Thunder Game Preview
Published on October 10, 2026 under Federal Prospects Hockey League (FPHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release
It's Been Awhile: For the first time since 2015 the Stockton Thunder is set to play, opening the 2026-27 Federal Prospect Hockey League season against the Oceanside Shock in Oceanside on Sunday at 5 p.m. Pacific time.
New Kids On The Block: Both of these teams are new to the FPHL. The previous Thunder franchise placed in the ECHL from 2005-06 to 2014-15.
Getting To Know You: While both of these teams are new to the FPHL, it won't take long for them to get very familiar with each other. Sunday's game will be the first of three straight games for the Thunder against the Shock. The Thunder will host the Shock in its home opener on Saturday October 17th at 6:11 p.m. at Adventist Health Arena. The teams will complete their troika of games on Sunday October 18 in Oceanside.
Starting Up: Stockton coach Zach Pochiro is starting his professional career as a head coach with the Thunder. A former draft pick of the St. Louis Blues, Pochiro played 10 professional seasons for teams in the American Hockey League and ECHL as well as a season in Denmark. He was coaching travel competitive teams in Las Vegas before joining the Thunder.
Captains, My Captains: Stockton named center Petr Panacek as team captain and defensemen Chris Ciolek and Gehrig Lindberg as alternate captians. Panacek is a veteran of the FPHL having played for the Carolina Thunderbirds, winning the championship in 2018-19. He's also had two stints with Pensacola of the Southern Professional Hockey League.
Local Boys Make Good: Two residents of nearby Manteca, CA are on the Stockton roster. Forward Nolan Mix and defenseman Kyle Krunagel will play for the Thunder.
Frontier Folks: These two teams, along with other California expansion team Fresno Falcons are members of the five team Frontier Division of the Western Conference in the FPHL. They are joined by the Topeka Scarecrows and Minnesota Northern Lights. The Frontier Division is the only five team division in the 17-team circuit which features three other four team divisions. The Binghamton (NY) Black Bears have won the last three FPHL playoff championships.
Tune In: All Thunder games are available on Sports Radio AM 970 and the team's You Tube channel @stocktonhockey. Or join the Thunder front office for a watch party at the University Waterfront Plaza Hotel in the Delta Bistro & Lounge at 4:45PM on Sunday to cheer on the team, and enjoy $1 of draft beer.
Next Up: These same two teams will play Saturday October 17th in the Thunder home opener on Saturday October 17 at 6:11 p.m. at Adventist Health Arena.
Federal Prospects Hockey League Stories from October 10, 2026
- Shock Drop Opener in Front of 4,936 Fans - Oceanside Shock
- Falcons Spoil Shock's Home Debut - Oceanside Shock
- Shock Drop Inaugural Game in Fresno - Oceanside Shock
- Sents Come from Behind Again to Sweep the Northern Lights - Indiana Sentinels
- Power Play Pushes BB to Victory - Binghamton Black Bears
- Monarchs Fall to Moccasins on the Road - Mid-South Monarchs
- Parking Covered for the Fans - Stockton Thunder
- Thunder Game Preview - Stockton Thunder
- Oceanside Shock Game Day vs Fresno, 6pm - Oceanside Shock
- Moccasins Win Home Opener over Mid-South - Monroe Moccasins
- Falcons Soar To Historic 7-2 Victory Over Oceanside In Return To Fresno - FPHL
- Shock Drop Franchise Opener to Falcons - Oceanside Shock
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