Three first period goals victimizes Thunder, Rohlfs scores his 14th

Published on March 1, 2008 under ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


STOCKTON, Calif. - Goaltender Nathan Lawson made 30 saves as the Utah Grizzlies sent the Stockton Thunder (22-31-3, 47) to a 3-1 loss before a crowd of 8,822 at the Stockton Arena Friday night.

The Thunder loss is the second in a row for the team, dropping to 1-4-1 in the season series while the Grizzlies have won their last three games.

Utah's Keith Johnson scored the first goal of the game, his 25th of the season at the 2:55 time mark for a 1-0 lead, assisted by Scott Burt and James Sanford. Johnson buried a loose puck in the crease, moments after Thunder goaltender Glenn Fisher stopped Burt on a point-blank save.

Left winger Ryan Kinasewhich put Utah ahead 2-0 with his 15th goal of the season, coming less than three minutes after the first score, assisted by Rob Sirianni and Tyler Haskins at the 4:16 mark. Kinasewich ripped a one-timer in the slot under Fisher's blocker, set-up by Sirianni's pass at the left circle.

The Grizzlies struck again at the 11:13 mark in the first period, making the score 3-0, coming from James Sanford, his eight of the season, assisted by Ryan Kinasewhich, and Rob Sirianni. Utah led the attack with Sanford, who raced down the right wing and unleashed a snap shot that re-directed into the net off traffic.

Both teams played to a scoreless second period, with Fisher stopping 11 shots by Utah in the second period

The Thunder ended the Grizzlies shutout hopes on rookie David Rohlfs' score at the 7:39 mark in the third, his 14th of the season, assisted by Brandon Schwartz. Rohlfs also ended a Thunder shutout string of 116:09 when he followed on a loose puck in the slot, moved to the forehand and slid the rebound into a semi-open cage moments after Phoenix goaltender Nathan Lawson stopped Brandon Schwartz on a left-wing breakaway.

Lawson stopped the Thunder comeback bid with 18 saves in the third period.

Sirianni finished with a game high two assists for Utah, while Kinasewich tallied a two-point night (1g-1a).

NOTES: The Thunder missed the services of Ryan MacMurchy (injured reserve), Beau Geisler (injured reserve) and Tom Zanoski (healthy scratch) ... the Thunder fell to 8-9-1 all-time against Utah ... Schwartz posted his 14th point in February, finishing as the team's leader for scoring in the month.

The Thunder returns to play tomorrow against the Cincinnati Cyclones, beginning at 7:30 p.m. from Stockton Arena. The game can be heard live exclusively online (video and audio available) at http://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.

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