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Thunder's Boise Finale Tonight

March 7, 2015 - ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


The Thunder look to snap the Steelheads eight-game winning streak tonight tonight at Century Link Arena beginning at 6:10 p.m. PST

Arena: Century Link Arena

Date: Saturday, March 7

Time: 6:10 p.m. PST

Broadcast: ECHL.TV and Spreaker beginning at 5:55 p.m. PST

This Year's Record: Stockton is 2-9-0-0 vs. Idaho

Follow the Thunder Facebook Page for occasional updates or follow @StocktonThunder on Twitter for the play-by-play tweeting!

Last Time vs. Idaho

A turnover in the defensive zone led Ludwig Karlsson to pop one past Cody Reichard, followed by a late first period goal by Wade MacLeod from Karlsson.

Idaho would add another before Jack Combs would use the power move to move from behind the net, away from Gaelan Patterson and stuffed the puck past Henri Kiviaho for the goal.

Jason Bast would score one moments later for what would stand as the 4-1 win.

Tonight

The Thunder begin their role as the spoiler as they take on the Idaho Steelheads one last time in Boise, Idaho. While this marks the final game between Stockton and Idaho in Boise, the teams have a three-in-three next weekend in Stockton.

The top dogs in the division, Idaho, have now won a team-high eight games in-a-row.

Who to Watch

Tyler Shattock is extremely hot right now having scored four goals and two assists during his four-game point streak.

While the winger had goals in his previous three, he wasn't able to extend it last night, but did pick up an assist when he rimmed the puck behind the Idaho net for Jack Combs, who made a terrific move around Gaelan Patterson and then around the goaltender to stuff the puck home.

This entire season Shattock has been a bright light for the team, playing a power forward role who can dish the puck (i.e. his pass last night through a diving Shawn Boutin and across to the back door for Vinny Scarsella who just tipped it wide), a guy who can beat you with his accurate shooting or just sitting in front of the net tipping shots by.

In addition, Shattock is someone who's not afraid to throw his weight around and when he gets momentum going, could rival Ryan Constant for the best hitter on the team.

For the Thunder to snap the Steelheads' eight-game win streak, expect Shattock to have to help lead the charge offensively. He's been more than capable all season long and when combined with Jack Combs and Vinny Scarsella, the recipe for offense is there.

All-Time Watch

The scoring situation between Garet Hunt, Ryan Constant and Mike Lalonde is in danger of falling to one of the Thunder's star players very soon.

Lalonde's 156 career Thunder points is in jeopardy as Garet Hunt pulled within a point of the tying the record with 155 while Ryan Constant sits right behind him at 151.

Both Hunt and Constant have missed time due to injuries this season as Hunt missed 11 games while Constant was placed on Injured Reserve on December 14.

Hunt is the only one close to Lalonde's all-time record of 72 goals with his 61 markers, putting the Thunder captain 11 shy of tying the record.

Top Three in the League

Jack Combs scored his second goal as a member of the Stockton Thunder last night securing his 24th goal and tying himself for the team lead in goals with Tyler Maxwell. Combs also ranks third in the ECHL with 62 points, behind former teammate Chad Costello (94) and Drew Fisher (64).

Combs was claimed off waivers by the Thunder in February after returning from Europe and being released by the Allen Americans. He's played five games with the Thunder scoring twice and adding 4 assists.

From College to the Pros

After seeing Cody Reichard in three straight games, we could see former WHL and CIS goalie Lucas Gore get his first pro start tonight against the Steelheads.

Gore, the WHL record holder for most saves in a game with 77, just completed his career with the University of Regina and joined the team ahead of last night's game.

While the University of Regina hasn't faired too well in the CIS, Gore posted very good numbers, including his career best 2.76 goals-against-average and .918 save-percentage in his sophomore season (despite a 7-7-0 record) followed closely by his senior season numbers of 2.77 goals-against-average to go along with a .913 save-percentage (despite a 5-15-0 record).

Interesting Fact

The Thunder saw one record break in the final game of a three-in-three series back on November 1 with Ryan Constant picking up his 98th assist in a Thunder uniform. Seeing as this March series could draw comparisons, perhaps this is the night we see the all-time record fall to Garet Hunt.

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