Salmon Kings Fall to Thunder

March 27, 2011 - ECHL (ECHL)
Victoria Salmon Kings News Release


Stockton, CA- In a Sunday evening matchup, the Victoria Salmon Kings and Stockton Thunder finished their three game set at the Stockton Arena. The Salmon Kings turned to Jimmy Spratt between the pipes, while the Thunder countered with Tyson Sexsmith.

The first period began with even play as neither team could create a quality scoring chance early. At the 6:31 mark, Josh Aspenlind dished the puck to Jeff Caister at the right point where he blasted his ninth tally of the season past Sexsmith. Just over two minutes later, Caister scored a déjà-vu type goal as he sent another shot from the blue line past the glove of Sexsmith for his second of the match. Off the next faceoff at the 9:02 mark, Chad Painchaud skated in on a breakaway after he received a pass from Cam Ritchie. The Victoria leading scorer closed in on the Stockton goaltender before he wristed a shot behind him for his 25th goal of the season to give the Salmon Kings an early 3-0 lead. The Thunder responded to the Salmon Kings' charge as they scored two goals in the next 38 seconds from Jordan Bendfeld and Steve Vanoosten. The last four goals of the frame were notched in a span of 1:02. The goal rush ended an exciting first period of play as Victoria lead Stockton 3-2.

The second period began with the Thunder tying the game 51 seconds in as Garet Hunt put home a Jim McKenzie rebound for his 13th marker of the campaign. Spratt highlighted the next few minutes as he made quality saves on Chris Lawrence and Jason Pitton to keep the game tied. At the 11:10 mark Stockton took the lead when Jordan Foreman counted his eighth goal of the year. Jarrett Konkle gave the Thunder a two-goal advantage at the 14:30 mark as he knocked in a loose puck in the goal crease for his 15th of the season. Victoria answered right back at the 16:30 mark while on the power play. Matt Siddall's point shot was stopped by Sexsmith, but Milan Gajic was in the right spot to tap in his 20th tally of the campaign. As the Salmon Kings looked to regain the lead, the Thunder came back 40 seconds later as Jarrett Konkle fed a cross-crease pass to Foreman for his second marker of the match. Victoria had a late power play in the second period, but could not beat Sexsmith. The Thunder held a 6-4 advantage over the Salmon Kings through two frames.

The final frame began with a defensive style of play as the Thunder tried to deny the Salmon Kings a second come from behind victory this series. Victoria tested Sexsmith with a few early chances, but Stockton extended their lead at the 7:25 mark as Pierre-Andrew Bureau beat Spratt from the left side of the net. With just under six minutes left in the game, Bendfeld slammed a hit to the back of Matt Butcher. As a result of the play, Aspenlind dropped the gloves with Bendfeld in a tilt that saw the two each land a couple of hard blows each before the linesmen intervened. From the hit, Bendfeld received a major penalty for interference as well as a game misconduct. As Victoria made a late push to get closer, Foreman rounded out the scoring with a marker at 15:48. Thunder 8 Salmon Kings 4.

Victoria went 1/425.0% on the power play, while Stockton was 0/100.0%. The Thunder outshot the Salmon Kings 40-22.

Tickets for the first two home dates in the opening round of the 2011 Kelly Cup Playoffs can be purchased starting tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. Fans can purchase playoff tickets in person at the Select Your Tickets Box Office, online at www.selectyourtickets.com, or by phone at 250-220-7777. Victoria's playoff opponent is yet to be determined, with the full first round scheduled to be announced at a later date. Purchased tickets will be available for pickup once all playoff details are confirmed. The Western Conference quarterfinals series is a 2-3 format with the higher seed choosing the first two or final three games at home.

The final home series of the 2010-11 regular season begins this Wednesday, March 30th against the Alaska Aces. On Friday April 1st, the Salmon Kings are hosting Fan Appreciation Night where end section tickets are available for just $5! For tickets call 250-220-7777 or visit www.selectyourtickets.com.



ECHL Stories from March 27, 2011


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central