Thunder snaps three-game losing skid with OT loss, Yeo scores winner

November 18, 2007 - ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


VICTORIA, B.C. - Behind goaltender Glenn Fisher's 27 saves, the Stockton Thunder (6-7-1, 13 points) ended a three-game losing streak in regulation as Dylan Yeo's game-winning goal with three minutes left in overtime gave the Victoria Salmon Kings a 2-1 overtime win over the Thunder, before 4,415 at Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre on Saturday.

Billy Thompson made 41 saves in net to help guide Victoria to their ninth win in 10 games.

Both teams battled to a scoreless draw in the first period and the Thunder outshot Victoria 16-6, slowing down the Salmon Kings' high-flying attack with a physical and deliberate forechecking game. The Thunder's best bid came late in the period when Thompson used his stick-side shoulder to deflect Andy Contois' wrist shot from the right circle.

Fisher only saw six shots in the period but was tested early in the game, stoning Wes Goldie on wrist shot from the deep slot.

Both teams continued at a deliberate and grinding pace into the second period and the Thunder broke through on the scoreboard first, taking a 1-0 lead on Brandon Schwartz's second goal of the season at the 8:20 mark. David Rohlfs threw a wrist shot from the right circle that Thompson deflected toward the opposite boards, followed by Schwartz teeing up the loose puck and blasting a 20-foot slapshot over Thompson's glove.

Jordan Krestanovich tied the game at 1-1 for Victoria with 6:14 left in the second period, finishing a scramble in front of the net on a pass from behind the net, courtesy of Wes Goldie. Fisher stopped a personal game-high 14 shots in the middle frame, while Thompson recorded 12 saves.

The teams carried the 1-1 tie through the third period as goaltending and defense took center stage. The Thunder's physical pressure limited Victoria to seven shots in the period, while Thompson was forced to turn aside all 13 shots by Stockton.

Thompson made a point-blank save on Schwartz in the latter stage of the period, denying the Thunder winger his second goal of the game when Schwartz stripped Victoria's defense of the puck at the left circle, skated on net and was turned aside on a backhanded shot to the high portion of Thompson's glove.

Yeo ended the game in overtime on an unassisted goal, his second of the year, when the rookie defenseman converted on a wrap-around attempt to Fisher's glove side.

The Thunder outshot the Salmon Kings 42-29 for the game and averaged 40.6 shots per game in the three-game series at Victoria.

NOTES: Before the game, the Thunder activated left wing Pat Bateman off the three-day injured reserve list and placed center Geoff Paukovich on the three-day injured reserve list ... Thunder right wing Ryan MacMurchy, who had eight points (3g-5a) in nine games entering tonight, was a late scratch due to injury (undisclosed) ... the Thunder fell to 6-8-2 in the all-time series against Victoria and 2-7-2 lifetime at Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre.

The Thunder returns to play and begins a three-game homestand on Wednesday, November 21 against the Alaska Aces, starting at 7:00 p.m. from Stockton Arena. The game can be heard exclusively online, free-of-charge at www.stocktonthunder.com (courtesy of B2 Networks), with a video feed available for viewing at a $6 charge.

Host of the 2008 ECHL All-Star Game and festivities on Jan. 22 and 23, the Thunder has led the ECHL in attendance for two consecutive seasons and drew 244,085 fans to Stockton Arena in 2006-07. Season tickets, group tickets and individual tickets for 2007-08 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 18, 2007


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.

OurSports Central