Thunder rolling with perfect start into "Thunder Goes Pink" Weekend

Published on October 31, 2006 under ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


THIS WEEK'S OPPONENTS:

vs. LONG BEACH ICE DOGS (Friday, 11/3 * 7:30 p.m. PT)

"Thunder Goes Pink" Weekend launches with a Friday tilt against the Ice Dogs, the second of a three-game homestand and the third consecutive game against Long Beach, featuring a pink-colored ice surface, pink-colored jerseys the Thunder is scheduled to wear during warmups, and other giveaways throughout the weekend. The Thunder has never lost in regulation to the Ice Dogs in the team's two-year history and has won three of its last four meetings (3-0-1) against Long Beach, dating back to 2005-06. With one more win, the Thunder will establish a new team record with four consecutive wins and is already off to its best start in team history with a 3-0-0 record. Last week, the Thunder won both games in a home-and-home series against the Ice Dogs on Friday and Saturday.

vs. PHOENIX ROADRUNNERS (Saturday, 11/4 * 7:30 p.m. PT)

The Thunder finishes its three-game homestand against the Phoenix RoadRunners, the first of six meetings between both teams in 2006-07 to conclude "Thunder Goes Pink" Weekend. The Thunder went 4-2-0 in six games against Phoenix last season, winning three of its last four meetings (3-1-0) against the RoadRunners. Phoenix Coyotes prospect and former Thunder right wing Lance Monych began the season on a tear with the RoadRunners, scoring five points (3g-2a) in his first four games.

Thunder games can be heard live on the internet (free-of-charge) and are available for viewing at a $6 "pay-per-view" fare at www.stocktonthunder.com, courtesy of B2 Networks. Thunder broadcaster Mike Benton will provide play-by-play commentary, with the pre-game show beginning 7:15 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

UPCOMING PROMOTIONS

FRIDAY AND SATURDAY, 11/3, 11/4

THUNDER GOES PINK WEEKEND (presented by St. Joseph's Medical Center, along with Pacific Car Wash and Golden Bear Insurance Company. Additional sponsors also include: Port of Stockton California, Clearwire, EMMI, Delta St. Joseph's Women's Imaging Center, Service 1st Bank, City of Stockton, Rotary Club of Stockton, KAT Country 103, KHOP 95.1, AM-970 ESPN Radio, Comcast, 99.3 KJOY, and The Record)

Free giveaways:
- Thunder pink caps (first 2,000 women in attendance)
- Thunder glow sticks (first 3,000 kids in attendance, ages 12 and under)
- Pink ribbon window clings (first 5,000 families in attendance, given upon exit)
- Thunder cheer cards (all fans in attendance)

UPCOMING MILESTONES:
o Stephen Slonina is 8 games away of 200 in his ECHL career, and 6 shy 200 in his professional career
o Tim Verbeek is 7 assists shy of 100 and 1 game shy of 300 in his professional career

TEAM NOTES:
o Forward Nathan Martz has scored five points (2g-3a) in his first three games
o Stockton is 3-0-1 in its last four games versus Long Beach, dating back to 2005-06
o Goaltender Cam Ellsworth made 22 saves in his Stockton debut on October 27, in a 3-1 win at Long Beach
o The Thunder claimed its first home shootout win in team history on October 28 versus Long Beach in a 4-3 shootout win
o Defenseman Eric Main scored his first professional goal in his pro debut on October 28, in a 4-3 shootout win versus Long Beach

LAST WEEK IN REVIEW

Friday, October 27 STOCKTON 3 at Long Beach 1

A three-goal rally and 22-save effort by goaltender Cam Ellsworth boosted the Thunder to a 3-1 victory over the Ice Dogs at Long Beach Arena, with Tim Verbeek notching the game-winning goal in the third period with 7:15 remaining. Mike Lalonde tied the game at 1-1 with 1:16 left in the second, sandwiching Verbeek's game-winning marker with Nathan Martz's empty-net goal late in the third period. Martz led the Thunder offense with a goal and assist, while Ellsworth headlined his performance with a flawless, 12-save effort in the third period.

Saturday, October 28 STOCKTON 4 vs. Long Beach 3 (SO)

Brendon Hodge's goal in the 13th shootout round propelled the Thunder to a 4-3 victory over the Long Beach Ice Dogs before 8,747 in the Thunder's home opener at Stockton Arena on Saturday. Thunder defenseman Beau Geisler completed a dramatic third period comeback by ripping a 30-foot slapshot from the right point past Ice Dogs goaltender Mike Brown with 34.1 seconds remaining in regulation time to tie the game at three. Geisler and Thunder forward Nathan Martz each tallied a goal and assist.

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING (courtesy of The Record)

"It was a great feeling to do that in front of that kind of crowd. That's the biggest crowd I played in front of in my three years in the ECHL."
- Center Brendon Hodge, after the Thunder's 4-3 shootout win on Saturday against Long Beach that drew 8,747 fans at Stockton Arena for the 2006-07 home opener

"That's what I do. They just scored and I knew (Neilson) liked to fight. I'm an energy guy. I bring energy. I never fight for myself."
- Left wing Adam Huxley, on his fight with Ice Dogs forward Eric Neilson after Long Beach scored for a 1-0 lead on Saturday

"It's a great team and a great sport, and we just need to get the word out about our Thunder. So we tell people to tell a friend about the Thunder, and to have them tell a friend. That's how we'll do it, and I think we can get it done."
* Leona Marino, President of the Thunder Hockey Fan Club, in The Record's October 28 story titled "Thunder's million fan march"

An ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League's Edmonton Oilers, The Thunder drew 228,364 fans to Stockton Arena in its inaugural season, the ECHL's best attendance mark for 2005-06.

Thunder season tickets, mini-plans, and individual tickets for the 2006-07 season are on sale now. Individual tickets can be purchased in person at Stockton Arena's Ticket Office, online at www.stocktontickets.com, or by phone at (209) 373-1700. For more information about tickets, merchandise, or other inquiries contact the Stockton Thunder offices at (209) 373-1500 or visit www.stocktonthunder.com.

THUNDER OVERALL RECORD: 3-0-0 LAST WEEK: 2-0-0

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ECHL Stories from October 31, 2006


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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