Thunder escape with a point, Blackwater nets game-winner in OT

December 7, 2008 - ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


FRESNO, Calif. - Judd Blackwater's power-play goal at 3:30 of sudden death overtime helped the Fresno Falcons edge the Stockton Thunder (8-10-4, 20 points) in a 4-3 overtime decision, before a crowd of 5.688 at Selland Arena on Sunday.

The Thunder received goals from Mike Salekin, Stephane Goulet and David Rohlfs.

Igor Gongalsky was awareded his fifth goal of the season just 2:53 into the contest to put Fresno ahead 1-0 by cleaning up a rebound from point-blank range after Thunder goaltender Bryan Pitton stopped an initial shot by Adam Hobson.

Fresno goaltender Michael Ouzas kept the Thunder at-bay through 20 minutes with seven saves.

Pitton's 11 saves in the second period put the Thunder in position for a rally, capitalized by Mike Salekin's first goal in a Thunder uniform with one second left in the period for a power-play goal and a 1-1 tie. After Ouzas stopped James Bates' bid from the slot, Salekin fired a rebound under the crossbar from the left circle to knot the score.

Stephane Goulet's third goal of the season on the power-play put the Thunder ahead 2-1 at 5:04 of the third period, re-directing a pass from the right corner off the skate of Ouzas. Fresno countered with Gongalsky's fifth goal of the season, skating out of the right corner and lifting a wrist shot over the glove of Pitton for a 2-2 tie at 8:32.

Kyle Hagel put Fresno ahead 3-2 when he cleaned up a rebound in the slot at the 11:53 mark, following Pitton's save on Dustin Sproat's wrist shot from the left circle.

David Rohlfs tied the game with his fourth goal of the season with 2:50 left in regulation, re-directing Dan McGoff's point shot past Ouzas.

Blackwater ended the game at 3:30 of overtime on a one-timer from the right circle. Kenny MacAulay and Adam Hobson got the assists on the power-play.

NOTES: The Thunder scratched Marc-Andre Bernier (injured reserve), Ryan MacMurchy (injury, day-to-day) and Jordan Bendfeld (injured reserve) ... the Thunder moved to 0-2-2 in the season series against Fresno and converted at a 2-for-4 clip on the power-play. The Thunder return to play Friday with a 6:05 p.m. road game against the Utah Grizzlies at The E-Center. The game is available on radio at 1420 KSTN and for viewing on the internet for a $7 charge at http://www.stocktonthunder.com/ (courtesy of B2 Networks).

The proud ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League's Edmonton Oilers and American Hockey League's Springfield Falcons, the Thunder was voted "Best Local Sports Team" by readers of the San Joaquin Magazine, has led the ECHL in attendance for three consecutive seasons and drew 239,337 fans to Stockton Arena in 2007-08. Season, group, individual tickets and mini plan packages 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/.



ECHL Stories from December 7, 2008


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