Thunder carries winning benchmark into first trip to Idaho

Published on March 13, 2006 under ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


THUNDER OVERALL RECORD: 13-34-11 (37 points) LAST WEEK: 3-1-0

THIS WEEK'S OPPONENT:

@ IDAHO STEELHEADS

(Tuesday, 3/14 * 6:10 p.m. PT)

(Wednesday, 3/15 * 6:10 p.m. PT)

(Saturday, 3/18 * 6:10 p.m. PT)

The Thunder looks to continue its most torrid stretch in the young franchise history with a three-game series on the road against the Idaho Steelheads (ECHL Dallas Stars affiliate), Stockton's first trip to Boise in team history. The Thunder carries a 0-2-0 clip against the Steelheads this season, with Idaho previously taking a 6-2 win over the Thunder on February 19 at Stockton Arena. Nathan Martz leads the Thunder in scoring against Idaho with three points (1g-2a) points in two games. Goaltender Jake Moreland heads into the week with an impressive streak, unbeaten in seven of his last nine games (4-2-3).

Thunder games can be heard live on the internet (free-of-charge) and are available for viewing at a $6 "pay-per-view" fare at www.stocktonthunder.com, courtesy of B-2 Networks. Thunder broadcaster Mike Benton will provide play-by-play commentary, with the pre-game show beginning 5:55 p.m. PT Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday.

UPCOMING MILESTONES:

o Dean Stork is two assists away from 100 in his ECHL career

o Nathan Martz is two points away from 100 in his ECHL career

o Aaron Foster is 17 points away from 100 in his ECHL career

TEAM NOTES:

o Right wing Mike Lalonde is tied for first in the ECHL among active rookies with 12 power play goals

o Thunder goaltender Jake Moreland has won four of his last five games (4-1-0) and has registered a .962 save percentage in that span

o Right wing Joel Irwin has scored nine points (3g-6a) in his last three games

o Stockton has won five of its last six games (5-1-0) and has scored 4.5 goals per game in that span

o The Thunder collected its first three-game winning streak in franchise history in a 5-1 win vs. Bakersfield last Saturday

WEEK IN REVIEW

Tuesday, March 7

PHOENIX 2 vs. Stockton 1

The Thunder offensive efforts were stonewalled by Phoenix goaltender Mike Mole, who stopped 33 Stockton shots in a 2-1 Thunder loss to the Phoenix Roadrunners at U.S. Airways Center. Trailing 1-0 in the third, Kevin Gardner knotted the game on a power play goal, followed by a quick-strike Phoenix goal only 2:16 later, when Brad Woods one-timed home a right wing feed by Justin Quenneville. Thunder netminder Jake Moreland nearly matched Mole save-for-save, turning aside 40 Phoenix shots.

Wednesday, March 8

STOCKTON 7 vs. Phoenix 1

Stockton set franchise and season records in a 7-1 blowout victory over the Phoenix RoadRunners on Wednesday at U.S. Airways Center. The Thunder's seven goals and six-goal deficit set records for most goals and largest margin of victory, while pelting 52 shots for a new high for shots on goal. Forwards Joel Irwin, Kevin Gardner and Nathan Martz collected two goals and an assist each, while goaltender Jake Moreland posted 30 saves. Mike Lalonde picked up an additional second period goal.

Friday, March 10

STOCKTON 5 vs. Long Beach 4 (SO)

Stockton rallied from a three-goal deficit to post a 5-4 shootout victory over the Long Beach Ice Dogs at Long Beach Arena. Long Beach posted a 3-0 into the second period, fought back to a tie by Stockton with goals from Ned Havern, Geno Parrish and Joel Irwin. Long Beach's Ash Goldie and the Thunder's Maris Ziedins exchanged third period goals, before Mike Lalonde posted the game-winning goal in the shootout's first frame. Jeff Weber earned his first win since November 20 in net.

Saturday, March 11

STOCKTON 5 vs. Bakersfield 1

The Thunder capped off a landmark week with its fifth win in six games, stomping the Bakersfield Condors 5-1 at Rabobank Arena last Saturday. Lance Monych collected his first career hat trick, also giving Stockton its first hat trick in franchise history. Monych posted the Thunder's first two goals before Mathieu Brunelle brought the Condors back in the game with a second period power-play marker. Stockton retaliated with a Jeff Lang power play goal and a Kevin Gardner shorthanded tally, before Monych registered his hat trick on a two-man advantage in late in the third period.



ECHL Stories from March 13, 2006


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