Thunder topples San Diego in 4-2 win, clinches ECHL attendance crown

April 9, 2006 - ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


STOCKTON, Calif. - The Stockton Thunder (18-40-14, 50 points) ended the 2005-06 season on a high note by clinching the 2005-06 ECHL attendance crown with a 4-2 victory over the San Diego Gulls (34-30-8, 76 points) in front of 9,275 at Stockton Arena on Saturday night.

The crowd catapults the Thunder to the attendance crown in its inaugural season, dethroning the five-time defending champion Florida Everblades with a season total of 228,364 fans (6,343 average).

The Thunder drew first blood only 2:27 into the game, as Ned Havern's pass from the right corner was deflected in off San Diego goaltender Kris Mayotte's right pad. San Diego shot back 22 seconds later on a breakaway goal by Steve Hildebrand, beating Thunder netminder Jake Moreland to the high-stick side for a 1-1 tie.

After the Thunder let two five-on-three power plays go by the wayside, Bobby Cunningham put San Diego on top 2-1 with a deflection from five feet out at the 11:26 mark. Maris Ziedins retaliated for the Thunder with a power play goal only 2:16 later, pounding in a rebound from a stop on Aaron Foster.

Ziedins then clinched the game-winning goal only 41 seconds into the third period, converting a Havern centering feed in the slot for a shorthanded goal. Jake Moreland stoned all 19 San Diego shots in the third period, while Aaron Foster slammed the dagger into the Gulls with an empty-net goal with 52 seconds remaining.

Moreland completed his 2005-06 season winning eight of his last 15 games (8-5-1), tallying 45 saves against the Gulls.

The Thunder closes out the 2005-06 campaign with a home record of 8-19-9, and a 3-3-1 season clip against the Gulls.

Thunder season 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.



ECHL Stories from April 9, 2006


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