Game Preview: Stockton Thunder Vs. Idaho Steelheads

Published on November 2, 2007 under ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


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INTERNET: www.stocktonthunder.com (B2 Networks)

2007-08 HEAD-TO-HEAD SERIES

11/2/07 Idaho at Stockton

11/3/07 Idaho at Stockton

01/29/08 Stockton at Idaho

01/30/08 Stockton at Idaho

03/07/08 Idaho at Stockton

03/19/08 Stockton at Idaho

03/21/08 Stockton at Idaho

03/22/08 Stockton at Idaho

03/28/08 Idaho at Stockton

TONIGHT'S MATCHUP

In a rematch of last year's National Conference Quarterfinal round, the Thunder and Idaho Steelheads renew a growing rivalry with a two-game series at Stockton Arena on Friday and Saturday, a part of "Thunder Goes Pink II" that will use various events and giveaways to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer. Last season, the Thunder went 7-2-1 against Idaho in the regular season but the Steelheads emerged victorious in a grueling six-game series, including two games that went into overtime. Both teams face each other nine times this year.

LAST GAME RECAP

Rookie right wing David Rohlfs scored a game-winning goal at the 2:04 mark of overtime and goaltender Cam Ellsworth turned aside 34 shots to lead the Thunder to a 3-2 win over the Alaska Aces in front of 8,609 fans at Stockton Arena's 2007-08 home opener on Saturday night. Geoff Paukovich scored the first goal of the home campaign with 1:01 left in the first period, followed by Jesse Bennefield's breakaway goal with 20.1 seconds left for a 2-0 Stockton cushion. Bo Cheesman and Tomas Kana scored for Alaska.

STEEL-CAGED MATCH

Last year's National Conference quarterfinal (first round) of the Kelly Cup Playoffs matchup between the Thunder and Idaho Steelheads featured a grueling six-game series between both clubs, including two games that went into overtime that had Idaho winning the series 4-2. The Thunder took the first game on an epic, three-goal comeback in the third period for a 4-2 win at Qwest Arena, while Idaho won both overtime games at Stockton Arena on goals from John Lammers in game three and Lance Galbraith in game five. Idaho took the momentum from the series and captured its second Kelly Cup title.

THINK PINK

The next two home games have a pink twist - "Thunder Goes Pink" takes over Stockton Arena for the second year in row, aiming to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer. One dollar from every ticket sold for the event will be donated to the beneficiaries. Also, the Thunder players will once again wear specially designed, pink-accented jerseys which will be auctioned off for the charities in silent and live auctions during the weekend. In addition, special commemorative t-shirts will be sold with $5 from each t-shirt being donated to the beneficiaries. Last year's "Thunder Goes Pink" event raised $37,000.

FAST STARTS

Known for their speed and two of the bigger free-agent signings for the Thunder in the offseason, wingers Jesse Bennefield and Andy Contois have combined for 11 points (5g-6a) in the first five games this season and are the Thunder's top-2 scoring leaders. Bennefield leads the Thunder with four goals, tied for 5th in the ECHL while Contois, who spent his rookie season with the Gwinnett Gladiators, leads the Thunder with five assists.

ABOUT THE STEELHEADS

The Idaho Steelheads are the ECHL affiliate of the NHL's Dallas Stars and AHL's Iowa Stars and captured their second Kelly Cup championship in four seasons last year. Head Coach Derek Laxdal is back for his third season behind the Idaho bench, carrying a 174-103-25 lifetime coaching record with the Steelheads and Central Hockey League's Wichita Thunder. Laxdal has 67 games of NHL playing experience with the New York Islanders and Toronto Maple Leafs. Idaho returns 11 players from last year's Kelly Cup champion squad, including goaltender Steve Silverthorn, last year's Kelly Cup MVP, who was assigned to Idaho from the Iowa Stars earlier this week.

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