Thunder Weekly

February 13, 2006 - ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


Olympic Glory Winter Games stamp Stockton's week with games against Utah, Fresno and Idaho

THUNDER OVERALL RECORD: 8-28-8 (24 points) LAST WEEK: 0-3-1

THIS WEEK'S OPPONENTS:

Wednesday, February 15: at Utah Grizzlies (6:05 p.m. PT) Friday, February 17: at Utah Grizzlies (6:05 p.m. PT) The Thunder looks to snap a seven-game winless skid against the Utah Grizzlies to begin a two-game mini series at The E-Center, the showcase hockey site of the 2002 Winter Olympics. Stockton faces a stern test, as Utah has won four consecutive games and is unbeaten in five of its last six. Both teams last met at Stockton Arena on February 1, a 4-3 come-from-behind, overtime victory for the Thunder. Joel Irwin leads Stockton in scoring against Utah with five points (3g-2a) in three games.

Saturday, February 18: vs. Fresno Falcons (7:30 p.m. PT) Saturday's tilt against the Falcons marks the ninth meeting of the year between the in-state rivals, as the Thunder searches for its first win in team history against the Falcons (0-6-2 vs. Fresno). Both teams faced each other four times in five days last week, with the last meeting a 4-1 Thunder loss to Fresno on February 12.

Sunday, February 19: vs. Idaho Steelheads (4 p.m. PT) The Thunder concludes another stretch of four games in five days, facing the Idaho Steelheads for only the second time in 2005-06. It will also be the first reunion for two players formerly sent through the trade wire, as Thunder center Kevin Gardner faces his ex-Steelheads teammates for the first time since being acquired for former Thunder defenseman Tony Johnson, who is slated to make his first Stockton Arena appearance in an Idaho uniform. Both teams last met on January 10, a 4-1 Thunder loss to Idaho.

The Thunder leads the ECHL in per-game attendance (6,142 average), and another large crowd is expected at Saturday's game with "Born In The U.S.A." Poster Night (presented by The Hawk) headlining Stockton's tilt against Fresno, with the first 2,000 kids (12 and under) in attendance receiving a commemorative poster. Thunder players will adorn special Team U.S.A. "Miracle On Ice" jerseys for Saturday and Sunday's game. All fans in attendance will have a chance to bid for the game-worn jerseys after Sunday's game against Idaho via a live auction, with the proceeds given to the Muscular Distrophy Association. Thunder authentic jerseys will also be given away during Sunday's jersey raffle.

"Family Day" (presented by Alpine Meats & KJOY) also headlines Sunday's game, with four upper premium/end zone tickets, two hot dogs and two hockey pucks available in a package for $34. Vouchers validating a Family Day purchase can be picked up at over 300 participating Central Valley grocery stores.

All games can be heard live on the internet (free-of-charge) and are available for viewing at a $6 "pay-per-view" fare at www.stocktonthunder.com, courtesy of B-2 Networks. Thunder broadcaster Mike Benton will provide play-by-play commentary, with the pre-game show beginning 5:50 p.m. PT Wednesday and Friday, 7:15 p.m. PT Saturday, and 3:45 p.m. PT Sunday.

STOCKTON THUNDER SCHEDULE: February 14-20 (Subject to change, all times Pacific)

Tuesday, February 14 10 a.m.: Practice at Oak Park Rink Travel Day

Wednesday, February 15 10:15 a.m.: Morning Skate at E-Center 6:05 p.m.: Game vs. Utah Grizzlies (E-Center)

Thursday, February 16 10:15 a.m.: Practice at E-Center

Friday, February 17 10:15 a.m.: Morning Skate at E-Center 6:05 p.m.: Game vs. Utah Grizzlies (E-Center)

Saturday, February 18 - No Morning Skate - 7:30 p.m.: Game vs. Fresno Falcons (Stockton Arena)

Sunday, February 19 - No Morning Skate - 4 p.m.: Game vs. Idaho Steelheads (Stockton Arena)

Monday, February 20 Day Off

UPCOMING MILESTONES: o Dean Stork is eight assists away from 100 in his ECHL career o Nathan Martz is 18 points away from 100 in his ECHL career o Steve Slonina is 13 points away from 100 in his ECHL career

WEEK IN REVIEW

WHAT'S HAPPENIN' Thunder center Maris Ziedins is slated to make his Olympic debut with Team Latvia this week, facing Team U.S.A. on Wednesday with a noon PT face-off slated from Torino, Italy. The game will be televised live on USA Network, with additional television listings available by visiting www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10792454/.

