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Thunder edge Salmon Kings in OT

March 7, 2007 - ECHL (ECHL)
Victoria Salmon Kings News Release


Stockton, CA - The Victoria Salmon Kings, proud affiliate of the Manitoba Moose and the Vancouver Canucks, slid into Stockton in their undefeated road trip to try and tumble the struggling Thunder squad. The first game of the three-game series was decided in extra periods as the Thunder handed the Salmon Kings their first overtime loss of the season, 2-1.

Victoria Goaltender Julien Ellis, in his 11th consecutive start, made 16 saves in the scoreless first period, as both squads had three powerplay opportunities. Stockton's Cam Ellsworth faced five Salmon Kings shots.

The score was deadlocked until with 3:56 remaining in the middle frame, Wes Goldie sparked a 2-on-1 powerplay rush. Kiel McLeod finished the feed from Mike Stutzel for the Victoria 1-0 lead and his 25th goal of the season. The Salmon Kings outshot the Thunder 16-10 in the second.

In the third period, Stockton tied the game 1-1 on the powerplay. At 1:18 into the period, Nathan Martz sent the puck from the point down low to Tim Sestito, and Sestito spotted Mathieu Melanson parked in front of the crease for the goal through Ellis' five-hole.

The goaltenders kept the crowd of 3,645 loud with athletic saves as regulation came to a close and the teams faced off in overtime for the third time this season.

At 1:02 into the extra frame, a Victoria turnover lead to a breakaway from Melanson and he beat Ellis with a backhand for his second goal of the night and the Thunder overtime victory.

Final: 2-1 Thunder, OT

Ellsworth tallied his tenth win of the season, and Ellis marked his first overtime loss. Victoria was 1 for 6 on the powerplay and Stockton was 1 for 7 with the man advantage. The Salmon Kings outshot the Thunder 34-33. The Salmon Kings (26-31-1-1) will clash with Stockton (25-21-5-5) for game two of the series on Friday March 9th at 7:30 p.m. at Stockton Arena.

NOTES:

- Wes Goldie earned his eighth point in six games versus Stockton.

- Paul Ballantyne played in his 200th ECHL game.

The Salmon Kings next home series begins Thursday March 15th versus the Utah Grizzlies. The Victoria Salmon Kings Booster Club invites all fans to the final session of "Skate with the Salmon Kings" following the Sunday, March 18th game, which starts at 1:00 p.m.

Individual game tickets for the 2006-07 regular season can be purchased at the Select Your Tickets Box Office at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre. Information on season tickets, half-season packages, flex packs, and other great ticket deals are available by calling (250) 220-2614.



ECHL Stories from March 7, 2007


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