Thunder rout Condors on record-setting night

November 1, 2008 - ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


BAKERSFIELD, Calif. - Jeff Kyrzakos scored four points (2g-2a), veteran Craig Valette scored his first two goals in a Thunder uniform and the Stockton Thunder (3-4-0, 6 points) ended a six-game road trip with a 3-3-0 run, scoring a club record eight goals in one game in an 8-3 rout of the Bakersfield Condors before a crowd of 5,204 at Rabobank Arena on Saturday.

Bakersfield notched the game's first two goals, starting with Liam Huculak's second of the year at 5:51 of the first period to put the Condors up 1-0. Huculak converted a Charlie Kronschnabel pass in the slot while on an outnumbered attack and buried a snap shot through the five-hole of Thunder goaltender Andrew Perugini.

Dave Bonk's first goal of the season increased the Condors lead to 2-0 at 8:04 on the power-play, when he set a screen at the top of the crease and re-directed Andrew Thomas' point shot to the back of the net.

Just 45 seconds later, Jeff Kyrzakos started a spurt of six unanswered goals by Stockton and got the Thunder back in the game with his first goal of the year, cutting the Bakersfield edge to 2-1 when he took a centering pass from Cory Urquhart in the mid-slot and snapped a one-timer past Dave McKee's blocker.

Craig Valette added his first goal in a Thunder uniform with 43 seconds gone in the period by cleaning up a rebound, tying the game at 2-2. Kyrzakos added his second goal of the game at 3:51 from Toby LaFrance and Urquhart.

Just 35 seconds later, Adam Huxley converted a turn-around shot from between the circles to chase Condors goaltender Dave McKee and post the Thunder to a 4-2 edge. The onslaught continued with Ryan MacMurchy's first goal of the season, coming on the power-play at 7:29 when he took Mike Lalonde's centering pass and ripped a one-timer past backup Joey Perricone.

David Rohlfs' second goal of the year, a power-play goal at 11:10 goal, extended the Thunder lead to 6-2 on a rebound at the top of the crease.

Mark Derlago buried his fourth goal of the season on the power-play to help Bakersfield cut the Thunder lead to three goals.

Valette added his second goal of the game on a snap shot from the right circle with 4:26 gone in the third period, increasing the Stockton edge to 7-3.

Garet Hunt's third goal of the season gave the Thunder the record-setting goal at 15:34, converting a diving rebound attempt.

NOTES: The Thunder scratched Marc-Andre Bernier (injured reserve), Milan Maslonka (injured reserve), James Bates (healthy) and former Condor Justin Chwedoruk (healthy) ... The Thunder's five goals in the second period also broke a club record for most goals in one period ... Stockton improved to 11-9-7 lifetime against Bakersfield ...

The Thunder return to play with "Thunder Goes Pink III" on Friday, Nov. 7 against the Victoria Salmon Kings at 7:30 p.m. from Stockton Arena. The game can be heard live on radio at 1420 KSTN and is available on the internet (video and audio available) for a $7 charge at www.StocktonThunder.com (courtesy of B2 Networks).

The proud ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League's Edmonton Oilers and American Hockey League's Springfield Falcons, the Thunder was voted "Best Local Sports Team" by readers of the San Joaquin Magazine, has led the ECHL in attendance for three consecutive seasons and drew 239,337 fans to Stockton Arena in 2007-08. Season, group, individual tickets and mini plan packages 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 November 1, 2008


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