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Thunder rally with four goals, including two by D'Alvise

March 18, 2012 - ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


STOCKTON, Calif. - Chris D'Alvise buried two goals and goaltender Olivier Roy stopped 38 shots in his return from the American Hockey League to guide the Stockton Thunder (32-29-5, 67 points) to a 4-2 victory over the Utah Grizzlies before 6,016 fans at Stockton Arena on Sunday.

The Thunder, who rallied from a 2-0 deficit in the first period, moved to within three points of Colorado for fourth place in the Western Conference. Jordan Fulton also chipped in with a goal and assist, Mike Little collected two assists and Matt Foy stashed a key insurance goal in the third period.

"Because of the loss last night it was important for us to get the job done today," said Thunder head coach Matt Thomas. "It would have been a disastrous weekend if we hadn't. It certainly wasn't a great weekend for us, but if anything, we held serve. It's a focus for us to play well, play our game and play to our potential."

Utah raced out with a 2-0 lead in the first 6:30 of the game, beginning with Kory Falite's 5-on-3 goal on a snap shot from the right circle with 16:50 left, followed by John Armstrong's ninth goal of the season on a breakdown in the slot.

D'Alvise's ninth goal of the season at the 12:05 mark got the Thunder back into the game on his re-direction at the left post, following Fulton's pass from the right circle.

Fulton tied the game on a centering pass by Mike Little behind the net just 58 seconds later.

D'Alvise then buried a highlight reel goal with 3:13 elapsed in the second period, taking Little's pass at center ice, racing behind the Utah defense and burying a wrist shot from between the circles for his 10th goal of the season and a 3-2 Thunder lead.

Jesse Fratkin set up Foy for his 16th goal of the season 15:16 left in regulation on a wrist shot by Foy that beat Jimmy Spratt from the left circle.

Spratt took the loss with 25 saves.

NOTES: Scratched for the game were Tony DeHart (injured reserve), Cameron Brodie (injured, day to day), Ryan Lowery (healthy) ... D'Alvise earned his fifth multi point game of the season ... the Thunder held Utah to a 1-of-8 clip on the power play ... Stockton finished 2-3-1 in the head to head series against Utah ... the win was the 13th for the Thunder in the last 19 home games.

The Thunder returns to the road for its next game at Ontario on Wednesday, beginning at 7:00 p.m. The game will be carried on radio at 1280 AM KWSX and online for viewing (pay-per-view video charge) and listening (free of charge) at www.StocktonThunder.com, courtesy of AmericaOne.

A two-time recipient of the ECHL "Award of Excellence," Thunder was voted "Best Local Sports Team" by readers of the San Joaquin Magazine, led the ECHL in attendance for four consecutive seasons and drew over 200,000 fans for the sixth consecutive season in 2010-11. Season Tickets for 2012-13 are on sale now. For more information about tickets, merchandise, or other inquiries contact the Stockton Thunder offices at (209) 373-1500 or visit http://www.stocktonthunder.com/.

THREE STARS

1. STK - 10 Chris D'Alvise

2. STK - 31 Olivier Roy

3. STK - 18 Jordan Fulton

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