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Radunske collects three assists, Thunder wins seven of its last eight

March 22, 2007 - ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah - Brock Radunske scored a career-high and team-record five points (2g-3a) as the Stockton Thunder (31-22-10, 72 points) rode a four-goal second period rally, cruising to a 6-3 victory over the Utah Grizzles in front of 2,639 at The E-Center on Thursday night.

Winners in seven of its last eight games, the Thunder climbs to within two points of idle fifth place Fresno in the National Conference, and three points of idle fourth place Idaho.

Utah struck first for a 1-0 lead with just 5:58 gone into the game, as Matt Craig scored his 12th goal of the season on a breakaway, beating Thunder goaltender Cam Ellsworth under the five-hole after Ellsworth made the initial stop and the puck sliding through.

With 16 seconds left in the frame, Radunske caromed a drive by all-star center Nathan Martz past Utah goaltender Ben Gray to knot the game at 1-1 with a power-play goal, with Radunske providing a screen in front of Gray. Ellsworth made four saves in the period, including a point-blank stop by forward Brad Herauf at the right side of the crease, while Gray countered with 15 saves in the frame.

A four-goal second period by the Thunder hiked its lead to 5-3 through two stanzas, beginning with rookie Liam Reddox's fourth goal of the season just 3:13 into the period, corralling his own rebound from a right wing shot and burying the puck past Gray. Just 10 seconds later Utah capitalized on a Thunder turnover to level the game at 2-2, when Matt Craig fed Luciano Aquino streaking into the slot, who beat Ellsworth to the blocker side.

The Thunder followed with three unanswered goals, beginning with defenseman Tim O'Connell's 10th of the season at 9:49, beating Gray to the blocker side on a wrist shot from the slot. Following an Adam Huxley-Brad Herauf scrap, Radunske collected his second power-play goal of the game with 10:41 gone to hike the lead to 4-2, zipping a sharp-angle shot from the right corner that deflected off Gray and into the net. The Thunder garnered the power-play after Herauf was issued an additional unsportsmanlike conduct minor, on top of his fighting major.

Rookie Stephane Goulet cashed in on a three-on-one break to hike the Thunder advantage to 5-2, taking Radunske's pass from the slot and one-timing a shot past Gray from the right circle. Joel Irving drew Utah within two goals at 17:33, sniping a left-circle wrist shot under the crossbar to Ellsworth's blocker side.

Utah unleashed one last attack by outshooting Stockton 16-7 in the third period, but Thunder center Colin Pepperall sealed the game with 5:35 elapsed with his fourth goal of the year. Pepperall converted on a one-touch pass play from Mathieu Melanson and Radunske in the left corner, as Radunske found Pepperall in the slot to beat Gray on a one-timer.

Ellsworth stopped 37 shots to improve his record to 12-12-3. The Thunder is now 4-1-0 in the season series vs. Utah. Radunske is on a seven-game scoring streak and has scored 16 points (6g-10a) in that span. Additionally, Pepperall is on a seven-game scoring streak, netting at least a point in each game with the Thunder this season.

The Thunder continues its three-game series with Utah tomorrow, beginning at 6:05 p.m. at the E Center. The game can be heard live on the internet (free-of-charge) and is available for viewing at a $6 "pay-per-view" charge at www.stocktonthunder.com (courtesy of B2 Networks).

Recently named host of the 2008 ECHL All-Star Game, the Thunder drew 228,364 fans to Stockton Arena in its inaugural season, the ECHL's best attendance mark for 2005-06. Kelly Cup Playoff ticket packages and Thunder season tickets for 2007-08 are on sale now. 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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Three Stars:

1. STK - Brock Radunske

2. STK - Mathieu Melanson

3. STK - Colin Pepperall

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