Thunder Look to Rebound Against the Bakersfield Condors

December 15, 2013 - ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


The Stockton Thunder (12-8-0-3) return home to Stockton Arena today for the first time since November 29th as they look for their fourth win of the season against the Bakersfield Condors (7-13-0-1) in the sixth meeting between the teams. Puck drops at 4:00 p.m. PST with doors opening at 3:00 p.m.

Fans can watch the broadcast at through AmericaONE Sports or can listen to free live audio through StocktonThunder.com and Spreaker.com.

The Thunder are coming off a 6-5 loss in a shootout to San Francisco on the road last night in a game that saw the Thunder give up a three-goal lead before battling back to claim a point from the contest.

The Thunder got a boost from two players making their regular season debuts for the Thunder and from one making his return to the line-up. Forward Nick Larson and defenseman Mike Dalhuisen were sent down to Stockton earlier this week from the team's AHL affiliate, the Bridgeport Sound Tigers. Larson had played in the preseason with the Thunder but had not appeared in any regular season games. He put in a gritty performance picking up a two-minute penalty and registering a shot on goal.

Dalhuisen, who played in 7 games with the Thunder earlier this season before being recalled to the AHL, left his mark on the game in a big way. With less than two minutes remaining in the game and the Thunder down 5-4, Dalhuisen blasted a slap shot from the point past San Francisco goaltender Tyler Beskorowany to send the game to overtime. It was Dalhuisen's 4th goal of the season for the Thunder.

The third player making an impact was forward Alex MacLeod. The 25-year-old started the season on the injured reserve slowly working his way towards playing in his first regular season contest of the year. He made the most of his opportunity on Saturday night as he scored in the second period after capitalizing on a turnover by San Francisco captain Scott Langdon. It was his 4th career ECHL goal. Coincidentally, the last time MacLeod suited up for the Thunder was in a preseason game against the Bulls on the Cow Palace ice. MacLeod also had a goal in that game.

The Thunder also received a two-goal performance from Andrew Clark who moved into a tie for the team lead in goals with 8, along with Captain Garet Hunt and the recently traded Brayden Irwin. Clark also has the team lead in points with 21 on the year.

Behind him is defenseman Ryan Constant with 18 points on the season from 4 goals and 14 assists. The 28-year-old veteran defenseman leads the entire ECHL in most points and most assists by a defenseman this season. His defensive partner Landon Oslanski is 10th in the league in points by a defenseman with 12.

Leading the way for the Bakersfield Condors are forwards Joel Broda and Jordan Knackstedt. The pair have identical stat lines with 12 points on 7 goals and 5 assists, but with Broda having played in 8 fewer games. However, the Condors will be without one of their top players as forward Chris Collins has been called up to the AHL by the Norfolk Admirals. Collins had 4 goals and 7 points in 5 games against the Thunder this season, the most by any player on the Bakersfield roster.

Through the first five games of this season series, the Thunder have gone 3-1-0-1 with this being just the second game of the year between the two sides played at Stockton Arena. The Thunder claimed the first three match-ups all on the road at Rabobank Arena, but have dropped the last two. The Thunder fell at home to the Condors in a shootout on November 17th, before losing 6-3 on the road to finish out the month of November.

It's a short stop back at home for the Thunder who do not play consecutive games at Stockton Arena until the end of December. The Thunder have several deals and promotions at today's game that fans can take advantage of. Like every Sunday and Wednesday home games this season, the Thunder's special Family Day deal is available, which features four tickets in the Upper End Zone, four hot dogs and four sodas for just $38. Purchase that ticket package online and receive a Thunder hat at no extra charge.

Additionally, the first 2,000 fans entering the Stockton Arena will receive a special holiday-themed Brian Foster poster. Plus, the Thunder are collecting new packages of diapers to benefit the Stockton Shelter for the Homeless. Fans who donate will receive a $3 off voucher for their ticket to the game.

The Thunder are also supporting Chase Chevrolet's "Stuff the Silverado" food drive. Bring five cans of food to donate at the Chase tent outside of the arena and you'll receive a voucher good for $5 off Lower Premium, Lower End Zone, or Upper Premium seats or, a $5 ticket to sit in the Upper End Zone. Season ticket holders can donate food to be registered in a raffle to win the Chase Chevrolet suite on January 19th.



ECHL Stories from December 15, 2013


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