Thunder outlasts Aces

January 21, 2007 - ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


STOCKTON, Calif. - Stockton Thunder right winger Tim Verbeek's highlight reel goal proved to be the game-winner in Stockton's 3-2 win over Alaska before 5,822 fans at Stockton Arena on Sunday afternoon. The Thunder (19-9-7, 45 points) picks up their first win in team history against Alaska with the victory.

Thunder defenseman Jeff Lang opened the scoring at the 7:04 mark of the first period as his point shot found its way through a screen in front of Aces goaltender Isaac Reichmuth, beating the Alaska netminder to his left side to give Stockton a 1-0 lead. Lang's power-play marker was his 4th goal thus far this season.

Thunder forward Tyler Spurgeon lifted the Thunder to a 2-0 advantage at 18:03, corralling a loose puck in front of the Alaska goal crease and sliding the puck past a sprawling Reichmuth for his 12th goal on the season. Thunder goaltender Devan Dubnyk preserved the two goal advantage late in the frame turning aside a Peter Metcalfe wrist shot from just beyond the left face-off circle. The Thunder outshot the Aces 22-6 in the opening frame.

Thunder right-winger Tim Verbeek propelled Stockton to a 3-0 advantage, capping a rush up the left side with his 9th goal of the season, beating Reichmuth with a wrist shot short-side at 4:16. Stockton's Stephane Goulet came within inches of increasing the Thunder lead to four goals, only to have his slap-shot from the left face-off circle hit the post. The Thunder continued their strong defensive play throughout the middle period, limiting the Aces to 14 shots on goal through 40 minutes of play.

Aces forward Joe Talbot got Alaska on the scoreboard at the 16:57 mark of the third period, converting a tape-to-tape pass from Mike Scott with a one-timer that beat Dubnyk top shelf to make the score 3-1. The goal was Talbot's 8th on the season. Just over 90 seconds later, Aces forward Olivier Filion's turn-around shot got by Dubnyk to bring Alaska within one goal of leveling the score.

Thunder right-winger Troy Bodie amassed two assists in the contest.

Stockton outshot Alaska 45-24.

The Thunder returns to play on Wednesday, January 24 with an 8:15 p.m. PT game against the Alaska Aces at Sullivan Arena in Anchorage. The game can be heard live on the internet (free-of-charge) and is available for viewing for a $6 "pay-per-view" charge at www.stocktonthunder.com (courtesy of B2 Networks).

Thunder season tickets, mini-plans and individual tickets for the 2006-07 season are on sale now. For more information about tickets, merchandise, or other inquiries contact the Stockton Thunder offices at (209) 373-1500 or visit www.stocktonthunder.com.



ECHL Stories from January 21, 2007


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