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Thunder and Utah battle in physical affair in 5-1 Stockton setback

January 7, 2006 - ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


STOCKTON, Calif. - Three second period Utah Grizzlies (20-11-2, 42 points) goals, including a game-winning marker by Matt Craig early in the frame, sent the Stockton Thunder (5-16-4, 14 points) to a 5-1 loss to Utah before 6,788 at Stockton Arena on Friday.

Stockton controlled a majority of momentum in the first period, but was stunted when D.J. Jelitto finished off an odd-man rush with a goal from the left circle for Utah, coming at the 18:33 mark for a 1-0 Grizzlies lead.

Utah continued to ride their swing of momentum with three second period markers, beginning with Matt Craig's tip on the doorstep with 9:59 gone for a 2-0 Grizzlies lead. Colt King finished off a one-timer in front 1:01 later for a 3-0 advantage, while Ryan Kinasewich banged home a one-timer at the 18:42 mark to stretch the lead to 4-0.

The Thunder shot back in the third period after a multitude of physical activity which claimed Thunder goaltender Jake Moreland to an ejection. Steve Slonina struck with a goal from the right circle at the 8:26 mark, cutting Utah's lead to 4-1. Trevor Baker finished the scoring with a blast from the slot that found its way past a screen and Thunder goaltender Jeff Weber with 10:21 gone.

Justin Eddy finished with 27 saves for Utah, while Moreland and Weber combined for 33 saves for the Thunder.

The Thunder hits the road to take on the Las Vegas Wranglers on Saturday with a 7:05 p.m. faceoff slated at Orleans Arena. The game can be heard live on the internet (free-of-charge) and is available for viewing at a $6 "pay-per-view" fare at www.stocktonthunder.com, courtesy of B-2 Networks.

Thunder season tickets, individual tickets, and mini packages are on-sale now. Individual tickets can be purchased in-person at Stockton Arena's Box Office, online at www.stocktontickets.com, or by phone at (209) 373-1700. 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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