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Second Period Mix-Up Too Much for Thunder to Overcome

February 8, 2008 - ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


STOCKTON, Calif. - Marc-Andre Bernier scored two goals, including the game-winner in the third period while adding an assist to help the Victoria Salmon Kings escape with a 4-3 win over the Stockton Thunder (19-24-3, 41 points) before 4,378 at Stockton Arena on Thursday night.

Newly-acquired forward Jason Beeman made his presence felt at the Stockton Arena as he assisted on a pair of goals by Thunder left wing Andy Contois.

The first goal of the game came in bizarre fashion and was scored at the 7:15 mark in the second period by Bernier, who buried a snap shot under the crossbar for a 1-0 Victoria lead. Ryan Wade and Darryl Lloyd were awarded the assist. The play originally continued when Bernier's shot ricocheted off the back post of the net and was followed with an apparent goal by Contois that was nullified when a review confirmed Bernier's goal.

Contois came right back to tie the game as he sunk a wrist shot on a breakaway at 12:45, with the assists coming from new comer Jason Beeman and Pat Bateman.

Stockton came out strong to begin the third period as Fredrik Johansson took a pass from L.P. Lachance to give the Thunder its first lead of the game at 2-1 just 1:21 into the period.

Victoria was not done yet as Milan Gajic took a pass from Patrick Coulombe and Jordan Krestanovich and scored on a sizzling one timer to tie the game at 2-2 on a Kings power-play.

Several minutes later the Kings took advantage of another power play as Gajic and Bernier assisted Nathan Barrett's goal to give Victoria their first lead since the first period. Victoria wasted no time as they struck again with 4:03 remaining to take command at 4-2.

Stockton made is close as Beeman and Bateman assisted on another Contois goal with 3:10 remaining, but the Thunder could not capitalize on several opportunities down the stretch as they feel 4-3 to the Victoria Salmon Kings before a crowd of 4,378 at the Stockton Arena.

NOTES: Once again the Thunder were without Beau Geisler (injured reserve), Ryan Geris (injured reserve), and Adam Huxley (injured reserve)...the Thunder fell to 6-9-3 all-time against Victoria and is 0-4-1 in the season series...

The Thunder return to action on Saturday night as they travel to Fresno to take on the Fresno Falcons at 7:30pm. The game can be heard live exclusively online (video and audio available) at www.stocktonthunder.com, courtesy of B2 Networks.

The Thunder has led the ECHL in attendance for two consecutive seasons and drew 244,085 fans to the Stockton Arena in 2006-07. Season tickets, group tickets and individual 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.



ECHL Stories from February 8, 2008


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