home ice and helped the Thunder become just the third team in 32 games to keep Alaska winless at home. Thunder forward Stephane Goulet forced overtime with a two-man advantage goal with 43 seconds left in regulation and rookie Jacob Micflikier led the Thunder offense with a career-high four-point effort (1g-3a).

Friday, December 14 (Bakersfield 5 - Stockton 3)

Forward Andrew Ianiero's goal at the 12:07 mark of the third period proved to be the game-winner as the Thunder dropped a 5-3 decision to the Bakersfield Condors in front of 6,175 fans at Stockton Arena. Rookie Ryan O'Marra led the Thunder with two goals and Jacob Micflikier added three assists, continuing a recent scoring tear.

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING

(courtesy of The Record)

"I've missed the game a lot. I've been looking forward to getting back into the room and helping the team out."

- Veteran defenseman Tim O'Connell on his scheduled comeback this Friday vs. Bakersfield

"I know I won't be the fastest skater (in the NHL) and I don't have hand speed that will make you go 'Wow,' but I'm gritty, and I know how to get in there and be physical.

- Center and first-round draftee Ryan O'Marra on his continued development as an NHL prospect

"This is the toughest rink to play in the league, for sure. We really played well, and we earned every point out there."

- Head Coach Cichocki on last Wednesday's win, 4-3 at Alaska in overtime, the first in Thunder history at Sullivan Arena



ECHL Stories from December 18, 2007


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