Thunder Host Condors in Afternoon Matinee

November 17, 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, hosts the Bakersfield Condors today at 4:00 p.m. on one of the Thunder's "Family Days".

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

The Thunder's busy month of November rolls on when the Thunder (7-4-0-0) and Condors (1-10-0-1) meet for the fourth time this year, and final time the teams meet this month. The only other team the Thunder sees three times in November is the Ontario Reign.

The Thunder has won all three of its match-ups this season with the Condors, with all the previous meetings coming at Rabobank Arena in Bakersfield. The Thunder won the first two games by one goal before blowing out the Condors 6-2 this past Thursday. Overall, the Thunder has outscored Bakersfield 13-7 this season, good for an average of 4.5 goals-per-game. Ben Rosen, Andrew Clark and James Henry has each had two-goal performances against the Condors, the only times this season where a Thunder player has scored more than one goal in a game.

Goaltender Brian Foster could be a good bet to start in net for the Thunder having been in between the pipes for all three of the team's wins against Bakersfield this season. The undefeated 6-0-0-0 netminder sits first in the ECHL in both goals against average (1.66) and save percentage (.941) among active goalies. Foster is tied for second in the league in wins behind only Jeff Jakaitis and Mike Clemente, who has each won 7.

The Thunder will be hoping that another meeting with the last place Condors is just what the doctor ordered after Stockton struggled against the Ontario Reign on Friday night. The Thunder fell in that game 4-1, allowing a season-high 49 shots on goal while managing only a season-low 16 shots of their own, including just 3 in the third period. Rookie goalie Parker Milner had a pro career-high 45 saves in the loss.

One bright spot for the Thunder came from Brayden Irwin as the 6'5" forward from Toronto, Ontario scored his second goal in as many games since his return from a five-game stint in the AHL with the Utica Comets. The 2012 Kelly Cup winner has impressed with six shots in his last two games and currently has a point-per-game status with 3 goals and 1 assist in his first four contests with the Thunder.

Bakersfield meanwhile continues to struggle. Follow their 6-2 loss to the Thunder on Thursday, the Condors also fell to the Ontario Reign 4-2 on Saturday night. Bakersfield trailed Ontario 3-0 going into the third period but scored twice to cut the deficit with goals from Joel Broda and Chris Collins. The Condors ended up with a power play late in the game after a cross-checking penalty was called against Cody Sol. However, with the net empty for a 6-on-4 advantage, Dan DaSilva scored a short-handed, empty-net goal to seal the Reign's victory.

The Condors have just 3 points on the season with only one victory and have lost seven of their last eight meetings with the Thunder dating back to last season. Bakersfield could also end up starting its third different goaltender against the Thunder after Andy Chiodo left the team to play hockey in Europe late last week. Chiodo started the previous two games against Stockton and was in net for Bakersfield's lone win of the season.

Former Thunder goalie Tyler Bunz started the first game for Bakersfield against Stockton, allowing five goals before being replaced by Paul Karpowich. He has since been called up to the AHL. Former first round NHL draft pick, Chet Pickard and emergency goalie Garrett Taylor are the two netminders currently on the roster. Pickard played briefly against the Thunder in relief of Chiodo on Thursday night, allowing one goal on four shots.

Thunder fans can purchase the special "Thunder Pride Pack" ahead of tonight's game. Fans can get four tickets in the Upper End Zone, four hot dogs and four sodas for just $38 at the Stockton Arena Box Office. Fans can also receive a free Thunder hat at no extra charge by purchasing their tickets in advance through StocktonThunder.com . Family Days take place on every Sunday and Wednesday Thunder home game throughout the season.



ECHL Stories from November 17, 2013


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