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Thunder Open Green Weekend vs. Utah

March 14, 2014 - ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


The Stockton Thunder (27-22-0-6) take on the Utah Grizzlies (29-20-3-5) tonight in the second of three straight meetings between the teams at Stockton Arena. The game starts at 7:30 p.m. PST.

Tonight's contest is the first of three home games this weekend for the Thunder and first of two contests during the team's sixth annual Covanta Energy "Easy Being Green" event. The first 1,000 fans, ages 18 and older, entering the arena receive a free Easy Being Green tote bag. Local businesses and organizations will also be on hand for a "green fair" to help educate fans about eco-friendly products.

Fans who cannot make it down to the game can tune into the broadcast through a variety of ways. Live online streaming video is available through AmericaONE Sports or fans can listen to free live audio through Spreaker.com or StocktonThunder.com. Fans can also listen to live audio in the arena by tuning to 95.3 FM on a portable radio.

The Thunder enter tonight's game in sixth place in the Western Conference standings but are coming off a 3-2 shootout loss to Utah last Saturday. It was the Thunder's second loss to Utah this season and first at home. The Thunder still have a winning record against the Grizzlies, going 5-1-0-1 over the course of the teams' seven meetings.

Forwards Ryan Hayes and Corey Trivino lead the Thunder against the Grizzlies, as both have seven points against Utah this season. Hayes has had the most success facing the Grizzlies with his seven points coming in just three games. The Syracuse, NY native raised his streak to three consecutive multi-point games against Utah as he tallied a goal and an assist in the last meeting.

The Thunder opened up some roster space earlier in the week with a pair of trades. Forward J.P. Burkemper was traded to the Toledo Walleye in exchange for cash considerations while Mitch Bruijsten was sent to the Fort Wayne Komets for future considerations.

Burkemper, 23, had eight points on five goals and three assists in 30 games with the Thunder. The St. Louis, MO native is in his first pro season after playing three years at Minnesota State University-Mankato.

Bruijsten, 24, posted 21 points in 26 games for the Thunder in his first pro season in North America. The University of Alaska-Anchorage graduate from Nijmegen, Netherlands started the season in the SPHL with the Mississippi Surge after being cut from the Thunder's training camp. He was signed by the Thunder from the Surge on December 20th.

Against the Thunder, the Grizzlies will look to David Vallorani to continue his strong form. Vallorani leads the team in points (41) and goals (21) while also tallying 10 points in seven games against the Thunder. Forward Danick Paquette could also make an impact. The 23-year-old from Montreal, QC leads Utah in both shots on goal (160) and penalty minutes (217). He scored the game-tying goal against the Thunder last Saturday, which allowed Utah to earn the win in a shootout.

The teams meet Saturday night as well in the second game of the Thunder's "Easy Being Green" event. That game also begins at 7:30 p.m. PST. It's Utah's final trip to Stockton until they finish off the season series with the Thunder on Military Appreciation weekend on April 4-5. For more information visit StocktonThunder.com.

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