STOCKTON, Calif. – The Stockton Thunder, proud ECHL affiliate of the Edmonton Oilers and San Jose Sharks of the National Hockey League, has announced a three-game preseason schedule for 2012-13 which opens at the Cow Palace against the host San Francisco Bulls on Wednesday, Oct. 3 and includes a home game on Saturday, Oct. 6 against the Bakersfield Condors at 7:30 p.m.

The Thunder went 8-5-0 against Bakersfield and swept them in two preseason games last season. (photo by Sean Blair)

A countdown to launching of the 2012-13 season, the Thunder will wrap up the preseason with the Pacific Division rival Condors in a two-day, “home and home” style of series, continuing a rivalry that orchestrated a tie between both teams for first place in the Pacific Division in 2010-11. The two teams also squared off in the 2010 Kelly Cup Playoffs, with the Thunder defeating Bakersfield, 4-1 in the best of seven National Conference Semifinal.

Both teams will first square off in Bakersfield at Rabobank Arena on Friday, Oct. 5.

A date with the San Francisco Bulls, who enter the ECHL for their first season of play as the Thunder’s closest geographic rival, marks the opening of the preseason schedule on Wednesday, Oct. 3 at the Cow Palace, the home of the Bulls which opened in 1941 and served as the San Jose Sharks’ NHL home venue from 1991-93.

“The three preseason contests with Bakersfield and San Francisco should prepare our players quite well for what promises to be yet another competitive season in the Western Conference of the ECHL,” said Thunder president Dan Chapman. “Bakersfield has long been a natural rival for the Thunder and with the addition of the San Francisco Bulls it will give our fans a good taste of what’s to come this season.”

STOCKTON THUNDER 2012-13 PRE-SEASON SCHEDULE

WEDNESDAY – Oct. 3 @ SAN FRANCISCO

SITE: Cow Palace

TIME: 7:00 p.m.

FRIDAY – Oct. 5 @ BAKERSFIELD

SITE: Rabobank Arena

TIME: 7:00 p.m.

SATURDAY – Oct. 6 vs. BAKERSFIELD

SITE: Stockton Arena

TIME: 7:30 p.m.

Tickets for the Oct. 6 home game can be purchased at ticketmaster.com or by calling the Thunder at (209) 373-1500.

The Thunder swept Bakersfield in a two game series last preseason. The Condors’ head coach is Matt O’Dette, a former captain of the Thunder who suited up as a defenseman from 2009-11 and served the Thunder as assistant coach for the 2011-12 season under head coach Matt Thomas.

A proud affiliate of the Edmonton Oilers and San Jose Sharks of the National Hockey League, the Thunder led the ECHL in attendance for four consecutive seasons and drew over 200,000 fans for the seventh consecutive season in 2011-12. Season Tickets for 2012-13 are on sale now. For more information about tickets, merchandise, or other inquiries contact the Stockton Thunder offices at (209) 373-1500 or visit http://www.stocktonthunder.com/.

]]> http://www.stocktonthunder.com/2012/05/16/2012-13-preseason-schedule/feed/ 0 http://www.stocktonthunder.com/2012/05/05/bentons-blog-you-said-it/ http://www.stocktonthunder.com/2012/05/05/bentons-blog-you-said-it/#comments Sat, 05 May 2012 20:00:29 +0000 Mike Benton http://www.stocktonthunder.com/?p=10495 Thunder radio voice Mike Benton unveils the best of the best this season - and you helped out. Read on for more. (photo by Sean Blair)

STOCKTON, Calif. –The Stockton Thunder, a two time recipient of the ECHL “Award of Excellence,” is offering fans a chance to acquire one-of-a-kind Thunder memorabilia on Saturday, May 5 from 10:00 a.m. – Noon as the team conducts its annual Equipment and Merchandise Sale at Stockton Arena.

In addition to game used equipment, the Thunder Fan Attic will be offering blowout bargain prices on 2011-12 apparel - like t-shirts ($8-12).

Game worn equipment from players like “Fan Favorite” Garet Hunt, Most Valuable Player Kevin Baker, Rookie of the Year Olivier Roy and more will be up for grabs for any hockey enthusiast or collector – offering a chance to take home gloves, sticks, pads, hockey pants, helmets and other items (in varying degrees of use) that have gone through the rigors of game night.

