Reaching Into a Bag Of Tricks

Published on March 12, 2006 under ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


BAKERSFIELD, Calif. - Stockton Thunder (13-34-11, 37 points) right wing Lance Monych collected his first career hat trick and Stockton's first hat trick in franchise history, in a 5-1 victory over the Bakersfield Condors (29-22-5, 63 points) before 5,836 at Rabobank Arena on Saturday.

The win gives the Thunder its first three-game winning streak in franchise history, who has won five of its last six games. Stockton also collects its first win against Bakersfield in six tries.

Monych put the Thunder up 1-0 with a power play goal 3:40 left in the first period, slamming a one-timer past Condors goaltender Marty Magers from the left circle.

Stockton hiked the lead to 2-0 at the second period's 7:39 mark, when Monych took a Maris Ziedins feed in the slot, drove the net and netted a 15-foot wrist shot past Magers. Bakersfield followed with their only goal of the game on a Mathieu Brunelle power play marker at 11:14.

The Thunder immediately responded with Jeff Lang's power play goal with 6:07 left on a 40-foot drive from the high-slot. Kevin Gardner pushed the lead to 4-1 at 15:23 with a shorthanded goal, converting a Joel Irwin blueline feed and stuffing a backhander in-close past Magers.

After the Thunder kept numerous Condor power play chances at-bay, Monych slammed the dagger into Bakersfield with 6:45 left in the third period, capping a two-man advantage situation by stuffing home a Geno Parrish cross-ice pass from the left goal line.

Jake Moreland made a staggering 42 saves in net for Stockton and is now unbeaten in seven of his last nine games. Joel Irwin supported the Thunder offense with three assists and has now registered at least a point in nine of his last 10 games.

Stockton's win also denies Bakersfield a chance to clinch a Kelly Cup Playoff berth, who only need one more win to gain postseason entry.

The Thunder continues its eight-game road trip on Tuesday with a 6:10 p.m. PT game at Qwest Arena against the Idaho Steelheads. The game can be heard live on the internet (free-of-charge) at is available for viewing at a $6 "pay-per-view" rate 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 Ticket 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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