Three-goal third period fuels Thunder comeback

Published on October 14, 2006 under ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


FRESNO, Calif. - Jeff Lang's late power play goal capped off a Stockton Thunder (2-0-0, pre-season) three-goal third period rally, as the Thunder knocked off its highway-99 rival Fresno Falcons in a 4-3 pre-season win at Fresno's Gateway Ice Center on Friday night.

All four Thunder goals came on the power play, who converted on four of 16 chances with the man-advantage.

Fresno drew first blood at the first period's 3:11 mark for a 1-0 lead, when John Wroblewski finished a highlight move for the opening goal by zooming past a Thunder defenseman and darting on net from the left wing, beating Thunder goaltender Cam Ellsworth through the five-hole.

Just 2:22 later, Jordan Landry hiked the Fresno lead to 2-0 with an unassisted goal, after converting a turnover at center ice and beating Ellsworth with 15-foot wrist shot from the right circle over the goaltender's left shoulder. The Thunder responded in rapid fashion with a power play goal at the 7:14 mark, when Cam Abbott converted a centering feed at the right side of the crease from his twin brother Chris.

Both teams battled through a scoreless second period draw as the Thunder remained trailing 2-1, with Fresno goaltender Ryan MacDonald providing a key save on left wing Liam Reddox, who nearly converted a 2-on-1 outnumbered attack late in the period by slipping a toe-drag move around a Fresno defender, despite MacDonald's left pad stop on Reddox.

Reddox bounced back to help Stockton tie the game at the 4:08 mark of the third period on a 5-on-3 goal, throwing in a shot from behind the net off new Fresno goaltender Scott Stirling. Fresno regained a 3-2 lead with 12:50 left on a two-man advantage, when Tomas Fojtik beat new Thunder goaltender Devan Dubnyk with a 30-foot blast from the high slot.

Thunder center Chris Abbott tied the game at 3-3 with 8:45 left on a follow-up rebound at the right side of the crease, pouncing on Cam Abbott's stopped shot from the left circle. With 5:39 left and the Thunder working on another 5-on-3 power play, Brendon Hodge set up Jeff Lang for the game-winning goal, as Lang's wrist shot from the high slot deflected off Stirling and trickled into the open net.

Ellsworth started the game in net for the Thunder and stopped nine shots. Dubnyk, who relieved Ellsworth in the middle of the second period, made six saves in his Stockton pre-season debut as the Thunder finished outshooting the Falcons 32-18.

The Thunder finishes its pre-season schedule on Sunday, October 15 with a 4:00 p.m. game against the Falcons at Stockton Arena. General admission tickets are on sale and can be purchased by calling the Thunder offices at (209) 373-1500, or visiting www.stocktontickets.com.

Thunder season tickets and mini-plans 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 October 14, 2006


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