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Thunder Secure Second Straight Win, Beat Utah

November 23, 2013 - ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


Thunder Secure Second Straight Win, Beat Utah 3-2 The Thunder stormed back in the third period and were able to get the three-in-three off on the right foot with a win over Utah.

The Thunder stormed back to capture their second straight win thanks to another third period charge to take down the Utah Grizzlies by a score of 3-2 Friday night at Stockton Arena.

Thunder forward Brayden Irwin scored what would be the game winning goal with 5 minutes left thanks to an incredible effort and individual skill. Being held and interfered with, Irwin pushed through the Utah defense and was able to get the puck past Utah goaltender Igor Bobkov, with only one hand on his stick and falling to his stomach.

"It was kind of a lucky bounce," said Irwin. "Corey Trivino just threw the puck into the pile there and I was able to get around their defenseman. I just tried to throw something on net as I was falling and it happened to find its way in."

The Thunder was able to tie the tilt up at 2 earlier in the third period thanks to a powerplay goal from defenseman Landon Oslanski. After Utah defenseman Mike Folkes was called for tripping, Oslanski's shot on the resulting power play deflected in off a Utah player, tying the game at 2-2 only 11 seconds into the extra man advantage.

"We were getting pucks to the net," said Oslanski. "On power plays you are supposed to get the puck on net and I just waited for my opening. The guy moved out of my way and I just shot on net and it went in."

After surrendering a goal in each of the first two periods, Thunder goalkeeper Brian Foster shut the door on Utah, stopping all 9 shots he faced in the third period.

"Brian is so good, he is always in position," said Head Coach Rich Kromm. "He is so calm and takes care of his rebounds and it makes life easy for guys in front of him because there is no panic, they know he is there to take care of them."

The Thunder defense seems to be back into form after recent call-ups have shifted lines on the defensive front. Utah managed 29 shots, with Foster stopping 27. The two goals Foster surrendered were on a deflection in the first period and a turnover in the Thunder zone in the second.

"It started with last game but everybody is gelling very well together," said Foster. "The defense has been solid, along with the team defense which has been going well. If we keep this up we will be in good shape."

The Thunder were in comeback mode early in the first period as Utah got on the board when forward Channing Boe fired a point shot past Foster giving Utah the lead 1:15 into the game.

The Thunder then tied the game at 1 when Trivino was able to force a turnover, go in all alone, and backhand the puck past Bobkov. For Trivino, that goal was his third of the season to go along with his 6 assists, including his helper on Irwin's game winner.

Utah would again put the Thunder on their heels when they scored an early goal into the second period after a turnover from defenseman Shawn Boutin. Vallorani stole the puck from Boutin then patiently waited for Foster to make the first move and chipped the puck over the Thunder netminder's right shoulder for the goal. After that, the Thunder really picked up the pace and would eventually comeback in the third period to win the game and move to 9-4-0-1 on the year.

The Thunder are back at it tomorrow in the second game of the three-in-three when the Idaho Steelheads come to Stockton for the first time since the 2013 Kelly Cup Playoffs. This game continues to be a part of the Thunder's "Share Your Thanksgiving" promotion. Fans can receive $1 off the price of their ticket for each canned food item they donate at Stockton Arena, up to a minimum ticket price of $7 (glass, club and suite level seats are excluded and cannot be combined with other offers). All donations will benefit the Emergency Food Bank and Family Services of Stockton/San Joaquin. Season ticket holders can also donate and will receive one entry per canned food item into a raffle to win the use of a suite at an upcoming Thunder game. For more information, visit StocktonThunder.com.



ECHL Stories from November 23, 2013


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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