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Thunder Game Preview: Thunder Look to Take Pink Weekend against Utah

November 2, 2013 - ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


The Stockton Thunder ( @StocktonThunder ), proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL's New York Islanders and AHL's Bridgeport Sound Tigers, continues the "Thunder Goes Pink VIII" event tonight when the team takes on the Utah Grizzlies in the second half of the back-to-back. Stockton Arena doors open at 6:30 p.m. with the puck dropping at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are still available at the box office or fans can purchase a special "Pink Ticket Package" through the Thunder front office (209-373-1500) or on StocktonThunder.com.

Fans who can't make it out to the game can watch and listen live online. Streaming video is available to fans through AmericaONE and live audio of the game is available through StocktonThunder.com or on Spreaker.com .

The Thunder kicked off one of its busiest months of the season last night with a big, come-from-behind victory over the Utah Grizzlies 3-2. Stockton is 3-1-0 on the season and moves to second in the Pacific Division behind only the Ontario Reign. However, the Thunder has a game in hand.

Last night on the pink ice, the Thunder struck first on the power play thanks to a blast from Mike Dalhuisen that beat Utah goalie Ben Meisner. The goal would certainly mean a lot to Dalhuisen as he had the initials of his mother, who passed away from cancer in 2007, on his stick as he scored to put the Thunder on top.

Just 24 seconds later the Utah Grizzlies would answer thanks to a goal from David Vallorani that beat Thunder netminder Parker Milner over the glove side. Utah only needed another 1:23 to take their first lead of the game thanks to Berkley Scott. Vallorani, who assisted on Scott's goal, now has 8 points (2-6-8) on the year, which is good enough for 9th on the overall scoring leaderboard.

It took until the third period but Andrew Clark eventually tied the game at 2 with the Thunder's second power play tally of the night. The goal came just 27 seconds into the period and was the first tally that the Thunder has scored in the third period all season. A little under 7-minutes later the Thunder would score the eventual game winner off a tic-tac-toe passing play that found Ryan Hayes, and the back of the Utah net, also on the power play.

Utah, who started Friday as the league's top penalty kill having not allowed a power play goal in 21 shorthanded opportunities, were torched by the Thunder who went 3 for 5 with the extra man. Stockton's power play continues to be the top ranked power play in the league, having converted 7 of 16 opportunities (43.8%).

The Thunder is hoping to improve its current two-game winning streak while Utah is looking to snap a four game winless streak.

Thunder defenseman Sean Escobedo did leave in the second period and did not return. He's listed as day-to-day with an upper-body injury.

The "Thunder Goes Pink" event concludes tomorrow with that game against Utah, as well as a number of special events after the game. A live auction of the team's special pink jerseys follows Saturday's game. Proceeds from the event will benefit the St. Joseph's Foundation - Breast Health Services.

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