Thunder stays undefeated with Martz's late, clutch third period goal

Published on November 7, 2006 under ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


PHOENIX, Ariz. * The Stockton Thunder (5-0-1, 11 points) was stymied by Phoenix RoadRunners goaltender Josh Tordjman's 36 saves, while Nathan Martz kept the Thunder unbeaten with a late third period goal in a 2-1 shootout loss to Phoenix in front of 3,135 at U.S. Airways Center on Tuesday night.

Both teams battled through a scoreless draw through the first period, as Thunder goaltender Cam Ellsworth provided timely stops on 16 total saves, stoning Phoenix on three power plays. Tordjman kept the Thunder off the board with eight first period saves.

Phoenix defenseman Alexandre Rouleau broke the scoreless tie with a highlight-reel goal at the second period's 8:22 mark, taking a long beakout pass and beating Ellsworth over the goaltender's left shoulder with a backhanded shot down the right wing. Tordjman stoned the Thunder with 18 saves through two periods.

Ellsworth kept Phoenix off the board in the third period with seven saves, enabling Martz to produce the clutch, game-tying goal at the 19:14 mark. With Ellsworth pulled, Martz's centering pass from behind the net deflected off the back of Tordjman and into the net, forcing both teams into overtime and helping Stockton garner a point in the standings.

After a scoreless overtime period, Phoenix's Liam Lindstrom scored the eventual shootout winner in the fifth round, beating Ellsworth on the forehand. Stockton's Liam Reddox was stoned in the final inning of the shootout, as Tordjman stopped Reddox with a sliding pad save off Reddox's forehand bid.

Pending the end of the Las Vegas/ Victoria game, the Thunder remains as one of two unbeaten teams in the ECHL (Stockton and Las Vegas).

Before the game, the Thunder announced defenseman Frank Rediker was activated off the seven-day injured reserve list, defenseman Eric Main was placed on the three-day injured reserve list, and right wing Tim Verbeek was transferred from the three-day to seven-day injured reserve list.

The Thunder continues its six-game road trip on Friday, November 10, with a 6:10 p.m. PT game against the Idaho Steelheads at Qwest Arena. The game can be heard live on the internet (free-of-charge) and is available for viewing at a $6 "pay-per-view" rate at www.stocktonthunder.com, courtesy of B2 Networks.

Thunder season tickets, mini-plans and individual tickets for the 2006-07 season 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.

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



ECHL Stories from November 7, 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.

OurSports Central