Thunder go 2-1-0 in three at Boise, lifted to Pacific Division's second place

Published on January 3, 2010 under ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


BOISE, Idaho - Goaltender Andrew Perugini made 29 saves in his first return in net since December 19 and Oren Eizenman scored a pair of goals to lead the Stockton Thunder (14-15-3, 31 points) to their ninth win in 12 games in a 5-1 rout of the Idaho Steelheads before a crowd of 3,665 at Qwest Arena on Saturday.

The win, giving the Thunder the three-game series victory in a 2-1-0 record at Boise, lifted the team into a second place tie in the Pacific Division with the Ontario Reign (tied for fifth, National Conference). Goals by Igor Gongalsky, Riley Emmerson and Chris D'Alvise spelled Eizenman's effort, while Matt Sorteberg netted the only Idaho goal.

The Thunder struck first on Eizneman's eighth goal of the year with 3:34 left in the opening period, converting a rebound at the top of the crease after Richard Bachman fumbled Jamie Bates' snap shot at the left circle from off the rush.

Perugini made eight saves in the first period, including a breakaway save on Matt McKnight just seconds after Eizenman's goal.

Stockton tightened the defensive screws in the second period, limiting Idaho to just 16 shots after 40 minutes and capitalized with a 2-0 lead on Gongalsky's third goal of the year. After Anthony Aiello's sharp-angled shot at the left circle produced a rebound behind the net, Matt Robinson's return feed in front bounced off the goaltender Bachman and onto the stick of Gongalsky at the doorstep, who buried the rebound.

Emmerson then stretched the lead to 3-0 with his first ECHL goal in a span of 33 games and two seasons, depositing a rebound at the right goal post with 3:13 elapsed in the third period after Bachman turned aside Daryl Marcoux's drive from the right point.

Eizenman's second goal of the game increased the Thunder cushion to 4-0 on a power-play goal with 8:29 remaining in the game, converting a J.F. Caudron centering attempt from the right corner that beat Bachman through the five-hole.

Just 37 seconds later, D'Alvise put the game out of reach at a 5-0 score with his fifth goal in five games when he finished off another loose puck at the right goal post after Bachman stopped Bates' snap shot from the left circle.

Idaho spoiled Perugini's shutout bid a minute later when a Brandon Kushniruk steal behind the net set up Matt Sorteberg's wrist shot at the right circle, beating Perugini into a half open net to cut the deficit to 5-1.

Bachman suffered his first loss against the Thunder this season with 24 saves.

NOTES: The Thunder scratched Matt O'Dette (injured reserve), Judd Blackwater (healthy), Garet Hunt (injured reserve), Craig Valette (injured reserve) and Bobby Davey (injured reserve)... Bates collected two assists and D'Alvise had a goal and an assist to help lead the two-point effort... the game took on a physical and emotional complexion with four separate fights, including a bout between Emmerson and counterpart Adam Huxley with 5:30 into the third period, where Emmerson finished a series of trading jabs with a right cross on Huxley and the take-down... the game was the 12th and final meeting between both teams this regular season.

The Thunder returns to play on Friday, January 8 to finish a four-game road trip, beginning at 7:00 p.m. against the Bakersfield Condors at Rabobank Arena. The game can be heard and viewed online at www.stocktonthunder.com, courtesy of B2 Networks (audio is free of charge).

The Thunder was voted "Best Local Sports Team" by readers of the San Joaquin Magazine, has led the ECHL in attendance for four consecutive seasons and drew 223,854 fans to Stockton Arena in 2008-09. Season Tickets for 2009-10 are on sale now. For more information about tickets, merchandise, or other inquiries contact the Stockton Thunder offices at (209) 373-1500 or visit http://www.stocktonthunder.com/.

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