Thunder climb over .500 mark again on Urquhart's two goals

February 28, 2009 - ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


STOCKTON, Calif. - Veteran Cory Urquhart buried a pair of goals and linemate Ryan Huddy notched a career-high three assists to lead the Stockton Thunder (26-25-5, 57 points) to a 3-2 victory over the Idaho Steelheads before a 6,661 fans at Stockton Arena on Friday night.

The game, which began a stretch of nine contests in 11 games for Stockton, featured a 24-save effort by goaltender Andrew Perugini, who won his 11th game in the last 13 decisions. Igor Gongalsky contributed with a power-play goal in the second period and Idaho was led by Mark Bomersback's pair of goals.

Both teams battled through a penalty-marred first period which featured four fights and 62 combined penalty minutes in a scoreless tie.

As emotions settled down in the second period, Gongalsky helped the Thunder break through with a power-play goal at 8:03 of the second period for a 1-0 lead. Gongalsky converted Ryan Huddy's pass at the goal-mouth and beat Idaho goaltender Matt Climie to the stick side.

Mark Bomersback leveled the score at 1-1 with 3:17 left in the second on a late 2-on-1 rush, burying a saucer pass by Bryan MacGregor at the left side of the crease.

Just 45 seconds later, the Thunder responded with Urquhart's 24th goal of the season to restore the Thunder lead to 2-1, taking Huddy's centering pass from the right circle and snapping a shot past Climie from between the circles.

Urquhart buried the eventual game-winner with 9:40 left in the game for his 25th goal of the season, converting Huddy's third assist of the game on a one-timer in the slot that beat Climie under the crossbar for a power-play goal.

Bomersback chopped the Thunder lead to 3-2 at 12:24 when he slipped a rebound under the glove of Perugini. Yet, Idaho's final attack was thwarted when the Thunder hemmed the Steelheads in the attacking zone for the last minute of play. Idaho was unable to pull the goaltender Climie for an extra attacker.

Climie made 25 saves in the loss, seeing his record drop to 18-10-1.

NOTES: The Thunder scratched Marc-Andre Bernier (injured reserve) and Jordan Bendfeld (injured reserve), Mike Lalonde (injured reserve) and Cleve Kinley (suspension) ... the Thunder scored two power-play goals for the first time since Feb. 8, snapping out of an 0-for-19 slump on the man-advantage ... Stockton improved to 4-2-1 this season against Idaho and outshot the Steelheads 28-26.

The Thunder returns to play at home tomorrow with a rematch against the Idaho Steelheads, starting at 7:30 p.m. at Stockton Arena. The game is available exclusively for viewing online (audio is free-of-charge) for a $7 charge at http://www.stocktonthunder.com/ (courtesy of B2 Networks).

The proud ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League's Edmonton Oilers and American Hockey League's Springfield Falcons, the Thunder was voted "Best Local Sports Team" by readers of the San Joaquin Magazine, has led the ECHL in attendance for three consecutive seasons and drew 239,337 fans to Stockton Arena in 2007-08. Season, group, individual tickets and mini plan packages are on sale now. For more information about tickets, merchandise, or other inquiries contact the Stockton Thunder offices at (209) 373-1500 or visit http://www.stocktonthunder.com/.



ECHL Stories from February 28, 2009


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