Johnson nets game winner with 1:07 left in sudden death OT

Published on October 17, 2010 under ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


STOCKTON, Calif. - Chaz Johnson's snap shot goal with 1:07 remaining in sudden death overtime capped a stunning comeback by the Ontario Reign, who edged the Stockton Thunder (0-1-1, 1 point) in sudden death overtime, 5-4 before 5,769 fans at Stockton Arena on Saturday night.

The Thunder, who gained its first point of the season by forcing overtime with the help of Chris D'Alvise's two assists, had leads of 2-0 and 3-1 slip away despite a 13-3 edge in shots on goal early in the game. Jeff Corey also chipped in for Ontario with a goal and an assist.

The Thunder turned the tables on the Reign with a fast start in the first 20 minutes, grabbing a 2-0 lead . Mark Arcobello collected the first goal of his pro career at 1:14 of the first period when he snuck a one-timer through the five hole of Martin Jones, capitalizing off a pass from Aaron Clarke from behind the net.

Ryan Constant's power-play goal with 5:42 left boosted the Thunder lead to two goals, corralling Scott Howes' pass at the high slot and burying a snap shot past Jones' blocker.

Eric Doyle cut the deficit to 2-1 for Ontario just 1:20 into the second period with a snap shot from between the hash marks that deflected off the shoulder of Tyson Sexsmith.

Yet, the Thunder bounced back and Jim McKenzie buried his first goal in a Thunder uniform just 50 seconds later, converting Chris Lawrence's feed from between the hash marks with a one timer.

Jon Francisco's power-play goal sliced the deficit to one goal again with 9:25 gone in the second period on a rebound at the left goal post and Jeff Corey tied it with 1:56 left in the period on another rebound at nearly the same position again, set up by Francisco.

Just 39 seconds later, Chris D'Alvise set up Fraser Clair on a breakaway and his backhanded deke beat Martin Jones blocker side to restore the Thunder lead at 4-3.

A chance for the Thunder to stretch their lead was denied when D'Alvise earned a penalty shot, but was stopped with a right pad save by Jones with 14:22 left in regulation.

Ontario then earned a 5-on-3 power-play and cashed in when Aaron Lewadniuk buried Jordan Morrison's post-to-post feed at the left wing with 9:35 left, helping force overtime at a 4-4 score.

Sexsmith earned a highlight-reel save on Shawn Collymore late in overtime, but Ontario got the eventual winner when Johnson carried the puck up the right wing and snuck a snap shot off Sexsmith's left shoulder to score his second goal of the year.

Sexsmith made 27 saves for the overtime loss. Jones won in his professional debut, making 26 stops.

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