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Thunder Strike Early, Beat Bakersfield 2-1

November 11, 2013 - ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


The Stockton Thunder finished their three game road trip on a high, as they were able to beat the Bakersfield Condors 2-1.

The Thunder got on the board quickly as Garet Hunt was able to bury a puck that caromed to his stick on the first shot of the game just 46 seconds in.

"We got off to a good start when we got the early lead, it seemed like we put them on their heels a bit," said Coach Rich Kromm . "They got going in the second period and began to take some of our momentum away but we recovered in the third and had a good finish."

The Condors outshot the Thunder in the second period 10-6 and were able to answer the Thunder's first period tally thanks to a late goal by Joel Broda. A miscommunication between the Thunder defense pairing of Ryan Constant and Landon Oslanski led to a turnover and centering feed that Thunder goaltender Brian Foster had little chance to stop.

Foster would eventually get the offensive support he needed to stay perfect on the season in the third period from Joey Martin . Another point shot that was partially blocked found its way onto Martin's stick and behind Bakersfield's Andy Chiodo. For Martin it was his first goal of the season and first goal in a Thunder sweater.

"Obviously it's a big relief," said Martin. "It's a good way to score, on the road, and to win the game, it really was a big relief."

The centerman has had a number of chances in the Thunder's eight games but has been unable to find the back of the net, until tonight. Martin was behind only Andrew Clark in shots taken in the game against Bakersfield as the Thorold, Ontario native put 3 shots on Chiodo.

"He's been squeezing his stick a little tight, but he was relieved to finally score," said Kromm. "He can relax and just play without having to worry about getting that goal."

Martin's goal would be the eventual game winner and it came at the 7:43 mark in the third period. The Thunder continued to play solid team defense in front of Foster, but the goaltender once again put up a sparkling individual performance, stopping 20 of 21 shots.

Foster has yet to lose as he has now posted his fifth victory in five starts. The Pembroke, New Hampshire native ranks fourth in the league in goals against average with a 1.59 while also posting a .942 save percentage.

"Obviously the team played well in front of me," explained Foster. "I could clearly see the puck and my defenseman were always clearing my view. Everyone on the team works hard and battles to get back defensively. Our team mentality is working hard and that was apparent tonight."

Another sparkling performance wasn't by an individual, but by the league's top penalty killing unit. The Thunder were shorthanded six times and killed off all six opportunities. There were opportunities for the Condors were they had the 4 on 3 power play and even a little 5 on 3 power play, but each time the Thunder answered back with a swift clearing attempt or even an attack.

"Everybody worked hard to get back and help out," said Kromm. "We did give them a couple opportunities, there wasn't a lot, but when there was, Brian was good at shutting the door for us."

The Thunder are back at home tomorrow when they host the San Francisco Bulls. That Monday evening game is scheduled to start at 5:00 p.m. where active military and veterans can get $5 off select seating locations with their military ID as part of Military Monday.

1st Star - Joey Martin, STK - Game Winning Goal

2nd Star - Joel Broda, BAK - 1 goal

3rd Star - Brian Foster, STK - 20 saves on 21 shots



ECHL Stories from November 11, 2013


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