Thunder Finish off Weekend Set in Alaska

Published on February 9, 2014 under ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


The Stockton Thunder (22-18-0-5) finish off their three-in-three weekend set with the Alaska Aces (29-11-2-1) tonight at 4:05 p.m. PST (3:05 AKT). It's the third of five straight meetings between the teams as they also square off on Tuesday and Thursday.

Fans can watch the game at the Thunder's "home away from home" the University Plaza Waterfront Hotel while enjoying food and drink specials. The broadcast starts at 3:45 p.m. PST with the Black Oak Casino Resort pre-game show. Live video is available through AmericaONE sports while fans can listen to free live audio through Spreaker.com and StocktonThunder.com.

The Thunder are looking to get their first win against Alaska after suffering back-to-back losses on Friday and Saturday. With those losses the Thunder have slipped down to sixth in the Western Conference standings. Alaska can take over first place in the Western Conference with a win tonight and a loss by the Ontario Reign, who host the Utah Grizzlies.

Overall, the Thunder have lost five out of their last six games going back to January 26, when they hosted Ontario. They can break that streak, and an even longer streak against Alaska with a win tonight. The Thunder have not won a regular season game in Alaska since February 13, 2011 going just 4-14-1-3 against the Aces at Sullivan Arena in the last five years.

On Saturday, the Thunder fired 42 shots on goal but could only beat Alaska goalie Gerald Coleman twice in a 5-2 loss. It was the most shots allowed in a game this season by the Aces, the team that leads the ECHL in fewest shots against. The Thunder received goals from Sean Escobedo, who scored his second as a professional, and Nick Larson who tallied his second of the season in his second game back after missing 12 games with an injury. James Henry led the way in points against Alaska with two assists in the game.

The Thunder will be without an important part of their line-up as they will be without captain and joint-leading scorer Garet Hunt who has been suspended indefinitely, pending a league review, for his involvement in a fight between the teams during pre-game warm-ups on Saturday. Hunt will be replaced in the line-up by Alex MacLeod.

The Aces are led by their forward line of Nick Mazzolini, Brendan Connolly and Peter Sivak who have combined for 13 points in their first two games against Stockton. Sivak leads the way with six points on two goals and four assists. Both Sivak and Mazzolini have scored in both games against the Thunder. Defenseman Zach Davies chipped in offensively in Saturday's game, scoring a power play goal and adding two assists.

The Thunder next return home next Saturday, February 15, when they host the Utah Grizzlies at Stockton Arena at 7:30 p.m. The game is on Star Wars night where the first 1,000 fans entering Stockton Arena will receive free Lightsaber Thunder-Sticks. Fans are encouraged to dress up as their favorite Star Wars characters. For more information, visit StocktonThunder.com.

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