Among the items being sold:

• Pro-stock hockey sticks

• Protective equipment

• Game worn helmets

• Hockey skates

• Goaltending equipment

• Player gloves

• Hockey pants

Additionally, the Stockton Arena “Fan Attic” will host a special merchandise blowout on items from the 2011-12 season. Hooded sweatshirts, headwear, jerseys, t-shirts, novelty items and more will be offered at bargain prices while supplies last.

The Fan Attic will offer the following items for sale:

• Hooded sweatshirts: $35

• Adjustable hats: $10

• Flex-Fit hats: $12

• 2012 commemorative playoff t-shirts: $8

• Adult t-shirts: $10

• Long sleeve t-shirts: $12

• Thunder jerseys*: $75 (replica), $150 (authentic)

• Novelty items: as low as $1 each

* Denotes SP Apparel Brand

A proud affiliate of the Edmonton Oilers and San Jose Sharks of the National Hockey League, the Thunder led the ECHL in attendance for four consecutive seasons and drew over 200,000 fans for the seventh consecutive season in 2011-12. Season Tickets for 2012-13 are on sale now. For more information about tickets, merchandise, or other inquiries contact the Stockton Thunder offices at (209) 373-1500 or visit http://www.stocktonthunder.com/.

Thunder hockey games at the Stockton Arena have quickly become the centerpiece for business entertainment in the Central Valley. Don’t miss your chance to be close to the action and benefit your business now that the Thunder are back in town!

Season Ticket Benefits include:

• THE BEST SEATS IN THE HOUSE – Select from the best seats in the Arena that are reserved for only Full Season Ticket Holders!
• SAVINGS – Save up to 20% off of the walk up price if you take the early bird discounts!
• VIP PRIVILEGES – Receive merchandise discounts and FREE tickets to a Thunder road game in Bakersfield and Ontario!
• “NEVER WASTE A TICKET” EXCHANGE PROGRAM – Exchange any unused tickets for select redemption nights during the season!
• MEET THE TEAM EVENTS – Exclusive invite to the Skate with the Team, Chalk Talk and Meet & Greet Parties throughout the season!
• PLAYOFF TICKETS – Playoff tickets for the first two rounds are discounted and included in your season ticket package, thus assuring you the same great seats for Kelly Cup Playoff action!
• INSIDE INFORMATION – Free subscription to the e-newsletter!
• PARKING PASS – Opportunity to purchase a parking pass for all 36 home games!
• COLLECTOR TICKET BOOKS/CONVENIENCE – You receive a collector ticket book with all of your tickets in advance. No waiting in line to buy tickets, simply walk to the gate!
• DISCOUNTED SINGLE GAME TICKETS – Discounts on additional tickets needed throughout the season!
• REFERRAL CREDIT – Receive $50 for every NEW Season Ticket referred (restrictions apply – contact your Thunder representative for more information)!
• SEASON TICKET HOLDER GIFT – Season Ticket Holders receive an exclusive gift during the season!
• EXCLUSIVE ENTRANCE – Avoid game night lines by entering through the exclusive entrance!
• TICKET FORWARDING – The ability to e-mail your game tickets to friends, family or clients!
• SEASON TICKET HOLDER LOGIN – Exclusive login with special features, player blogs and breaking news!

For a business, Thunder season tickets can:

• Improve employee performance and productivity
• Improve service from suppliers
• Increase business
• Increase company pride and awareness within the community

Additional corporate season ticket benefits include -

• The perfect way to entertain and say thank you to clients
• Great way to reward employees for a job well done
• Works as an exciting employee motivational tool
• Ideal mechanism to stimulate new business
• Hockey event appeals to men, women, children and seniors
• Provide the family entertainment values your business encourages
• Helps establish a positive public identity of your business
• Tax deductible

SEAT LOCATIONS, PRICING & PAYMENT TERMS

For more information or to order, please contact the Stockton Thunder at (209) 373-1500 or e-mail us at tickets@stocktonthunder.com

The countdown is on for October 2012!

