Thunder Sweeps Ontario, Rolls into Bakersfield

October 26, 2010 - ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


The Stockton Thunder returns to play for its only game of the week on Friday, visiting the Bakersfield Condors at Rabobank Arena in the first of 11 meetings between both clubs. The Thunder is 17-17-10 lifetime against the Condors through six seasons and went 6-4-2 in the season series last year, additionally eliminating Bakersfield in the second round (National Conference Semifinal) of the Kelly Cup Playoffs. Chris D'Alvise scored seven goals against Bakersfield last year to lead Stockton in the head-to-head series.

1280 AM KWSX is the Thunder's flagship radio station on the road this year and all Thunder games can be heard live on the Internet (free-of-charge) and are available for viewing at a $8 "pay-per-view" charge at http://www.stocktonthunder.com/, courtesy of AmericaOne. Radio broadcaster Mike Benton provides play-by-play commentary with the "Thunder Forecast" pre-game show starting 15 minutes before each broadcast.

The Thunder and Fat's Grill and Bar Restaurant are have partnered for this season for "Thunder Watch Party" nights (shown through AmericaOne) during all Thunder road games. Fans attending will have an opportunity to win prizes, enjoy drink specials a nd participate in a festive atmosphere while cheering on the Thunder. Located at 4555 North Pershing Avenue in Stockton and just minutes away from Stockton Arena, Fat's Grill and Bar is a three-time "Best of San Joaquin" Award winner in The Record and features 15 television monitors and four satellite dishes, an array of acclaimed entrees, pizzas, beverages, appetizers, specialties and more.

PROMOTIONAL NEWS

November 5-7 vs. Bakersfield Condors, 7:30 p.m. (Nov. 5-6), 4:00 p.m. (Nov. 7)

THUNDER GOES PINK V (presented by St.Joseph's Medical Center in association with Delta Blood Bank, Antonini Freight Express and Union Bank)

- The Thunder will wear pink jerseys (to be auctioned off, live, after the Nov. 6 game, with proceeds to benefit the American Cancer Society - Stockton Field Office and St. Joseph's Foundation - Breast Cancer Services), the first 2,000 female fans in attendance will receive a pink Thunder knit beanie on Friday and a pink Thunder hat on Saturday. The first 1,000 kids (17 and under) in attendance will receive a pink glow stick.

FREE FRIDAY PRESENTED BY MetroPCS

- One lucky section at the game will receive a free gift courtesy of MetroPCS and all fans are invited to stop by MetroPCS's booth at Stockton Arena to win a free phone and service for one whole year!

November 6 - Stockton Arena, 9:00 a.m.

ST. JOSEPH'S MEDICAL CENTER PRESENTS THUNDER GOES PINK 5K RUN/WALK (in association with In-Shape Health Clubs, Golden Bear Insurance Company, Fleet Feet Sports, Sun Harvest, Inc.; Duraflame, Amtrak and New York Life)

- Fans are asked to put on their running shoes for breast cancer awareness and join in the Thunder's inaugural pink-themed 5K Run/Walk event. Thunder players will be on-hand to help start the race. Following the race, participants will be get VIP access to watch the team's morning skate on the pink ice at Stockton Arena. More registration information at www.stocktonthunder.com.

TEAM LEADERS:

Points - Chris D'Alvise (6)

Goals - Fraser Clair (3)

Assists - Chris D'Alvise (5)

Plus/Minus - Jason Pitton (+4)

Penalty Minutes - Jesse Gimblett (12)

UPCOMING MILESTONES:

Chris Lawrence is 13 games away from 200 in his professional career

Scott Howes is 8 games away from 100 in his professional career

Aaron Clarke is 5 games away from 200 in his professional career

TEAM NOTES

- Tyson Sexsmith is second in the ECHL with 99 saves

- Jesse Gimblett is third among ECHL rookies with 12 penalty minutes

- Ryan Constant is tied for second among ECHL defensemen with 4 points (1g-3a)

- Stockton is fourth in the ECHL with 28.2 shots against per game

- Stockton is tied for second in the Western Conference with 13 goals

- Stockton's power-play at home is fourth in the ECHL at 29.4 percent (5-for-17)

The team's upcoming schedule for the coming week is as follows:

(subject to change, all times PT)

TUE, OCT. 26:

10:00 a.m. - Practice at Stockton Arena

WED, OCT. 27:

10:00 a.m. - Practice at Stockton Arena

THURS, OC T. 28:

10:00 a.m. - Practice at Stockton Arena

FRI. OCT. 29:

7:00 p.m. - GAME at BAKERSFIELD

1280 KWSX/StocktonThunder.com

***Travel back to Stockton immediately following the game

SAT. OCT. 30:

Day off

SUN. OCT. 31:

Day off

MON. NOV. 1:

10:00 a.m. - Practice at Stockton Arena

WEEK IN REVIEW

STK 3 - ONT 2 (SO) (10/23/10): 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 Thunder to a come-from-behind, 3-2 win 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 g oal by Jesse Gimblett. Goaltender Tyson Sexsmith also secured his second consecutive win with 25 saves.

STK 3 - ONT 1 (10/22/10): Goaltender Tyson Sexsmith made 23 saves and the Stockton Thunder capitalized on three power play goals en route to a 3-1 victory over the Ontario Reign, before a crowd of 4,577 at Stockton Arena on Friday night. Chris Lawrence, Chris D'Alvise and Aaron Clarke all scored and the Thunder, who earned its first win of the regular season, kept Ontario blanked through 40 minutes. The Thunder penalty kill also kept Ontario to a 1-for-9 clip as well.

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING

"You are certainly looking for guys to step up and make great plays, and Jason Pitton did that (on Saturday). That whole line has played well," Thunder coach Matt Thomas said. "And this is a good road win for us, coming into a packed barn and winning it in a shootout."

- Thunder head coach Matt Thomas, after the Thunder defeated the Ontario Reign, 3-2 in a shootout, The Record (Oct. 24, 2010)

"I'm really happy to have (the captainship). It's a little more responsibility, but I think you have to lead by example," Valette said.

- Thunder captain Craig Valette, on keeping the captaincy for 2010-11, The Record (Oct. 21, 2010)

A two-time recipient of the E CHL "Award of Excellence," Thunder was voted "Best Local Sports Team" by readers of the San Joaquin Magazine for the third straight year, led the ECHL in attendance for four consecutive seasons and drew over 200,000 fans for the fifth consecutive season in 2009-10. Season Tickets, mini-plans and individual tickets for 2010-11 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 October 26, 2010


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