Thunder begins '07 aiming to snap five-game skid with two at Idaho

January 2, 2007 - ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


THIS WEEK'S OPPONENT: (all times PT)

at IDAHO STEELHEADS (Friday, Jan. 5 and Saturday, Jan. 6 * 6:10 p.m.)

The Thunder looks to snap its longest and only losing streak of the season with a two-game matchup against the Idaho Steelheads. Nine of the team's 15 wins have come against the West Division, where the Steelheads (ECHL Dallas Stars affiliate) currently sit in second place. The Thunder is unbeaten in four of five games this year against Idaho with a 3-1-1 head-to-head record, led by All-Star defenseman Beau Geisler's seven points (3g-4a) in the five-game series. In order to earn points this weekend, the Thunder will need to clamp down on the scoring duo of Marty Flichel and Derek Nesbitt, who have combined for 15 points (6g-9a) against the Thunder in the series. Additionally, returning from injury is Idaho's D'Arcy McConvey, last year's leading scorer for the Steelheads. Stockton is 2-1-0 in Boise this season.

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. Thunder broadcaster Mike Benton will provide play-by-play commentary, with the pre-game show beginning 5:50 on both Friday and Saturday.

In addition, Valley Brew Family Restaurant continues its first season as official host of the Thunder Watch Party (via B2 Networks' "Bar and Pub Network") for all road games, with prizes, broadcast-interactive contests, player appearances and more scheduled for all road games this week.

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

FRIDAY, 1/12

o THUNDER TRADING CARDS NIGHT - #2 (presented by TNT Quick Connect, KHOP 95.1, and In-Shape Health Clubs)

- The first 2,000 fans in attendance will receive a commemorative set of five Thunder trading cards (2 of 5)

SATURDAY, 1/13

o TEDDY BEAR TOSS NIGHT (presented by News10, California Welding Supply, Jackson Rancheria, California Water Service Company & KAT Country)

- All fans are encouraged to bring stuffed teddy bears to the game and throw on the ice when the Thunder scores its first goal; teddy bears will be distributed by the United Way of San Joaquin County.

o DELTA BLOOD BANK REDEMPTION NIGHT

- Blood donors during December who received vouchers can redeem for free tickets for this game

UPCOMING MILESTONES:

o Tim O'Connell is 6 points shy of 200 in his professional career and 9 points shy of 100 in his ECHL career

o Tim Verbeek is 1 assist shy of 100 in his professional career

o Nathan Martz is 7 assists shy of 100 in his professional career

TEAM NOTES:

o ATTENDANCE UPDATE: The Thunder leads the ECHL in attendance with 6,682 fans per game (93,548 total) * a 5.3% increase from last season, and drew a season-high 9,363 fans last Saturday (12/30) vs. Fresno.

o Stockton is 9-2-5 this season against West Division opponents

o Right wing Troy Bodie leads Stockton and is third among ECHL rookies with 12 goals

o Defenseman Beau Geisler leads Stockton with seven points (3g-4a) in five games vs. Idaho

o Goaltender Cam Ellsworth is fourth in the ECHL with a 2.39 goals-against-average

o Goaltender Devan Dubnyk ranks 10th in the ECHL with a 2.71 goals-against-average

LAST WEEK IN REVIEW

Wednesday, December 27 FRESNO 3 - Stockton 2

The Fresno Falcons scored two goals in a span of 3:57 early in the third period as the Thunder suffered a 3-2 loss at Stockton Arena before 6,637 fans. Left wing Tim Sestito scored his seventh goal of the season in the second period on the first penalty shot goal in Thunder history, while All-Star rookie Troy Bodie added a two-man advantage marker to give the Thunder its only lead of the game. Goaltender Cam Ellsworth made 21 saves, countered by Fresno netminder Ryan MacDonald, who stopped 30 shots.

Friday, December 29 FRESNO 3 - Stockton 2

Fresno Falcons goaltender Ryan MacDonald stopped all seven Thunder shots in the third period to send Stockton to a 3-2 loss at Save Mart Center. Center Brendon Hodge scored his sixth goal of the year in the first period while rookie Tyler Spurgeon chipped in with a game-tying second period marker, while veteran Luke Curtin led Fresno with a goal and assist, aided by John Wroblewski's game-winning goal late in the second period.

Saturday, December 30 FRESNO 3 - Stockton 2

For the third game in a row, the Thunder dropped a 3-2 score to the Fresno Falcons as a season-high 9,363 fans packed Stockton Arena, witnessing a goaltending duel between Stockton's Cam Ellsworth (21 saves) and Fresno's red-hot Ryan MacDonald (35 saves). Fresno scored two goals in the second period and one in the third to secure the victory, while the Thunder received goal-support from Tim Verbeek's first period marker and Jeff Lang's late third period tally.

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING (courtesy of The Record)

"Each night it has come down to a couple of mistakes on our part. When you don't score during those eight minutes, you start to press too much. It begins to get to you, but we'll get past it."

- Thunder veteran defenseman Tim O'Connell, assessing the team's power-play during its first losing streak of the season

"They came here ready to cheer for us. We just have to find a way to turn this around and keep a positive attitude."

- Thunder head coach Chris Cichocki's reaction of the season-high crowd of 9,363 in last Saturday's game

"There's a very good reason why he was chosen as a starter in the all-star game. He's the type of guy who plays smart and makes things happen. He can give us a spark."

- Cichocki on All-Star center Nathan Martz, who returned from the injured reserve list last Friday



ECHL Stories from January 2, 2007


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