Just because the season is over, doesn’t mean you have to be disconnected. There’s plenty of ways to stay in touch with the Thunder for breaking news, offers, ticket information and more during the summer months.

THUNDER ON FACEBOOK: Click here

THUNDER ON TWITTER: Click here

ON DEMAND VIDEO: Click here – ThunderVision

2012-13 SEASON TICKETS: VIP perks, savings and inside access to fit your budget

I hate writing these every year.

It’s the time of season that requires a post-mortem and not a celebration at the end with a Kelly Cup championship.

I’m like you. Seeing the Thunder hoist the Cup in the final game is the ultimate goal. Nothing would jack me up more than to bellow out the following words on air:

“The Thunder win the Cup.”

It didn’t happen this year. But, it’s no reason to hang your head.

Only one team gets to do it. And, do you remember how many teams there are in the ECHL? It’s a tough task even based on the typical roster that experiences a changeover in personnel with star players and key complimentary pieces moving up (see: AHL) or moving on (see: Europe).

Below my perch were over 200,000 fans in the seats at Stockton Arena, screaming their brains out – whether it was over a pretty tic-tac-toe goal, Garet Hunt dropping the mitts, or a free t-shirt.

Each night was like a new chapter in a storybook season that featured many sudden and surprising turns in black, gold, white, pink and a green St. Patrick’s Day accent.

You know which chapter you liked best.

Here’s where I call on you. Got a favorite moment from the season? Was it the playoff run that blitzed the first round and challenged the Alaska Aces?

Was it another inspiring moment in pink that saluted breast cancer survivorship?

What about Oakland Athletics pitcher Dallas Braden hanging out with fellow friends of the “209?”

Was it an Olivier Roy shutout?

Was it Gabriel Levesque’s return?

Or, Chris D’Alvise’s return?

Or, Alex Stalock’s return?

Or, hearing the blast of a new goal horn?

We know there’s that one moment that will continue to replay in your head and make you realize, “I’m proud to be a Thunder fan and in a place that makes me happy each time the puck drops game night.”

What is it? Let me know at mbenton@stocktonthunder.com, via the Thunder facebook page or via Twitter. We’ll post the responses here.

If you’re a fellow “tweep” (Twitter Peep) like me, use the hashtag #MyThunder.

Let’s see what you’ve got!

Mike Benton has served the Thunder as television and radio play-by-play announcer since the team’s inception. Got a question or comment?
Follow Mike on twitter at twitter.com/Benton_mike

You never know who may drop in.

Alan Sanchez prepares to go on air for "Good Day Sacramento" before a Thunder game on a December morning.

Each and every season, Stockton Thunder games have the predictable turnout that demonstrates mass appeal – die-hards, families, young and young-at-heart.

But not every minor league venue has occasional celebrity drop-ins.

Stockton Arena is one of them, bringing out the recognizable types like Alan Sanchez.

The young, photogenic and energetic reporter for CBS13 and CW-31’s “Good Day Sacramento” can be seen among the masses in the seats at Stockton Arena throughout the season. Each work day for him begins early in the morning, but the evening puck drop is part of his down time.

He’s among his peers who share stories similar to his beginnings. Sanchez was born in Turlock and raised in the San Joaquin Valley.

Then at five years old, he knew he wanted to be a TV reporter and at 23, he finally got the chance to intern at Chanel 31. Only three days into his internship, a reporter called in sick and Sanchez stepped up to fill in. Six months later, he was offered a part-time position and on year later, he was hired on full-time.

He’s served a TV reporter ever since and as a long-time Thunder fan, took in games four and five of the Western Conference Semifinal against Alaska.
Did you know his roots with the Thunder trace back to the beginning? What about his thoughts on the fans? He expresses more in our “five questions segment,” as he relaxed between periods at Stockton Arena.

1. How do you feel about the Thunder against the defending Kelly Cup champ Alaska Aces in this series, can they pull off an series win?

ALAN SANCHEZ: Absolutely! Without any hesitation, absolutely! The Thunder is a very talented team. It has to be great for a coach to know that they can bring so much to every game. The Thunder can go into any game with the ability to win it, not just hoping it happens, but the actual talent and ability to win.

