"Thunder Goes Pink III" features come-from-behind win in front of 8,027

Published on November 8, 2008 under ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


STOCKTON, Calif. - Rookie goaltender Andrew Perugini made 31 saves while Jeff Kyrzakos scored a game-winning goal in the fifth round of a shootout to cap a come-from-behind effort for the Stockton Thunder (4-4-0, 8 points), who edged the Victoria Salmon Kings in a 3-2 shootout win before a crowd of 8,027 at Stockton Arena on Friday.

Playing the game in pink-accented jerseys on an identical-colored ice surface for "Thunder Goes Pink III," the Thunder improved to a lifetime record of 5-0-0 in the third year of the event and received goals by Ryan Huddy and Adam Huxley in regulation. The Thunder posted their first home win of the season.

Victoria opened the scoring at 3:06 of the first period, eight seconds after the close of a Salmon King power play, when Wes Goldie flipped a feed from Oliver Filion over the blocker of Perugini for a 1-0 edge.

The Thunder kept the game to within a one-goal pace by killing off four Victoria power plays in the opening 20 minutes and receiving help in net on Perugini's breakaway save on rookie Scott Howes.

Huddy tied the game on a power-play when he spun off a defender at 15:10 of the second period and buried a snap shot from the right circle over Jonathan Boutin's glove for a 1-1 tie. Huddy was the recipient of a pass from Cleve Kinley, who notched an assist along with Jordan Bendfeld.

Sean O'Connor hacked away at a puck under the pads of Perugini in the closing seconds of the second period until it found its way underneath Perugini's collapsed body, giving the Salmon Kings a 2-1 lead after two periods.

Huxley helped the Thunder battle back for a 2-2 tie at the 9:30 mark of the third period when he corralled a rebound at the top of the crease that found an opening past the extended left leg of Boutin. Garet Hunt and Josef Hrabal picked up assists.

Stockton's Mike Lalonde and Ryan Huddy exchanged shootout goals with Victoria's Chris St. Jacques in the first four rounds. Jeff Kyrzakos ended the game in the top of the fifth round with a backhand deke that beat Boutin over the blocker.

NOTES: The Thunder scratched Marc-Andre Bernier (injured reserve), Milan Maslonka (injured reserve) and Cory Urquhart (injury, day-to-day)... the Thunder is now 10-11-3 against Victoria all-time ... Hrabal made his ECHL debut ... Huxley's goal was his second in as many games.

The Thunder return to play with the final game of "Thunder Goes Pink III" tomorrow against the Victoria Salmon Kings at 7:30 p.m. from Stockton Arena. The game is available for viewing and listening exclusively on the internet (video and audio available) for a $7 charge at www.StocktonThunder.com (courtesy of B2 Networks).

The proud ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League's Edmonton Oilers and American Hockey League's Springfield Falcons, the Thunder was voted "Best Local Sports Team" by readers of the San Joaquin Magazine, has led the ECHL in attendance for three consecutive seasons and drew 239,337 fans to Stockton Arena in 2007-08. Season, group, individual tickets and mini plan packages are on sale now. For more information about tickets, merchandise, or other inquiries contact the Stockton Thunder offices at (209) 373-1500 or visit www.StocktonThunder.com.

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