Thunder Travel to Hostile Territory in Bakersfield

Published on October 25, 2013 under ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


The Stockton Thunder (@StocktonThunder ), proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL's New York Islanders and AHL's Bridgeport Sound Tigers, travels to Bakersfield for their first game away from Stockton Arena tonight at 7PM. The teams did meet in Stockton's only home preseason matchup back on October 11. The Condors two goal lead would slip away and Joey Martin's overtime goal gave the Thunder the 4-3 win.

Fans can watch and listen live online ! Streaming video is available to fans through AmericaONE and costs $8 for a single game or $150 for a season pass. Live audio of the game is available through StocktonThunder.com or on Spreaker.com .

Bring your lawn chairs and blankets beginning at 6PM to the University Plaza Waterfront Hotel, as they host "Hockey Under the Stars". The Thunder's official "Home Away From Home" will showcase the game against the Condors on a large TV in the hotel's courtyard.

The University Plaza Waterfront Hotel will feature a number of food and drink specials from its special Thunder-inspired menu, and from 6:00 to 6:30PM, fans can enjoy a two topping pizza from Delta Bistro and Lounge for just $10. There will also be free cotton candy for younger fans while supplies last.

The Thunder began the season with a Western Conference Championship Banner and a big 5-0 win over the Colorado Eagles and followed that game with a hard fought 4-2 loss to the Ontario Reign as they opened up play against Pacific Division opponents. The Thunder had led the game 2-0 but three deflection goals and an empty netter sealed Stockton's first loss of the season.

Stockton looks to get back into the win column tonight as they take on a Bakersfield Condors team who has dropped both games they've played in the 2013-14 season. The Condors only point of the season came in a shootout loss to Colorado in their home opener.

Kirill Kabanov has continued to show why he is a former 3rd round draft pick by the New York Islanders as the Russian forward scored his second goal in as many games. Kabanov is the early leader in goals and points on the team with 2 G and 3 Pts. respectively.

Head Coach Rich Kromm began the season with Brian Foster between the pipes against Colorado. Foster, entering his fourth year in the ECHL, stopped all 29 shots the Eagles mustered on net to help lead the Thunder to their Opening Night win. Kromm then turned to former Boston College standout Parker Milner against the Reign. Milner stopped all 8 shots he faced in the first period but had a hard time fighting off screening bodies in the second and third, as Ontario was able to deflect three goals past the rookie goaltender. Milner ended the night stopping 23 of 26 shots in the loss.

As for the Condors, first year Head Coach Troy Mann is hoping to change the team's fortunes as the Southern California team missed the playoffs in each of the last two seasons. If the fortunes of the Condors are going to turn, they'll need a big year from former Thunder goalie and Oilers prospect Tyler Bunz. Bunz was the more effective of the Condors goaltending duo as he allowed only 1 goal on 23 shots in the shootout loss to the Eagles. Paul Karpowich would stop 23 of 26 in Bakersfield's loss against Ontario.

The Condors offense hasn't quite kicked into gear yet as they've only tallied 1 goal to begin the season, which was scored by center Chase Schaber. GM John Olver and Coach Mann are hoping that the recent acquisition of center Ryan Garlock from the Greenville Road Warriors can kick-start their offense. Garlock, a former 2nd round selection of the Chicago Blackhawks, has 82 points (37-45-82) in 71 career ECHL games. In addition to Garlock, the Condors also received forward Brett Lyon after he was released from his Professional Try-Out with the Abbotsford Heat of the AHL.

Stockton will look to get back into the win column tonight against a team looking for their first win of the year. The Thunder have gone 26-16-5 against the Condors in the last the last five years including an 8-2-1 record against them in 2012-13. This will be the last game the Thunder will play in October as they'll have a week to prepare for the Utah Grizzlies, for pink ice, pink jerseys, and support of a good cause.

Thunder Goes Pink VIII is just around the corner on November 1 and 2. Help the Thunder support St. Joseph's Foundation - Breast Health Services through your ticket purchase! A portion of all ticket proceeds benefit this worthy cause. The Pink Ticket Plan includes two tickets to a Thunder Goes Pink VIII game and four vouchers to attend additional regular season home games of your choice. The Pink Ticket Plan saves you money and helps support the cause right here in our community.

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ECHL Stories from October 25, 2013


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