Thunder Takes Three Points, Transitions Into Road Trip at Utah

Published on December 8, 2008 under ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


THIS WEEK'S OPPONENT: (all times PT)

at UTAH GRIZZLIES (Friday, Saturday - 6:05 p.m.) - 1420 KSTN, B2 Networks

The Thunder faces the Utah Grizzlies for the first time this season in a back-to-back series at The E-Center on Friday and Saturday. Through 22 games in the lifetimes series, the Thunder is 9-10-3 against Utah. Last season, the Thunder finished with a record of 2-5-2 in the head-to-head series. Friday's game is the first for the Thunder in Salt Lake City since April 5, 2008 when the Thunder dropped a 4-3 OT loss to clinch a Kelly Cup Playoff berth in the final day of the regular season. Ryan MacMurchy had six points (2g-4a) in four games last year vs. Utah to lead returning Thunder players.

1420 KSTN is the Thunder's flagship radio station and all Thunder games can be heard live on the Internet (free-of-charge) and are available for viewing at a $7 "pay-per-view" charge at www.stocktonthunder.com, courtesy of B2 Networks. Radio broadcaster Mike Benton provides play-by-play commentary, with the "Thunder Forecast" pre-game show starting 15 minutes before each broadcast. **Denotes internet-only broadcast on Friday and Saturday

PROMOTIONAL NEWS

Saturday, Dec. 27 vs. Victoria Salmon Kings, 7:30 p.m.
"THOR" BOBBLEHEAD NIGHT
- The first 1,000 kids (ages 17 and under) in attendance receive a limited-edition, collectible bobblehead of Thunder mascot "Thor"!

Sunday, Dec. 28 vs. Victoria Salmon Kings, 4:00 p.m.
KNIT CAP NIGHT (Presented by 97.7/98.3 KWIN)
- The first 2,000 adult fans (ages 18 and up) receive Thunder-adorned headwear, perfect for cold weather!
FAMILY DAY (Presented by MetroPCS, 99.3 KJOY)
- $34 family upper premium / end zone admission (four tickets, four hockey pucks) with coupon available by visiting participating MetroPCS locations.

Show someone you care with the Stockton Thunder and Edible Arrangements! This season during every Sunday home game one lucky fan will be awarded a beautiful and delicious fruit bouquet courtesy of Edible Arrangements. If you have a co-worker, friend, or family member you feel deserves special recognition, log on to www.StocktonThunder.com and nominate them for the Edible Arrangements Sentimental Moment!

Get that perfect holiday hockey gift at the Stockton Arena FanAttic! The FanAttic team store is now open for special holiday hours, lasting until December 23 each week on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 12:00pm to 6:00 p.m. Get that perfect holiday gift for the hockey fan in your life with a premium selection of Thunder jerseys, apparel, collectibles and more!

TEAM LEADERS:
Points - Cory Urquhart (19)
Goals - Ryan Huddy (8)
Assists - Cory Urquhart (12)
Plus/Minus - Ryan Huddy (+5), Garet Hunt (+5), Ryan MacMurchy (+5)
Penalty Minutes - Garet Hunt (72)

UPCOMING MILESTONES:

o Mike Lalonde is 5 points away from surpassing Nathan Martz as the Thunder career scoring leader
o Ryan MacMurchy is 1 game away from 100 in his professional career
o Cory Urquhart is 15 goals away from 100 in his ECHL career
o Craig Valette is 17 points away from 100 in his professional career

TEAM NOTES:

o Goaltender Bryan Pitton is 2-0-1 in his last three games
o Rookie Andrew Perugini is tied for 12th in the ECHL with a .915 save percentage
o Ryan Huddy is tied for 11th in ECHL rookie scoring with 18 points (8g-10a) in 19 games
o Stockton's is 6-4-3 on the road this season
o Stockton is third in the ECHL with 48 goals on the road this season
o Stockton leads the ECHL in attendance with an average of 7,048 fans (8 games)

WEEK IN REVIEW

12/7/08 - STK 3 at FRE 4 (OT): Judd Blackwater's power-play goal at 3:30 of sudden death overtime helped the Fresno Falcons edge the Stockton Thunder (8-10-4, 20 points) in a 4-3 overtime decision, before a crowd of 5,688 at Selland Arena on Sunday. The Thunder received goals from Mike Salekin, Stephane Goulet and David Rohlfs. Goaltender Bryan Pitton made 27 saves to stretch his unbeaten streak (regulation) to three consecutive games. Counterpart Michael Ouzas stopped 19 shots for the victory.

12/6/08 - ONT 4 at STK 0: John Murray made 26 saves for the first shutout in Ontario Reign history and helped send the Thunder to a 4-0 loss before a crowd of 8,174 at Stockton Arena on Saturday night. It was the first time the Thunder suffered a shutout in the 2008-09 season, who were victimized by two-point efforts from Geoff Walker (1g-1a) and Dusty Collins (1g-1a). Thunder rookie goaltender Andrew Perugini countered with a 21-save effort in the defeat.

12/5/08 - STK 3 at ONT 2: Thunder goaltender Bryan Pitton made 35 saves and received support from a career-high two-goal night by Adam Huxley, helping the Thunder sink the Ontario Reign in a 3-2 victory at Citizens Business Bank Arena on Friday. Huxley scored two goals, aided by a game-winning goal from Stephane Goulet.

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING (courtesy of The Record)

"It was an intense game against our closest rival," Thunder coach Chris Cichocki said. "We played hard, but we beat ourselves. We had some costly turnovers in our zone. We would've liked to get the two points, but we have to settle for one."

- Head Coach Chris Cichocki on the Thunder's 4-3 OT loss to Fresno, The Record, 12/8/08

"I'm just working hard," Huxley said. "I've learned to move my feet more and to get in position to get chances."

- Adam Huxley on scoring six goals through 12 games, The Record, 12/6/08

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ECHL Stories from December 8, 2008


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