Thunder Edge Condors in Wild Third Period

Published on December 16, 2013 under ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


Andrew Clark's five point night and Corey Trivino's game winning goal capped off a wild 6-5 game at Stockton Arena on Sunday.

In a wild matinee showdown at Stockton Arena the Thunder outgunned the Bakersfield Condors and collected their 13th win of the season by a final score of 6-5.

"I give our guys credit tonight, they kept pushing back and battling back every time," said Head Coach Rich Kromm . "Obviously we don't want to give up those types of goals late in games at home, but it was nice to see us battling back."

Forward Corey Trivino capped off the six goal third period as he netted the game-winning goal with 3:15 left. Joey Martin was on the far boards when he received the feed, looked up, and found Trivino back-door, who would beat Bakersfield goalkeeper Chet Pickard top-shelf.

"Matt Bergland was fore-checking their defenseman and was able to rim it around the boards," said Trivino. "Martin collected it on the other side near the hashmarks and was able to give me a firm pass, then I put it in the net."

While Trivino would get all the accolades for the game winner, the Thunder were supported offensively by a top line that was clicking on all cylinders.

Andrew Clark had a game to remember as he was involved in the previous five Thunder goals (2 goals and 3 assists).

After the Thunder surrendered the lead, it would be Clark who would tie the game at five when he scored from the bottom of the faceoff circle. After a scramble in the crease, Clark collected the puck and fired one above Pickard's glove hand.

"I didn't see how it all started but Hunt went in and banged a body," said Clark. "The puck ended up squeaking out front and Miller kicked it over to me and I put it in."

That play developed all because of the hustle of Captain Garet Hunt . Hunt skated end to end and forced a turnover behind the Bakersfield netminder. While the captain made his presence felt on the ice with his hustle, determination, and physical play, he also contributed offensively as he scored a goal and was credited with two helpers. As for Clark and Hunt's linemate Greg Miller, he too got involved as he added a goal and 3 assists.

"Over the last couple of games we have really started to gel together," said Miller. "I know Clark and Hunt have played together a lot so I had to come in and find my role. I think we are reading off each other well and supporting each other well."

The Thunder's offensive success was nearly matched by the Condors as they scored 3 of their 5 goals in the final frame. Ryan Little would knot the game up just 22 seconds into the third period. While that goal was answered by Millers', the Condors would come back to score the next two and take the lead thanks to Erik Bergdoerfer and Gary Steffes' second goal of the night.

However, the Bakersfield lead only lasted 1:13 as Clark's second of the night tied the contest and Trivino's goal a little over three minutes later sealed the Thunder win.

Stockton was again able to showcase their ECHL best power play as Hunt's goal would come with the extra man. The Thunder only had two opportunities with the man advantage and went 50% on the evening. The Thunder's conversion rate at home raised slightly to 41.9% bringing their overall power play conversion percentage to 24.1%.

Next up the Thunder face a busy hockey and travel weekend as they take on the Reign in a three-in-three. The first of the three games will be Friday in Ontario with the opening draw set for 7 p.m. Then both teams hop on a bus to Stockton for a game Saturday at Stockton Arena starting at 7:30 p.m. Following that game, the teams head right back down to Southern California for a 3:00 p.m. showdown to cap off the three-in-three and break for the holidays.

The Thunder's home game on Saturday will feature a Garet Hunt holiday inspired poster given to the first 3,000 fans at Stockton Arena. Fans can also attend the University Plaza Waterfront Hotel's watch parties on Friday and Sunday to cheer on the Thunder while the team is in Ontario.

1st Star - Andrew Clark, STK - 2 Goals and 3 Assists

2nd Star - Garet Hunt, STK - 1 Goal and 2 Assists

3rd Star - Corey Trivino, STK - Game Winning Goal

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