2. How long have you been a Thunder fan?

AS: I was here for the very first Thunder game. I didn’t think the hockey would make it in the valley. It wasn’t as popular. For some people, San Jose might as well be 500 miles away. But I feel in love with the game and the atmosphere. It’s great how the Thunder is able to keep the prices so affordable and have such a family-friendly atmosphere. The dedication of the fans is amazing.

3. What do you remember about your first Thunder game?

AS: I remember thinking how faster it was – that impression. It was more exciting and rougher. All of it combined made for an amazing experience.

4. How many games have you been to this season and what has been your favorite moment?

AS: I’ve been to about 12 games this season. For moments, I don’t really focus on goals and plays. As corny as it sounds, my favorite moments come from the reactions of kids watching the games. They just get so excited about everything. One of the things I really love about the Thunder is that they really reach out to the community and underprivileged kids, whose families might not be able to afford the tickets and the gas money otherwise. It makes me think of when I was a kid. I didn’t have much money growing up.

5. So who was your vote for fan favorite?

AS: I’ve always been a Chris D’Alvise fan. He looks like he’s 12 in person, without a beard! Yet, D’Alvise is a student of the game and I respect that a lot. He’s also got a lot of passion. He’s young and still very passionate about the game and what he does.

]]> http://www.stocktonthunder.com/2012/04/25/5-questions-alan-sanchez/feed/ 0 http://www.stocktonthunder.com/2012/04/25/spring-cleaning/ http://www.stocktonthunder.com/2012/04/25/spring-cleaning/#comments Thu, 26 Apr 2012 00:59:11 +0000 Stockton Thunder Staff http://www.stocktonthunder.com/?p=10127 The Stockton Thunder reflected on another story-filled season, thrilling run through the playoffs and a look into next season as they cleaned out their lockers.

The Stockton Thunder reflected on another story-filled season, thrilling run through the playoffs and a look into next season as they cleaned out their lockers at Stockton Arena, signaling the end of the 2011-12 season.

Who was the top performer, according to head coach Matt Thomas? What about the return of the team’s young and talented defensemen, Garet Hunt, and the rest of the crew?

VIDEO: Matt Thomas’ closing statements and possible returning players

VIDEO: Garet Hunt, Jordan Fulton, Chris D’Alvise speak for the final time of the season

]]> http://www.stocktonthunder.com/2012/04/25/spring-cleaning/feed/ 0 http://www.stocktonthunder.com/2012/04/21/recap-trump-card/ http://www.stocktonthunder.com/2012/04/21/recap-trump-card/#comments Sun, 22 Apr 2012 06:49:35 +0000 Stockton Thunder Staff http://www.stocktonthunder.com/?p=10101 The Thunder 2011-12 season came to a close in a 4-1 defeat to the Alaska Aces in game five of the Conference Semifinals at Stockton Arena. (photo by Sean Blair)

]]> Thunder season closes on home ice, Alaska advances to Conference Final

FINAL STATS: Box score

AUDIO: Game Highlights – Thunder Replay

VIDEO: Highlights and postgame locker room reaction

STOCKTON, Calif. – Gerald Coleman made 30 saves and the Alaska Aces used a pair of first period goals to eliminate the Stockton Thunder, 4-1 in game five of the Western Conference Semifinal at Stockton Arena on Saturday.

Jesse Fratkin's second period goal put the Thunder back in the game, trailing 2-1. (photo by Sean Blair)

The Thunder, who advanced to the second round of the playoffs for the third time in four seasons, had their season come to an end at the hands of a pair of goals by Dan Kissel. Jesse Fratkin potted the lone Thunder goal in the second period and the Thunder outshot Alaska, 31-26.

Alaska, in quest to defend their Kelly Cup title by moving onto the Conference Finals for the third time in four years, will await the winner of the Las Vegas/Idaho second round series. They responded on Fratkin’s goal with back to back tallies late in the period to put the game out of reach.

“I think as much as we played well, we missed a lot of opportunity to do different things in the series, to score some key goals and change momentum,” said Thunder head coach Matt Thomas. “Every game was close. Guys worked hard, but it didn’t seem to connect much in this series. (Alaska) played really well and got great performances. We got good performances and that makes the difference.”

