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Thunder comeback leaves Wranglers winless for second time in 13 games

December 8, 2007 - ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


STOCKTON, Calif. - Goaltender Glenn Fisher stopped 29 shots while Ryan O'Marra's goal in the fifth round of a shootout capped a dramatic comeback by the Stockton Thunder (9-10-2, 20 points) in a 3-2 shootout victory over the Las Vegas Wranglers before 6,220 at Stockton Arena on Friday.

The Thunder picked up its first win in the all-time series since December 9, 2006, leaving Las Vegas winless for just the second time in 13 games (11-0-2).

Ryan MacMurchy scored his fourth goal of the year just 2:55 into the game to give the Thunder a 1-0 lead. MacMurchy successfully converted O'Marra's centering pass from the left circle and re-directed a shot through Las Vegas goaltender John Ceci's five-hole.

Fisher stopped all seven shots faced in the first period, including three Las Vegas power-plays.

Las Vegas answered with the only goal of the second period as Tyson Strachan knotted the game at 1-1 on his first professional goal at the 1:39 mark. Aki Seistonen set up the game-tying bid with a long centering pass from the right corner, met by Strachan in the high-slot who proceeded to rip a one-timer past Fisher.

Ceci blanked the Thunder with 12 saves in the period, including a wrist shot by Geoff Paukovich in the slot that was ticketed for the top-left corner and deflected away with Ceci's glove. Fisher responded with five saves, including a one-timer from former NHL forward Peter Ferraro at point-blank range.

Ryan Donally put the Wranglers up 2-1 with a power-play goal at the 8:06 mark of the third period. After a save by Fisher from close-range, Peter Ferraro and brother Chris threw the puck wide of the net from both sides of the goal line, caroming into the deep slot to Donally who buried a shot into a semi-open net as Fisher attempted to recover.

Just 5:21 later, Andy Contois responded with his sixth goal of the year to help the Thunder tie the game at 2-2. Contois took captain Brad Farynuk's outlet pass from the Thunder blueline, skated down the right wing and fluttered a harmless backhander from the outside of the right circle toward the Las Vegas net, eluding Ceci through his legs.

Fisher had a game-high 13 saves in the third period.

Following a scoreless overtime period, Brandon Schwartz scored first shootout goal in the third round for the Thunder, answered by Las Vegas' Shawn Limpright in the top of the fifth round. O'Marra then capped the win with his first professional shootout goal, ending the game with a backhand shot to Ceci's blocker side.

NOTES: Before the game, the Thunder activated MacMurchy off the injured reserve list and placed left wing Pat Bateman on the three-day injured reserve list ... right wing Spencer Carbery was a healthy scratch ... Fisher picked up his first win since November 8.

The Thunder returns to play tomorrow with a 7:30 p.m. rematch against the Las Vegas Wranglers at Stockton Arena. The game can be heard live exclusively on the internet (video and audio available) at www.stocktonthunder.com, courtesy of B2 Networks.

Host of the 2008 ECHL All-Star Game and festivities on Jan. 22 and 23, the Thunder has led the ECHL in attendance for two consecutive seasons and drew 244,085 fans to Stockton Arena in 2006-07. Season tickets, group tickets and individual tickets for 2007-08 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.

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