Thunder Offense Stalls, Falls to Utah 4-1

Published on March 16, 2014 under ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


After an intense battle on Friday night, the Thunder were held in check in a quieter game that resulted in a Utah 4-1 win.

"Our team can handle the physical play and that wasn't the issue tonight," said Head Coach Rich Kromm. "Tonight the issue was the Utah special teams won the game for them."

Stockton had their chances to score early on the power play when Utah's Michael Pelech was sent to the box for tripping. Thunder defenseman Mike Keenan had the first great scoring chance when he blasted a slapshot off both posts.

It turned out that Keenan wouldn't last much longer in the game as minutes later the defenseman was hit awkwardly into the boards by Danick Paquette. Keenan left the game and did not return. Coach Kromm did not know of the status of Keenan for tomorrow's game.

Corey Trivino had another golden opportunity against Igor Bobkov, on a shorthanded breakaway opportunity. Bobkov, for the second straight night, stopped Trivino's breakaway.

The Grizzlies would get on the board first courtesy of Andrew O'Brien's first career pro goal. Utah worked a really nice passing play on the power play that forced Parker Milner to commit to a shot, when David Vallorani was looking pass. O'Brien rifled one in from the point for the first tally.

Utah added to their lead in the second period thanks to Vallorani who scored his 21st goal of the season, another power play marker, and another good Utah passing play. Pelech found Mathieu Aubin who one touched the pass to Vallorani who deposited the puck past Milner.

Aubin would add the third Utah goal just past the five minute mark of the third period and just 18 seconds later, Vallorani notched his third point and second goal of the game when he wristed one past Milner.

The lone goal for the Thunder came in the third period off the stick of defenseman Michal Spacek. After the Thunder garnered heavy pressure on Bobkov, forcing the Utah netminder out of his crease, Spacek capitalized on the empty net.

"Baldwin stood up and got the puck deep and made a great pass to Henry," said Spacek. "I got a lucky bounce and just shot it in for the lucky goal."

Tonight certainly wasn't as physical as the slobberknocker last night when these teams combined for 113 penalty minutes. Tonight, only 16 minutes total were dished out with both sides getting four man-up opportunities.

The Thunder will have to put this one behind them and quickly focus on tomorrow's game, the first of the season against the Las Vegas Wranglers for a 4:00 p.m. showdown at Stockton Arena. It will once again be a Family Day, which means families can pick up their Thunder Pride Packs featuring four Upper End Zone tickets, four hot dogs and four sodas for just $38 from the box office.

However, if you order your pride pack online, the Thunder will sell you that same package but throw in a free Thunder hat for no additional fee.

In addition to Family Day, it will also be the first opportunity for the public to skate with the team! Fans can purchase their $5 ticket at the Box Office window located inside the building next to the Silver Bullet Bar and Thunder Information Booth.

Rentals will be provided to those who purchase tickets on a first come, first serve basis, however if your size runs out you can receive a refund. If you own your own skates, you may bring them and check them in at the Thunder Information Booth after you've purchased your ticket. Space is limited to the first 160 fans.

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