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The Playoff March Continues

March 17, 2008 - ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


THUNDER OVERALL RECORD: 25-33-3, 53 points LAST WEEK: 1-1-0

THIS WEEK'S OPPONENTS: (all times PT)

at BAKERSFIELD CONDORS (Monday - 7:00 p.m.) - 1420 KSTN, B2 Networks

It's the final matchup of the season in nine meetings between the Thunder and Bakersfield Condors at Rabobank Arena, as the Thunder looks for its first win streak since Feb. 25. Tonight's game begins a four-game road stretch for the Thunder. Both teams last met on Feb. 23 with the Thunder winning 5-2 at Rabobank Arena, led by a two-point effort each from David Rohlfs (1g-1a) and Geoff Paukovich (1g-1a). The Thunder is 10-7-7 in the lifetime matchup and is 4-3-1 in the season series.

at IDAHO STEELHEADS (Wed., Fri. and Sat. - 6:10 p.m.) - 1420 KSTN, B2 Networks

The Thunder faces the Idaho Steelheads for a three-game series at Qwest Arena starting Wednesday, the sixth of nine meetings this season between both clubs. The Thunder is 10-4-1 in the last two seasons against the Steelheads and is 3-2-0 in the season series. Both teams previously met on Mar. 7 at Stockton Arena, with the Thunder taking a come-from-behind 3-2 victory. The Thunder is 0-2-0 at Qwest Arena this season.

1420 KSTN is the Thunder's flagship radio station and all Thunder games can be heard live on the Internet (free-of-charge) and are available for viewing at a $6 "pay-per-view" charge at www.stocktonthunder.com, courtesy of B2 Networks. Radio broadcaster Mike Benton provides play-by-play commentary, with the "Thunder Forecast" pre-game show starting 15 minutes before each broadcast.

In addition, Valley Brew Family Restaurant is in its second season as official host of the Thunder Watch Party (via B2 Networks' "Bar and Pub Network") for all road games, featuring prizes and broadcast-interactive contests for all fans in attendance.

Located at 157 W. Adams Street in Stockton, Valley Brew Family Restaurant is placed in the heart of Stockton's "Miracle Mile" district and features an array of acclaimed burgers, beverages, appetizers, specialties and more, offering customers free wi-fi internet access inside the restaurant.

UPCOMING PROMOTIONS

WEDNESDAY, 3/26 vs. Victoria Salmon Kings

- Academic All-Stars Night (presented by California Welding Supply & Guaranty Bank)

- Students who earned honor roll status for the recent grading period are honored with complimentary tickets to tonight's game

FRIDAY, 3/28 vs. Idaho Steelheads

- Group Appreciation Night

- Discount tickets for all groups who attended a Thunder game earlier this season (when purchased in advance)!

- Family Night (presented by Alpine Meats & 99.3 KJOY)

- $34 family upper premium / end zone admission (four tickets, two hot dogs, two hockey pucks) with discount admission coupon available via Alpine Meats display at area grocery stores

SATURDAY, 3/29 vs. Victoria Salmon Kings

- Fan Appreciation Night (presented by St. Joseph's Medical Center, KAT Country 103, and 104.1 The Hawk)

- Special giveaways and surprises in-store to salute the most loyal fans in the ECHL!

- Never A Wasted Ticket Night

- Season ticket holders can redeem old tickets for a ticket of the same or lesser value for this game (subject to availability)

WEEK IN REVIEW

Friday, March 14 (Fresno 4 - Stockton 3)

Matt Stefanishion's goal with 8:06 left in regulation snapped a 3-3 tie and helped the Fresno Falcons send the Thudner to 4-3 loss before a crowd of 7,058 at Stockton Arena on Friday night. Rookie Fredrik Johansson led the Thunder with two points (1g-1a) for the second multi-point game of his career, while the Thunder added goals from Phil Cole, his first of the year, and a power-play goal by Tom Zanoski.

Saturday, March 15 (Stockton 2 - Fresno 1)

Brian Lee's power-play goal with 12:12 left in regulation snapped a 1-1 tie and lifted the Thunder to a 2-1 win over the Fresno Falcons before a crowd of 8,034 at Stockton Arena on Saturday night. Goaltender Tim Boron made 33 saves to seal the victory for the Thunder and veteran Tim O'Connell ended a 35-game goal-scoring drought with a second period goal. Forward Tyler Hirsch added an assist for his first point in a Thunder uniform.

UPCOMING MILESTONES:

o Jason Beeman is 19 games away from 100 in his ECHL career

o Brian Lee is 6 games away from 200 in his professional career

o Lance Monych is 2 points away from 100 in his professional career

o Brandon Schwartz is 4 points away from 100 in his ECHL career

o Tim Verbeek is 13 games away from 400 in his professional career

TEAM NOTES:

o Rookie left wing Tom Zanoski has four goals in his last five games

o Rookie goaltender Tim Boron is tied for second in the ECHL with three shutouts

o Veteran center Joel Stepp is on a four-game assist streak and has a +4 rating in his last five games

o Stockton leads the ECHL in attendance with 216,875 fans (6,572 average)

o Stockton is 22-12-1 when scoring first

o Stockton is 16-3-0 when leading after two periods

o Stockton is tied for 4th in the ECHL with 12 shorthanded goals

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING

(courtesy of The Record)

"I felt there was a playoff atmosphere out there, and I was really pleased we hung in there," Thunder coach Chris Cichocki said. "It wasn't always pretty. But when you give that kind of effort, good things will happen, and Brian Lee came up big."

- Chris Cichocki, after Saturday's 2-1 win vs. Fresno

"I just saw a spot and tried to get the puck through. When you see the shot, you take it." - Defenseman Brian Lee on his game-winning goal last Saturday, in a 2-1 win vs. Fresno

"Hockey is challenging, and I look forward to the challenge of trying to find the different case law that applies to your case at hand, and trying to write the briefs," Schwartz said. "It's very interesting."

- Center Brandon Schwartz on his plans for a law career after hockey

• Discuss this story on the ECHL message board...

ECHL Stories from March 17, 2008


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