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Thunder rides hot goaltending into week with four home games

January 30, 2006 - ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


THUNDER OVERALL RECORD: 7-22-7 (21 points)
LAST WEEK: 1-0-2

THIS WEEK'S OPPONENTS:
Wednesday, February 1 vs. Utah (7 p.m. PT)
The Thunder looks to extend a growing unbeaten streak to a season-high four games against the Utah Grizzlies, the third meeting between both teams this season. The Thunder last dropped a 5-1 decision to the Grizzlies on January 6 at Stockton Arena. Thunder goalie Jake Moreland enters the day with a torrid goaltending stretch, stopping 92 of the last 95 shots faced since a second period shutout stint at last Wednesday's All-Star Game, a 7-6 National Conference win.

Friday and Saturday, February 3- 4 vs. Alaska (both 7:30 p.m. PT)
The Thunder looks for retaliation in the standings with two games against the Aces (ECHL St. Louis Blues affiliate), the first time this season both teams meet at Stockton Arena. The Thunder comes two weeks off a three-game sweep at Alaska's hands, with Nathan Martz's three assists leading the Thunder in scoring against Alaska. All-Star forward Alex Leavitt leads Alaska in scoring against the Thunder with nine points (2g-7a).

Sunday, February 5 vs. Bakersfield (Noon PT)
Stamina may be at a premium, as Stockton plays in its fourth game in five days against the Condors, the first meeting between both teams at Stockton Arena. The Thunder last dropped a 3-1 New Year's Eve tilt at Bakersfield, and is headlined by Maris Ziedins' two points (1g-1a) against Bakersfield, including an admirable +2 rating.

The Thunder leads the ECHL in attendance (6,395 average fans), with large crowds expected at Friday's and Saturday's games against Alaska. Wednesday's game features "Never A Wasted Ticket Night," where season ticket holders can redeem old tickets for a Wednesday night ticket (of equal or lesser value, subject to availability).

"Faith Night" headlines Friday's game, with discounted admission presented to religious organizations. The acclaimed mascot group "Zooperstars" will be at Stockton Arena on Saturday (presented by The Record and Comcast), with Sunday's special noon start featuring a "Souper Bowl" promotion, with fans offered $5 end-zone admission tickets when presenting a can of food.

"Family Day" (presented by Alpine Meats & KJOY) also joins the promotional lineup for Sunday, with four upper premium tickets, two hot dogs and two hockey pucks available in a package for $34. Vouchers validating a Family Day purchase can be picked up at participating Stockton-area grocery stores.

All games can be heard live on the internet (free-of-charge) and are available for viewing a $6 "pay-per-view" fare at www.stocktonthunder.com, courtesy of B-2 Networks. Thunder broadcaster Mike Benton will provide play-by-play commentary, with the pre-game show beginning 6:45 p.m. PT Wednesday, 7:15 p.m. PT Friday and Saturday, and 11:45 a.m. PT Sunday.

STOCKTON THUNDER SCHEDULE: January 31 - February 6 (Subject to change, all times Pacific)

Tuesday, January 31 10 a.m.: Practice at Stockton Arena

Wednesday, February 1 10 a.m.: Morning Skate at Stockton Arena 7 p.m.: Game vs. Utah Grizzlies (Stockton Arena)

Thursday, February 2 10 a.m.: Practice at Stockton Arena

Friday, February 3 10 a.m.: Morning Skate at Stockton Arena 7:30 p.m.: Game vs. Alaska Aces (Stockton Arena)

Saturday, February 4 10 a.m.: Optional Morning Skate at Stockton Arena 7:30 p.m.: Game vs. Alaska Aces (Stockton Arena)

Sunday, February 5 Noon: Game vs. Bakersfield Condors (Stockton Arena)

Monday, February 6 Day Off

UPCOMING MILESTONES:
- Maris Ziedins is one game away from 100 in his ECHL career
- Dean Stork is seven assists away from 100 in his ECHL career
- Nathan Martz is 19 points away from 100 in his ECHL career
- Steve Slonina is 20 points away from 100 in his ECHL career

WEEK IN REVIEW

JAKE TAKES THE CAKE
Before a slew of three games in three nights, Thunder goaltender Jake Moreland was named as a late addition to the 2006 ECHL All-Star Game, taking the spot of Alaska Aces goaltender Chris Beckford-Tseu (promoted to NHL - St. Louis Blues) on the National Conference roster. Moreland didn't disappoint, guiding the National Conference to a 7-6 victory last Wednesday at Fresno's Save Mart Center. In his first All-Star Game appearance, Moreland took over the second period with 12 saves, displaying an array of acrobatic stops to earn credit for posting the game's lone shutout period.

Thunder rookie left wing Mike Lalonde took honors of scoring the game's first goal, snapping a left-circle one-timer past Wheeling Nailers goalie Andy Franck at the first period's 12:36 mark. Lalonde finished with an impressive three points (1g-2a).

Friday, January 27
STOCKTON 3 vs. San Diego 2 (OT)
The Thunder notched its first divisional win since a week after Halloween, in a 3-2 overtime victory over the San Diego Gulls at iPayOne Center. Joel Irwin paced the Thunder offense with two goals and an assist, while Nathan Martz collected the game-winning goal only 25 seconds into overtime with a blast from the right circle, beating Gulls goaltender Tyler Weiman under the crossbar. Pierre-Luc Sleigher and David Svagrovsky pitched in with a goal each for San Diego, while Thunder goaltender Jake Moreland stopped 41 shots.

Saturday, January 28
Long Beach 2 vs. STOCKTON 1 (SO)
Jake Moreland collected a Thunder record and career-high 51 saves in a 2-1 shootout loss to the Ice Dogs, in front of the Thunder's second sellout of the season (10,117 in attendance) at Stockton Arena. Nathan Martz tallied Stockton's lone goal, with a second period one-timer from the slot which set off an array of teddy bears thrown onto the ice as part of a local children's charities promotion. Chris Kenady, who scored the first goal of the game for Long Beach, posted the game-winning goal in the final round of the shootout.

Sunday, January 29
Long Beach 2 vs. STOCKTON 1 (SO)
Thunder goaltender Jeff Weber tied a career-high record with 42 saves, vaulting the Thunder to a three-game unbeaten streak in a 2-1 shootout loss to Long Beach on Sunday at Stockton Arena. Maris Ziedins scored the only Thunder goal on the afternoon with a third period power play goal. Christian Larrivee scored the deciding goal in the shootout's third round, beating Weber on the low stick side.

THUNDER NOTES:
- Goaltender Jake Moreland stopped 92 of 95 shots in two games last week (.968 save percentage)
- Nathan Martz has registered seven points (2g-5a) in his last four games
- Joel Irwin has collected six points (2g-4a) in his last five games
- Stockton is now riding a three-game unbeaten streak (1-0-2), tying a season-high
- Stockton has scored 38 goals in the third period, overtime and shootout combined, accounting for 44% of the team's total offense

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