STOCKTON VS. ALASKA – WESTERN CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS

Game 1: Stockton 1 at Alaska 2

Game 2: Stockton 3 at Alaska 2 (OT)

Game 3: Alaska 4 at Stockton 0

Game 4: Alaska 4 at Stockton 2

Game 5: Alaska 4 at Stockton 1

(Alaska wins series, 4-1)

Kissel capitalized on a deflection at the goal mouth with 8:47 to play in the first period to lift Alaska to a 1-0 lead.

Steve Ward then put the Aces up 2-0 on a power play goal with 6:56 to play, when he took a feed from Bryan Miller at the high slot and fired a shot past a screen to Olivier Roy’s blocker side.

Fratkin got the Thunder back in the game at a 2-1 deficit with 3:14 elapsed in the second period. Matt Foy set up Mike Little at the right circle, whose one timer fluttered off traffic and ricocheted off Fratkin into the net.

After Coleman dodged several Thunder efforts to tie the game, Garry Nunn restored the two goal gap with 13:30 left in the second period when he deflected Nick Mazzolini’s feed over Roy from the top of the crease.

Olivier Roy, who made 22 saves in his final game of the season, kept the game within striking distance with a sliding pad save on Jordan Kremyr’s two on one break. Several minutes later, Kissel took David Shields’ chip pass at center, raced out on an outnumbered break and wired a slap shot to the upper corner from the left circle for a 4-1 lead with 1:28 to play in the second period.

The Thunder, in desperate pursuit to spark a comeback, threw seven shots on net and missed on several backdoor plays in front of Coleman in the third period. With tempers flaring late in the period, several penalties distributed put the Thunder shorthanded three times, enabling Alaska to hold the three goal lead for victory.

NOTES: Scratched for the game were Cameron Abney (reserve), Sebastian Owuya (healthy), Matt Reber (healthy) and Brock Matheson (reserve) … Alaska capitalized at 1-of-6 on the power play … Max Campbell finished as the Thunder leading scorer in the playoffs with 10 points (5g-5a) … Chris D’Alvise, who had four goals in seven playoffs games entering game five, was issued a game misconduct on a cross checking penalty just 5:57 into the game (Ryan Cruthers was also issued a spearing penalty and game misconduct in the altercation with D’Alvise).

A two-time recipient of the ECHL “Award of Excellence,” Thunder was voted “Best Local Sports Team” by readers of the San Joaquin Magazine, led the ECHL in attendance for four consecutive seasons and drew over 200,000 fans for the sixth consecutive season in 2010-11. Season Tickets for 2012-13 are on sale now. For more information about tickets, merchandise, or other inquiries contact the Stockton Thunder offices at (209) 373-1500 or visit http://www.stocktonthunder.com/.

THREE STARS

1. AK – 39 Gerald Coleman

2. AK – 46 Dan Kissel

3. STK – 13 Jesse Fratkin

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Here are postgame quotes from the Thunder locker room after the 4-1 defeat to Alaska in game five

Jason Morgan: on the series

“It was a hard-fought battle. We went up there. We had the lead in game one and they came back. Game two, we’re down 2-0 and we rallied up, tied it up. We had leads in game three and four and weren’t able to close the deal. I think they know was far as I’m concerned that it was a hard-fought battle. Have to give credit to Alaska—they’re a great team. They have their system and they stuck with it for 60 minutes and for the majority of the series. They had more chances and were able to capitalize on them.”

Matt Thomas: on the series

“I think as much as we played well, we missed a lot of opportunity to do different things in the series, to score some key goals and change momentum. Every game was close. Today was probably the one that was the furthest out of reach. I don’t think the 4-0 loss was anywhere close to the feeling that this defeat had during the game. This one was over earlier. I liked that we never quit. It’s pretty hard to be down 4-1 in the third period and to know that you’re going up against a team that doesn’t give up many goals. Guys worked hard, but it didn’t seem to connect much in this series. We were good, but we weren’t great. They played really well and got great performances. We got good performances and that makes the difference.”