Stockton defeats Texas

Published on February 24, 2007 under ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


BEAUMONT, Texas - The Stockton Thunder (25-17-10, 58 points) erupted for three power-play goals to attain its first winning streak since January 6 in a 5-4 road victory over the Texas Wildcatters before 1,703 at Ford Arena on Sunday afternoon.

The Thunder began its offensive tear with a 3-2 lead after one period, beginning with red-hot Mathieu Melanson's fourth goal in three games just 51 seconds into the contest, burying a rebound from a stopped shot by Mike Lalonde. After Texas' Alex Leavitt netted his squad's first power-play marker of the series at the 6:52 mark, the Thunder shot back on a 5-on-3 goal stemming from Olivier Proulx's unsportsmanlike conduct penalty before an end-zone faceoff.

All-star defenseman Beau Geisler netted the two-man advantage tally with 8:59 elapsed on a 30-foot blast from the slot, beating Texas goaltender Matt Yeats to the glove side. On the ensuing power play, the Thunder extended its lead to 3-1 with 9:51 left in the period on veteran defenseman Jason Beckett's second goal of the season, burying a rebound from the right circle.

Leon Hayward was credited with his 11th goal of the season on an initial shot by Jonathan Paiemont from the right circle to cut the Thunder advantage to 3-2. Texas kept Thunder goaltender Devan Dubnyk busy in the first frame, making 18 saves on a flurry of Wildcatters chances from in-tight.

Both teams continued the offensive slugfest into the second period as the Thunder held a 5-4 lead through 40 minutes. Center Jim Dahl gave the Thunder a 4-2 advantage with 5:10 gone on a backhander at the top of the crease, followed by Brandin Cote's rebound goal just 52 seconds later to cut the Thunder lead to 4-3.

Texas' Daniel Sparre then scored on a breakaway with 8:33 elapsed to tie the game at 4-4, followed by Lalonde's 23rd goal of the season at 10:29 on a one-timer from Nathan Martz in the low slot, beating Yeats with Dubnyk pulled for an extra skater on a delayed penalty.

Dubnyk preserved the victory with 11 third period saves to improve his record in net to 15-7-7. Lalonde led the Thunder offense with a goal and three assists.

The Thunder wraps up the four-game road trip against the Long Beach Ice Dogs on Wednesday, February 28, beginning at Noon. The game can be heard live on the internet (audio only, free-of-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. Thunder season tickets, mini-plans, group tickets and individual tickets for the 2006-07 season 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.

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



ECHL Stories from February 24, 2007


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