Thunder drops 2-1 decision at Las Vegas, stonewalled by Mike McKenna's 24 saves

January 8, 2006 - ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


LAS VEGAS, Nev. * Chris Neizner's game-winning goal in the third period, aided by Las Vegas Wranglers (26-6-3, 55 points) goaltender Mike McKenna's 24 saves, sent the Stockton Thunder (5-17-4, 14 points) to a 2-1 loss to the Wranglers before a crowd of 5,600 at Orleans Arena on Saturday.

Geno Parrish got the Thunder out on the right foot with a power play goal 5:12 into the first period, blasting home a shot from the blueline for a 1-0 Thunder lead. Las Vegas threatened in spurts throughout the period, but Thunder netminder Jeff Weber stoned all of Las Vegas' 12 shots.

Shawn Limpright evened the game early in the second period for a 1-1 tie, slipping in a wrap-around through Weber's five-hole at the 2:36 mark. McKenna and Las Vegas' defense kept the Thunder at-bay with only five shots allowed in the period, all McKenna stops.

Neiszner capitalized on a Thunder penalty mid-way into the third, and rocketed a slapshot past Weber from the top of the slot for a Las Vegas power play goal and a 2-1 lead with 7:31 gone. Stockton responded with a flurry of scoring chances late in the game, but was denied on McKenna's 12 saves in the third.

Weber finished the evening with 34 saves for the Thunder, who have now dropped all four games this season to Las Vegas. After being blanked in the last three games on the power play, Parrish's goal gave Stockton a 1-for-6 night with the man-advantage.

Thunder season tickets, individual tickets, and mini packages are on-sale now. Individual tickets can be purchased in-person at Stockton Arena's Box Office, online at www.stocktontickets.com, or by phone at (209) 373-1700. 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 January 8, 2006


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