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Thunder comeback falls short on 39 shots on goal

November 26, 2011 - ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


STOCKTON, Calif. - Joe Fallon came through with 37 saves and Eric Lampe scored the eventual game winning goal to help the Las Vegas Wranglers escape and send the Stockton Thunder (7-6-3, 17 points) to a 3-2 defeat before 5,193 fans at Stockton Arena on Friday.

Garet Hunt and Nathan Deck recorded both Thunder goals, helping boost a late comeback rally that led to a goal mouth scramble in the final seconds - ultimately stopped by Fallon and the Las Vegas defense. Mike Hoffman and Rob Smith added the first two goals for the Wranglers.

The Thunder dropped its second straight home game after a 4-1 defeat to Alaska on Wednesday.

"I think we improved from Wednesday in a lot of areas," said Thunder head coach Matt Thomas." I thought our start was pretty average. I think it was a much better game played - there were many more chances offensively and quality shots. I think we controlled the play well in those situations and it's a tough break for the game wining goal to be on a power play when there could have been a thousand penalties out there."

The game's first highlight came through with a scrap between Colton Hayes and Las Vegas' Adam Huxley in the first fight of the night at 1:57 into the first period.

At 5:30, the first goal was scored Hoffman on a snap shot from the right circle.

Las Vegas went up 2-0 with 5:16 left in the period on Rob Smith's third goal of the season, converting a pass at the crease that slipped past Roy's glove.

With 22 seconds to go in the first period, the Thunder's Garet Hunt and Las Vegas' Hoffman traded punches in the night's second fight.

The Thunder came into the second period with heightened aggression and a tightened defense, refusing to let the Wranglers take any advantage, even during a penalty kill.

At 12:32, Garet Hunt capitalized with assists by Colton Hayes and Tony DeHart, scoring the Thunder's first goal of the game on a wraparound attempt.

Lampe's power play goal at 9:34 brought the Wranglers back to a two goal advantage when he finished Miller's centering pass at the goal mouth. Thunder was quick to respond, as Nathan Deck drove backdoor to the left goal post and finished a tape to tape pass by Jesse Fratkin from the right corner 11:40 to narrow the deficit to a goal.

Roy was pulled for an extra attacker as the Thunder pounded against the Wrangler net with several chances from tight quarters from Fratkin and Ryan Martindale.

The Thunder returns to play tomorrow, hosting Las Vegas at 7:30 p.m. Radio coverage of the game will be available at 1280 KWSX. Online coverage is available for viewing (pay-per-view video charge) and listening (free of charge) at www.StocktonThunder.com, courtesy of AmericaOne.

A two-time recipient of the ECHL "Award of Excellence," Thunder was voted "Best Local Sports Team" by readers of the San Joaquin Magazine, led the ECHL in attendance for four consecutive seasons and drew over 200,000 fans for the sixth consecutive season in 2010-11. Season Tickets for 2011-12 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/.

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