Thunder Finish off Series against Ontario

December 22, 2013 - ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


The Stockton Thunder (13-9-0-4) finish off a three-in-three set with the Ontario Reign (19-3-1-3) today, on the road at Citizens Business Bank Arena. The Reign took the first two meetings of the weekend series, winning 3-2 in a shootout on home ice and 3-2 in regulation in Stockton on Saturday night. The puck drops this afternoon at 3 p.m. PT.

Fans can watch the broadcast at the Thunder's "Home Away From Home" at the University Plaza Waterfront Hotel while enjoying Thunder food and drink specials. Fans can listen to free live audio through StocktonThunder.com and Spreaker.com or watch live video through AmericaONE Sports.

This is the seventh of fourteen meetings between the two teams this season, with the Thunder having lost all of the previous six. Ontario has dominated the series continuing with the two games this weekend.

On Friday, the Thunder battled back on the road to tie the game late thanks to Ben Rosen's blast from the blue line with just 2:32 to go in the third period. That tied the game at 2-2 and sent it to overtime where the Thunder had several chances to win it but couldn't find a way past goalie Michael Hutchinson. The Reign netminder was just as good in the shootout, stopping all nine Thunder attempts to claim the two points for Ontario. Frustratingly for the Thunder, it was their 4th shootout loss of the season and second against the Reign.

On Saturday, the Thunder started well, holding Ontario to just two shots in the first period, the fewest amount they have allowed in a period all season. However, an early lead evaporated in the second period and early in the third as Ontario scored three straight to take a lead that they would ultimately hang onto. The Thunder held the Reign to just 18 shots total in the game, the lowest amount by an opponent this season, but it was also just the Thunder's second loss in regulation by only one goal, a category they have statistically dominated this season.

In terms of top performers from the series, Ontario have defenseman Jake Newton leading the way. The 25-year-old from San Jacinto, California leads all players from either team in points (7) and goals (4). The Thunder are led by a defenseman of their own with rookie Landon Oslanski having registered 4 points on 2 goals and 2 assists.

One hurdle for the Thunder is the fact that the team has played both of the first two games this weekend without a full bench. The Thunder have been down to just 9 forwards, instead of the usual 10, in both games due to a host of injuries. The Thunder brought in a player for Friday's game with forward Mitch Bruijsten joining the team from the Mississippi Surge of the SPHL. However, the team hasn't been able to catch a break as with forward Nick Larson returning to the line-up on Saturday while Greg Miller was knocked out of the line-up with an injury.

The Thunder have also had to deal with the absence of the reining Sher-Wood Hockey ECHL Player of the Week and team top scorer, Andrew Clark after he was called up to the AHL, signing a professional try-out contract with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers. The Thunder have gotten a few guys to step up in his absence, especially getting contributions from two other centers on the team, Joey Martin and Corey Trivino. Martin has posted 6 points on 3 goals and 3 assists in his last 5 games while Trivino has had 8 points on 1 goal and 7 assists in that same span. The pair rank second and third on the team in points respectively.

After today's game, the Thunder and Reign next meet in the new year on January 15th. Up next for the Thunder are five straight games against another Pacific Division rival, the San Francisco Bulls. Three of those games are at home where the Thunder have several interesting promotions.

On December 28th, the first 1,000 fans entering Stockton Arena will receive a special edition Garet Hunt bobblehead. The following day, December 29th is "Kids Take Over Stockton Arena" day as kids will be helping with all facets of running Stockton Arena during the game with such jobs as ticket sales executive, off-ice official, assistant zamboni driver and much more. Following the game, up to 500 kids will be allowed onto the ice to showcase their artistic talent by painting on the ice itself. Then on January 3rd, the Thunder will play a game on the newly repainted ice surface for a first-of-its-kind experience in professional hockey. For more details about these upcoming events check out StocktonThunder.com.



ECHL Stories from December 22, 2013


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