Thunder looks for big catch

Published on March 7, 2007 under ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


THIS WEEK'S OPPONENTS: (all times PT)

vs. VICTORIA SALMON KINGS (Wed. * 7:00 p.m., Fri. and Sat. * 7:30 p.m.) Just a few hours after the ECHL's trade deadline expires, the Thunder hits the ice again on Wednesday with the goal of snapping a four-game losing streak with a three-game series against the Victoria Salmon Kings (ECHL Vancouver Canucks affiliate) at-hand. The Thunder is 1-2-2 this season against the Salmon Kings and 3-5-2 in the all-time series. Stephane Goulet (2g-2a), Nathan Martz (1g-3a) and the injured Mike Lalonde (2g-2a) have four points each to lead the Thunder in the season series, while Wes Goldie (4g-3a) and F.P. Guenette (1g-6a) lead Victoria's side.

Thunder games can be heard live on the Internet (free-of-charge) and are available for viewing at a $6 "pay-per-view" charge at www.stocktonthunder.com, courtesy of B2 Networks. Thunder broadcaster Mike Benton will provide play-by-play commentary with the "Thunder Forecast" pre-game show beginning at 6:45 p.m. on Wednesday and 7:15 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

UPCOMING PROMOTIONS

FRIDAY, 3/9

KIDS EQUIPMENT BAG NIGHT (presented by MetroPCS and 97.7/98.3 KWIN)

- The first 2,000 kids (ages 12 and under) receive a complimentary Thunder equipment bag.

SATURDAY, 3/10

ADAM HUXLEY BOBBLEHEAD NIGHT

- The first 1,000 kids (ages 12 and under) in attendance receive a free bobblehead doll of Thunder enforcer Adam Huxley

UPCOMING MILESTONES:

o Jim Dahl is 6 points shy of 100 in his professional career

o Brock Radunske is 10 points shy of 100 in his professional career

TEAM NOTES:

o ATTENDANCE UPDATE: Stockton leads the ECHL in attendance with an average of 6,865 fans and league *high total of 178,490 fans through 26 dates

o Stockton is third in the ECHL with 35.1 shots per game

o Right wing Mathieu Melanson has scored 11 points (8g-3a) in his first eight professional games

o Defenseman Beau Geisler leads ECHL defensemen with 23 power-play assists

o Goaltender Devan Dubnyk ranks eighth in the ECHL with a .917 save percentage

o Left wing Brock Radunske has scored three points (2g-1a) in his first two games with Stockton

o Center Nathan Martz has 10 assists in his last five games

o Stockton is 15-9-7 in games outside of the Pacific Division

LAST WEEK IN REVIEW

Wednesday, February 27 LONG BEACH 5 - Stockton 3

The Thunder fell short despite a two-goal third period rally, as the Long Beach Ice Dogs escaped with a 5-3 decision over the Thunder at Long Beach Arena on Wednesday. Rookie Mathieu Melanson continued a torrid start to his pro career with two goals and an assist, while Tim Sestito gave the Thunder a 1-0 lead just 23 seconds into the game. Ash Goldie capitalized on two late empty-net goals to lead Long Beach's offense with a hat trick.

Friday, March 2 CINCINNATI 6 - Stockton 2

Cincinnati scored six unanswered goals and were led by Jean-Michel Daoust's two tallies, as the Thunder suffered a 6-2 setback to the Cyclones at Stockton Arena. Defensemen Jason Beckett and Beau Geisler scored power-play goals for the Thunder in the first and third periods, respectively. Cincinnati goaltender Dov-Grumet Morris stopped 34 shots to earn the victory in net.

Saturday, March 3 CINCINNATI 4 - Stockton 2

Center Barrett Ehgoetz scored two goals while goaltender Dov-Grumet Morris made 35 saves, as the Thunder fell to a 4-2 setback to the Cincinnati Cyclones at Stockton Arena. In his debut with the Thunder, left wing Brock Radunske picked up an assist, while Tim Verbeek and Mathieu Melanson picked up first period goals for the Thunder. All-star goaltender Devan Dubnyk aided in the Thunder efforts with 30 saves in net.

Sunday, March 4 LONG BEACH 4 - Stockton 3

The Thunder succumbed to a three-goal comeback by the Long Beach Ice Dogs in a 4-3 setback on Sunday at Stockton Arena, as Mark Hurtubise scored the game winner with 6:50 left in regulation. Newcomer Brock Radunske scored his first two goals in a Thunder uniform and added an assist, scoring his first goal on the game's first shot. Mathieu Melanson scored a second period marker for his eighth goal in seven games. All-star goaltender Devan Dubnyk made 33 saves to backstop the Thunder defensive efforts.

IT'WHAT THEY'RE SAYING

(courtesy of The Record)

"We have another desperate team coming in, and we have to get things fixed. We have to realize that everyone is desperate this time of year."

- Head Coach Chris Cichocki, when asked about this week's upcoming opponent in Victoria

"Yes, we are looking to make a deal and we are investigating free agents that we think can help us. You are always trying to improve, and it's clear we need to improve."

- Cichocki on this Wednesday's trade deadline, and how active the Thunder is in the market

"Every team goes through these things, and we know that. We've been hit harder than other teams in some ways, but all you can do is go out and play and look for opportunities."

- Center Nathan Martz on the Thunder's loss of Mike Lalonde and Brendon Hodge to injury, and Troy Bodie and Tyler Spurgeon to American Hockey League promotions

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