Thunder blitzes through week at 3-1-0 to seize top win percentage in ECHL

November 19, 2012 - ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


THUNDER OVERALL RECORD: 10-3-1, 21 points (2nd Pacific/3rd Western Conference)

LAST WEEK: 3-1-0

THIS WEEK'S OPPONENTS: (all times PT)

vs. BAKERSFIELD CONDORS

Friday, November 23 - 7:30 p.m.

Radio: 1280 AM KWSX/ StocktonThunder.com (potentially joined in progress on radio)

The Stockton Thunder returns to play after the Thanksgiving break on Friday against the Bakersfield Condors, wrapping up a three game homestand. It will be the fourth of 11 meetings between both teams this season and the Thunder has dominated the series so far with a 3-0-0 record. They carry a record of 32-27-12 against Bakersfield and defeated the Condors in the last meeting 6-1 on Nov. 2 at Stockton Arena. It will also be a reunion between Thunder head coach Matt Thomas and Bakersfield counterpart Matt O'Dette - previously a Thunder defenseman, captain and assistant coach from 2008-11. Thomas has the upper hand in the matchup with a lifetime 11-5-0 record.

at SAN FRANCISCO BULLS

Saturday, November 24 - 7:15 p.m.

Radio: 1280 AM KWSX/ StocktonThunder.com

The Stockton Thunder returns to the road against the San Francisco Bulls, an expansion team to the ECHL's Pacific Division. Tonight's game will be the second of 13 meetings between the two teams this season and in the last matchup, San Francisco defeated the Thunder 4-1 on Nov. 9. The Bulls play at the 71-year old Cow Palace and are an affiliate of the San Jose Sharks.

PROMOTIONAL NEWS - UPCOMING HOME GAMES

WHEN: Friday, Nov. 23 vs. Bakersfield Condors (7:30 p.m.)

WHAT: KIDS T-SHIRT GIVEAWAY (presented by Aramark, Pepsi and KAT Country 103)

The first 1,000 kids (ages 12 and under) will receive a free Thunder t-shirt.

UPCOMING COMMUNITY APPEARANCES

WHEN: THANKSGIVING DAY - Thursday, Nov. 22, 8:00 a.m.

WHERE: Emergency Food Bank - 8th Annual Run and Walk For Hunger - Banner Island Ballpark

WHAT: Fans will have an opportunity to meet Thunder mascot "Thor" at the annual run and walk event benefitting the Emergency Food Bank and Family Services. More information and registration details can be found at www.runagainsthunger.org .

WHEN: Friday, Nov. 30 - 3-7 p.m.

WHERE: University of the Pacific (Stockton, Calif.)

WHAT: Help the Thunder, University of the Pacific and News10 collect coats for families, all in the goal of staying warm during the cold winter season. Fans can meet Thor, News10, KAT Country 103 and others by donating a new or gently used coat. All fans who donate a coat will receive a free ticket voucher to an upcoming Thunder game during December.

WEEK IN REVIEW

STK 4 - IDH 3 (11/18/12): The Stockton Thunder (10-3-1, 21 points) held off a late rally by the Idaho Steelheads to avenge Wednesday's loss in a back-and-forth 4-3 victory in front of 4,601 fans at Stockton Arena on Sunday. Forward Toni Rajala led the Thunder with two goals, bringing his season total up to 11, good enough to be tied for the ECHL lead. Center Justin Maylan chipped in with two assists.

STK 6 - UTA 2 (11/16/12): The Stockton Thunder (9-3-1, 19 points) brought the offense back home to Stockton Arena, as the Thunder connected for four straight goals in a 6-2 win over the Grizzlies in front of 5,373 fans on Friday. Forwards Philippe Cornet and Toni Rajala paced the Thunder with three points apiece. Rajala's effort made it the tenth consecutive game in which he has registered a point. In goal, Tyler Bunz (7-2-1) recorded 25 saves for the win while Utah's Grant Rollheiser stopped 36 shots.

IDH 4 - STK 2 (11/14/12): Kael Mouillierat broke a 2-2 tie with his second goal of the night early in the third period, topped off by an empty net goal to help the Idaho Steelheads send the Stockton Thunder (8-3-1, 17 points) to a 4-2 defeat before a crowd of 2,746 at Century Link Arena on Wednesday. Ryan Constant and Toni Rajala chipped in with goals for the Thunder, who battled back from a 2-0 deficit. Tyler Beskorowany earned the win in net with 28 saves.

STK 9 - UTA 6 (11/12/12): Forwards Toni Rajala and Philippe Cornet combined for eight points and the Stockton Thunder (8-2-1, 17 points) tied a club record for most goals in a game, pummeling the Utah Grizzlies in a 9-6 victory before 5,659 fans at Maverik Center on Monday. The Thunder buried five goals in the second period and tied the single game record for most goals, set originally on Dec. 10, 2011 against Bakersfield. Eight Thunder players registered multi point games while the power play capitalized on a 3-for-6 effort in the game.

The team's upcoming schedule for this week is as follows :

(subject to change, all times PT)

Tuesday, NOV. 20

10:00 a.m. - Practice at Stockton Arena

Wednesday, NOV. 21

10:00 a.m. - Practice at Stockton Arena

Thursday, NOV. 22

10:00 a.m. - Practice at Stockton Arena

Friday, NOV. 23

10:00 a.m. - Morning skate at Stockton Arena

6:00 p.m. - Pre-game media access ends

7:30 p.m. - GAME vs. BAKERSFIELD

1280 AM KWSX/StocktonThunder.com

Saturday, NOV. 24

10:00 a.m. - Morning skate at Stockton Arena

Travel after morning skate to San Francisco

7:15 p.m. - GAME at SAN FRANCISCO (Cow Palace)

1280 AM KWSX/StocktonThunder.com

Sunday, NOV. 25

Day off

Monday, NOV. 26

10:00 a.m. - Practice at Stockton Arena

2012-13 TEAM LEADERS:

Points - Toni Rajala (23) - 4th, ECHL

Goals - Toni Rajala (11) - T-1, ECHL

Assists - Toni Rajala (12)

Plus/Minus - Eric Hunter (+9)

Penalty Minutes - Garet Hunt (64) - 4th, ECHL

UPCOMING MILESTONES

- Ryan Constant is 6 games away from 300 in his ECHL career

- Ryan Constant is 8 assists away from 100 in his professional career

- Harrison Reed is 2 games away from 300 in his professional career

- Yannick Riendeau is 1 point away from 100 in his ECHL career

TEAM NOTES

- Toni Rajala is tied for the ECHL lead with 11 goals

- Justin Maylan is tied for fourth among ECHL rookies with 13 points

- Tyler Bunz is tied for second among ECHL goaltenders with 8 wins

- Stockton leads the ECHL with a .750 win percentage

- Stockton ranks fifth in the ECHL at 21.4 percent on the power play

- Stockton is 6-1-0 at home this season

Season Tickets, Group Tickets and Mini-Plans for 2012-13 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.



ECHL Stories from November 19, 2012


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