Thunder Goes Pink VIII Ends with a 6-1 Win

Published on November 3, 2013 under ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


The Thunder steamrolled the Utah Grizzlies Saturday night at Stockton Arena by a score of 6-1. With the win the Thunder swept the back-to-back against Utah while extending their winning streak to 3 games.

It was an overall team win for the Thunder that showcased their offense, defense, netminding and their depth. Six different players scored goals for the Thunder while the defense kept the Grizzlies in check, only giving up 27 shots with goaltender Brian Foster only letting one by.

"All of our lines have balance, all of our lines can score," said Coach Rich Kromm . "We also have defense that can contribute offensively, and you see that every night. You have Deck, Constant, Dalhuisen, everyone seems to be stepping up right now."

The Thunder got the first goal of the game as defenseman Shawn Boutin got the puck past Utah goalkeeper Aaron Dell. Boutin made a great play keeping the puck in the zone, then throwing a shot on goal with it finding its way through traffic and in. Then, the second goal for the Thunder was also scored in the first period from right winger Kirill Kabanov . Kabanov made a nifty move to pull Dell out of position and slide the puck in for the 2-0 lead. Just about three minutes later, the Grizzlies would score their one and only goal thanks to Tyler Hinds.

In the second period, the Thunder would pull away from the Grizzlies with a surge that included 2 goals on 15 shots.

Defensemen Nathan Deck deflected in the pass from forward Ben Rosen for the first goal of the second period. That goal was the first for Deck on the season. Then three minutes later forward Ryan Hayes made an acrobatic play when Garet Hunt's shot would bounce of the winger's hand, onto his stick, and batted out of midair for the goal. That extended the Thunder lead to 4-1 while also ending the night for Dell. Friday night's starter Ben Meisner took over as Dell gave up 4 goals on only 20 shots.

"I was able to hit the puck off my glove then I was able to get my stick on it," said Hayes. "Luckily I was able to get that one down and control the puck to keep the momentum going for the team."

The Thunder wouldn't let up in the third as James Henry scored the fifth goal, his first professional goal, from a Joey Martin pass.

"It was a pretty fluky play but I just tried to throw the puck at the net," said Henry. "You never know, just sometimes throw the puck at the net and hope good things happen."

Then with six minutes left Hunt notched the final goal of the game, capping the sensational win for the Thunder. Stockton netminder Brian Foster increased his record to 3-0-0 and ended the night with 26 saves on 27 shots.

"With the game yesterday we were able to see things including key points and their power play," said Foster. "The scouting typically pays off and tonight it certainly did."

The 6-1 victory wraps up the 8th Annual Thunder Goes Pink event. Mike Dalhuisen, who was featured in multiple news stories and broadcast features, lost his mother to the disease and realizes the importance of this event with how impactful it can be.

"It was a special weekend for me just because of the history with my mom and I hope I did her proud, and I think I did," said Dalhuisen. "I'm glad all the boys were behind me on this one, and I'm just thankful for everyone's support for cancer."

Dalhuisen had his mother, Romy Dalhusien, in mind during Thunder Goes Pink VIII, represented by the initials "RD" on his stick. He'd finish the weekend with a goal and an assist with the special lumber.

"I'm going to hold onto my stick," Dalhuisen said." I heard there is a picture where after I scored my goal my hand is covering my mother's initials, which is cool to me. It's one of those things that subconsciously is unbelievable and a moment I'll treasure for the rest of my life."

The Thunder look to keep the momentum going as they have a few days off before heading to Colorado to face the Eagles twice, the first on Nov 6 then again on the 8. Fans can tune in to Caleb Lamb's coverage online at StocktonThunder.com and Spreaker.com .

The next home game for the Thunder is November 11 when the Thunder host the San Francisco Bulls on "Military Monday". The first 5,000 fans get a patriotic, Thunder inspired poster.

NOTES:

- With the victory tonight, the Thunder have won 6 straight Thunder Goes Pink homes games. They have out-scored the opponents by a score of 30-11.

- Sean Escobedo did not play after leaving Friday night's matchup with an upper-body injury. He remains day-to-day.

1st Star - Brian Foster- 26 saves

2nd Star -Ryan Hayes- 1 Goal and 1 Assist

3rd Star - Kirill Kabanov 1 Goal and 1 Assist

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