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Shorthanded Thunder Fall to Reign 4-1

November 16, 2013 - ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


Despite an amazing 45 save performance by Parker Milner, the Thunder were unable to beat the Pacific Division leading Reign.

The shorthanded Stockton Thunder were taken down by the final score of 4-1 by way of the Ontario Reign Friday night at Stockton Arena. The Reign increases their lead in the Pacific Division to 4 points over the Thunder, who remain at 14 points on the season.

The Thunder only suited up five defensemen in tonight's contest, due to recent defensive call-ups of Mike Dalhuisen and Sean Escobedo to the team's AHL affiliate, the Bridgeport Sound Tigers.

"I think the defenseman definitely got worn down with Ontario doing a good job of finishing their checks and putting a lot of pressure on them," explained Head Coach Rich Kromm. "The other side of the coin is we didn't have enough offensive possession time in their end and didn't generate many scoring chances."

Stockton was outshot in the game by 33, as Ontario ended the night with a total of 49 on Thunder goaltender Parker Milner. Milner stopped the first 31 shots he faced in the loss; he finished the night stopping 45 of 49.

"We didn't really have much of anything tonight except a competitive goalkeeper," Kromm said. "He's a proud goaltender, he competes really hard and I thought he was very, very good tonight."

Milner was counted on a number of times including what could be one of the saves of the year. Dan DaSilva, the third leading point getter in the ECHL, skated through the crease deking Milner, but in desperation mode, the former NCAA champion goaltender threw his glove down on the ice and was able to stun the Ontario centerman. Officials gathered to see if DaSilva was able to score but after a short conference they determined that Milner made the immaculate save.

Later in the first period, the Thunder got on the board first as Brayden Irwin snapped a wrist shot past Ontario goalkeeper Michael Hutchinson to give the Thunder the early lead. Defensemen Landon Oslanski and forward Matt Bergland picked up helpers on the tally.

The Reign would get on the board in the second thanks to Yasin Cisse's second goal on the season and second against the Thunder. Ontario Captain Derek Couture scored what would stand as the game winning goal with 3 minutes remaining in the second period. Couture scored high glove side on Milner after defenseman Eric Springer found the wide open Captain.

The Reign then tacked on 2 more goals in the third period, the first came from Matt White and the final goal scored by Jake Newton.

The Thunder are just beginning a season long six game home stand and it continues this Sunday when the team takes on the Bakersfield Condors at Stockton Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 4 P.M. on the first of two straight "Family Day" promotions. For just $38, you get four tickets, four sodas, and four hot dogs, but order your "Thunder Pride Pack" online and you get a Thunder hat for the same price. The second of the Family Days happens on Wednesday when the San Francisco Bulls come to town for a 7:00 p.m. start. The midweek tilt will also be college night; call 209-373-1500 to set up your fraternity, sorority, alumni association, sports team, or college club with discounted tickets.

Finally the Thunder open up a three-in-three against the Grizzlies and Steelheads on November 22nd through the 24th. As part of "Share Your Thanksgiving" the Thunder will be collecting canned food for the Emergency Food Bank of Stockton/San Joaquin. Each can of food you donate gets you $1 off your ticket price (minimum price of $7 and excludes glass, club, and suite seating locations). As for season ticket holders, they'll receive one entry in a raffle per can of food to win a suite for an upcoming home game.



ECHL Stories from November 16, 2013


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.

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