Oh So Royally Close

Published on December 31, 2005 under ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


STOCKTON, Calif. - A valiant effort helped the Stockton Thunder (5-14-4, 14 points) snap a six-game losing streak, yet Jon Francisco's game-winning shootout goal produced a 4-3 Thunder shootout loss to the Reading Royals (18-6-2, 38 points), in front of a roaring crowd of 8,036 at Stockton Arena on Friday.

Stockton's Aaron Foster put the first goal on the scoreboard only 42 seconds into the first period, finishing an odd-man rush for a 1-0 Thunder lead.

Reading struck back at 7:05 when Dany Roussin's goal tied the game at 1-1. As both teams fought for the tie-breaking goal, T.J. Kemp broke through for the Royals on the power play at 12:47 for a 2-1 lead. However, Stockton fought back when Steve Slonina pounced on a turnover shortly later for an unassisted goal at 13:30, tying the game at 2-2.

Following a high scoring first period, both teams failed to break the 2-2 tie after two frames. Stockton's Jake Moreland and goaltending counterpart Cody Rudkowski stopped all 12 shots apiece.

Tension built in the third period, as both teams continued their back and forth battle, when the Thunder's Steve Slonina received a crisp pass from Aaron MacInnis, knocking in a shorthanded breakaway tally for a 3-2 Thunder lead at the 6:13 mark. Larry Courville helped Reading bounce back at the 10:43 mark with rebound goal for a 3-3 tie, sending the game into overtime.

After a scoreless overtime, both teams proceeded in a shootout, when Jon Francisco scored the game winning goal in the third frame.

Steve Slonina's two goals paced the Stockton offense, while Moreland finished with 38 saves.

The Thunder finishes off their busy stretch with a 7pm faceoff on Saturday against the Bakersfield Condors at Rabobank Arena. The game can be heard live on the internet (free-of-charge) and is available for a $6 "pay-per-view" fare at www.stocktonthunder.com, courtesy of B-2 Networks.

Thunder season tickets, individual tickets, and mini packages are on-sale now. Individual tickets can be purchased in-person at Stockton Arena's Box Office, online at www.stocktontickets.com, or by phone at (209) 373-1700. For more information about tickets, merchandise, or other inquiries contact the Stockton Thunder offices at (209) 373-1500 or visit www.stocktonthunder.com.

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ECHL Stories from December 31, 2005


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