Thunder spoils Ontario's home opener with Pitton's offensive heroics

Published on October 24, 2010 under ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


ONTARIO, Calif. - Jason Pitton forced overtime with a shorthanded goal and followed up with the game-winner in the fifth round of a shootout to boost the Stockton Thunder (2-1-1, 5 points) to a come-from-behind, 3-2 win in a shootout over the Ontario Reign at Citizens Business Bank Arena on Saturday.

The Thunder, who spoiled Ontario's home opener, swept the Reign during a two-game weekend series and got additional goal-scoring help on a second period goal by Jesse Gimblett. Goaltender Tyson Sexsmith also got the win with 25 saves.

Ontario struck first on a power-play goal from Jeff Corey with 4:13 left in the first period, re-directing Eric Doyle's drive from the blueline to the back of the net with traffic in front of Tyson Sexsmith.

Gimblett tied the game at 3:18 of the second period, converting a wraparound attempt to Kellen Briggs' glove side.

Just 1:02 later, Ontario seized the lead again when Jon Francisco poked a rebound through a pile-up at the goal mouth.

The Thunder tied it on Pitton's first goal of the season and the team's first shorthanded goal, 5:57 when he took Chris D'Alvise's threaded pass between the circles and beat Briggs to the five-hole.

Pitton then hammered the game winning goal in the final round of a shootout when he answered Chad Starling's goal with a snap shot from the right circle through Briggs' five hole.

Briggs took the shootout loss with 29 saves.

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