Thunder fall to Wranglers, 3-2

October 23, 2007 - ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


LAS VEGAS - Bruce Mulherin scored two goals while goaltender John Curry stopped 25 shots to help the Las Vegas Wranglers win its 16th consecutive regular season game, sending the Stockton Thunder (0-3-0, 0 points) to a 3-2 loss before 3,391 at Orleans Arena on Tuesday.

Both teams combined for four power-play goals in the contest and each went 2-for-6 on the man-advantage.

After Thunder left wing Adam Huxley was ejected for a five-minute charging penalty, Las Vegas struck first on Peter Ferraro's second goal of the year at the 10:21 mark of the first period, taking advantage of a screen and whipping a shot from the left circle and through the five-hole of Thunder goaltender Cam Ellsworth.

The Thunder responded with Luke Fulghum's power-play goal with 47.1 seconds remaining, snapping a one-timer from the left circle past the blocker of Curry, set up by Jacob Micflikier's centering pass from the right goal line.

Mulherin scored two goals in the second period to boost Las Vegas to a 3-1 advantage through 40 minutes, beginning on his first goal of the year on the power-play at the 4:04 mark, cashing in a rebound after Aki Seitsonen's rebound bid hit the goal post. Just 2:29 later, Mulherin's screen in front of the net deflected a blast from the right point by Jason Josza and past Ellsworth.

Outshot by Las Vegas at a 14-10 pace in the second period, Stockton nearly climbed back to within a goal at the intermission mark when Curry denited a one-timer by Ryan Geris from the right circle, while the Thunder nursed a power-play.

The Thunder amped the pressure in the third period and Jesse Bennefield's power-play goal got Stockton within a 3-2 margin at the 14:56 mark, converting a centering pass from the right circle. The Thunder's best chance to tie the game was stifled by Curry with less than two minutes remaining, when David Rohlf's one-timer from point-blank range caught the right arm of Curry.

Ellsworth stopped 28 shots to pace the Thunder's defensive efforts.

The Thunder wraps the season-opening four-game road trip against the Phoenix RoadRunners tomorrow at 7:11 p.m. from U.S. Airways Center. The Thunder faces the Alaska Aces on Saturday, October 27 at 7:30 p.m. PT in the home opener at Stockton Arena. Both games can be heard live on radio at 1420 KSTN and 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.



ECHL Stories from October 23, 2007


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central