Thunder Visits Idaho, Hosts Bakersfield

January 29, 2008 - ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


THUNDER OVERALL RECORD: 18-20-2, 38 points LAST WEEK: 0-2-0

THIS WEEK'S OPPONENTS: (all times PT)

at IDAHO STEELHEADS (Tue. and Wed. - 6:05 p.m.) - 1420 KSTN, B2 Networks

The Thunder returns to Qwest Arena for the first time since last season's National Conference quarterfinal round of the Kelly Cup Playoffs to face the Idaho Steelheads and leads the season series over Idaho at a 2-0-0 clip. The Thunder is 9-2-1 in the last two years for the head-to-head series and went 4-1-0 at Qwest Arena last year. The Thunder is looking to break a slide that includes a 2-4-0 clip in its last six games.

vs. BAKERSFIELD CONDORS (Fri. and Sat. - 7:30 p.m.) - 1420 KSTN, B2 Networks*

The Thunder begins its longest stretch of games at home with a back-to-back set against the Bakersfield Condors, starting Friday from Stockton Arena. The Thunder is 8-7-6 in the all-time series against Bakersfield and is 2-3-0 against the Condors this season. All-stars Andy Contois and Ryan MacMurchy each have five points (3g-2a) to lead the Thunder in scoring for the season series. Friday's game starts a stretch where the Thunder will play at home for the next seven out of eight games.

* Saturday's game broadcasted via internet only

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 $6 "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.

In addition, Valley Brew Family Restaurant is in its second season as official host of the Thunder Watch Party (via B2 Networks' "Bar and Pub Network") for all road games, featuring prizes and broadcast-interactive contests for all fans in attendance.

Located at 157 W. Adams Street in Stockton, Valley Brew Family Restaurant is placed in the heart of Stockton's "Miracle Mile" district and features an array of acclaimed burgers, beverages, appetizers, specialties and more, offering customers free wi-fi internet access inside the restaurant.

WEEK IN REVIEW

Saturday, January 26 - (Phoenix 3 - Stockton 1)

Goaltender Tim Boron made 48 saves for the Thunder in a losing cause as the Phoenix RoadRunners scored three unanswered goals in the first period to send the Thunder to a 3-1 loss before 7,552 at Stockton Arena on Saturday night. In the Thunder's first game out of the All-Star break, Boron made back-to-back starts after a career-high 50-save shutout effort against the Las Vegas Wranglers on January 20 and has tallied a combined 98 saves in the last six periods. Justin Maiser, Ian Turner and Reagan Rome scored first period goals for Phoenix.

Sunday, January 27 - (Fresno 5 - Stockton 2)

Veteran Luke Curtin tallied three assists to lead the Fresno Falcons in a wire-to-wire finish, sending the Thunder to a 5-2 loss at Save Mart Center on Sunday. Five different Fresno players scored, while the Thunder received its offense on goals from rookies David Rohlfs and Pat Bateman. Thunder goaltender Glenn Fisher made 29 saves despite taking the loss.

UPCOMING PROMOTIONS

FRIDAY, 2/1 vs. Bakersfield

- Faith Night

Bring a group from your place of worship for a special discount on tickets! Special testimonial message following the game from Thunder players Brandon Schwartz and Beau Geisler.

SATURDAY, 2/2 vs. Bakersfield

- Jesse Bennefield Bobblehead Night

First 1,000 kids (ages 12 and under in attendance) receive a commemorative bobblehead doll of former Thunder speedster Jesse Bennefield

UPCOMING MILESTONES:

o Spencer Carbery is 9 games away from 100 in his professional career

o Andy Contois is 19 points away from 100 in his ECHL career

o Adam Huxley is 1 game away from 200 in his professional and ECHL career

TEAM NOTES:

o Ryan MacMurchy leads the Thunder with 12 points (6g-6a) and a +8 rating through eight games in the month of January

o Rookie goaltender Tim Boron has a .970 save percentage (98 of 101) and one shutout in his last two games

o Andy Contois has scored 10 points (6g-4a) in his last 10 games

o Stockton leads the ECHL in attendance with 129,681 fans (6,825 average)

o Stockton is 9-2-1 in the last two seasons vs. Idaho

o Stockton is 11-2-0 when leading after 2 periods

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING - REVIEW OF THE 2008 ECHL ALL-STAR GAME (courtesy of The Record)

"It's just fantastic. I think the model they have, with (the Thunder) beside the (Ports), the hotel and this beautiful rink, (Stockton's) very lucky to have this. We only wish we could have a building like this in Johnstown."

- Neil Smith, NHL Network announcer, Johnstown Chiefs (ECHL) Owner and former New York Rangers General Manager, on the Thunder hosting the 2008 Chase Chevrolet ECHL All-Star Game

"That's how we've been doing it, and it was a great pass from Ryan."

- Thunder all-star left wing Andy Contois, on his third period goal in the All-Star Game with an assist from teammate Ryan MacMurchy

"As soon as coach told me I was in, I was excited. Then when I realized it was in Stockton, that was icing on the cake because I know how great the fans are here."

- Contois on being named as a participant (and eventual winner) of the CCM Vector Fastest Skater event in Tuesday's Skills Competition

"You're out there with guys you don't like all season and now they're your teammates. There's a team mentality. You go out there and you're pulling for guys on your team; they're your buddies. Any time something's on the line, the competitiveness comes out."

- Contois on the camaraderie in the National Conference dressing room

"I'm just glad I got a chance to be here. It was quite an honor."

- All-Star defenseman and Thunder captain Brad Farynuk on his cross-country return from the Springfield Falcons (AHL) for the All-Star Game

"To come to the (ECHL) and see what the league has become, it's very impressive. The cities are great, a lot of the buildings are great, and the fan support - especially here in Stockton - is great."

- National Conference captain Peter Ferraro of the Las Vegas Wranglers, on the all-star atmosphere



ECHL Stories from January 29, 2008


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