In addition, the Stockton Thunder will host a visit by the ECHL's Kelly Cup trophy at Stockton Arena, Thunder team president Dan Chapman announced last Friday in conjunction with the ECHL.

"It was wonderful having the Stanley Cup here a couple of weeks ago, and now our fans will have a chance to see something very treasured to those of us in the ECHL," said Chapman.

Presented annually to the ECHL's playoff champion and named after ECHL Commissioner Emeritus and former National Hockey League coach Patrick J. Kelly, the Kelly Cup will visit Stockton Arena for the Thunder's February 18 game against the Fresno Falcons (7:30 p.m. PT face-off) and February 19 game against the Idaho Steelheads (4 p.m. PT). All fans are welcome to have a chance to view the coveted trophy up-close in Stockton Arena's North Entry Conference Room with photo opportunities available.

The Stockton Thunder in association with the ECHL, also announced that last Saturday's game against the Fresno Falcons will be featured as the ECHL Game of the Week on NHL Network and on America One Television Network and America One Sports.

The ECHL Game of the Week airs on NHL Network in Canada each Friday at 4 p.m. and 11 p.m. PT and Saturday at 9 a.m. PT and on America One Television Network and America One Sports each Thursday at 5 p.m.

The Thunder was also busy on the transaction front last week, announcing forward Avery Wilson, who spent time with the Thunder during the 2005-06 pre-season training camp, agreed to terms with the Thunder last Tuesday, while adding goaltender Dave Turner as an emergency backup last Wednesday.

Wednesday, February 8 FRESNO 3 vs. Stockton 2 (OT) The Thunder snapped a three-game losing skid in a 3-2 overtime loss to the Falcons at Stockton Arena on Wednesday night. Steve Slonina forced overtime with less than three seconds remaining in regulation with a goal from the right circle, followed by John Wroblewski's rebound marker for Fresno, 2:40 into overtime. Dave McCulloch contributed a power play goal for the Thunder, while Fresno received additional goals from J.F. Plourde and Shawn Weiman. Jeff Weber starred with 39 saves in net for Stockton.

Friday, February 10 FRESNO 3 vs. Stockton 2 Shawn Mather's hat trick was enough to send the Thunder to a 3-2 loss to the Fresno Falcons, in the two teams' final meeting of the regular season at Save Mart Center. Jeff Weber's 39 saves kept the Thunder within striking distance all night, while Steve Slonina and Joel Irwin added separate third period goals. Jamie Holden stopped 22 shots for Fresno in net. MORE

Saturday, February 11 FRESNO 5 vs. Stockton 3 Fraser Clair and Shawn Mather combined for six points in scoring to lead Fresno to a 5-3 win over the Thunder, before a sellout crowd of 10,177 at Stockton Arena on Saturday. Geno Parrish got the Thunder off on the right foot with a first period power play goal, before Fresno answered with three unanswered first period tallies, two by Mather and a goal by John Wroblewski. Joel Irwin and Mike Lalonde added to the Thunder goal-scoring.

Sunday, February 12 FRESNO 4 vs. Stockton 1 The Thunder was stymied by Fresno goaltender Jamie Holden's 33 saves, part of a 4-1 Thunder loss to the Falcons at Stockton Arena on Sunday. Joel Irwin continued a three-game goal-scoring tear with Stockton's only goal, coming in the first period. Fraser Clair posted two goals for Fresno, while John Wroblewski and Shawn Weiman added separate markers for the Falcons.

THUNDER NOTES: o The Thunder has registered five of its eight wins in overtime or shootouts o Right wing Joel Irwin is on a three game goal-scoring streak, and has scored five points (3g-2a) in his last four games o The Thunder has drawn crowds of 8,000 or more six times this season at Stockton Arena (includes four sellouts) o Right wing Joel Irwin leads the Thunder with 27 points (10g-17a) on the road in 24 games



ECHL Stories from February 13, 2006


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