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Devan Dubnyk outdueled Vancouver Canucks goalie prospect Julien Ellis with 27 saves, improving his record to 6-1-1 (photo credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin) |
Center Tyler Spurgeon put Stockton ahead 1-0 only 13 seconds into the game, breaking a Thunder record for the fastest goal to begin a game and one period. Spurgeon converted a one-timer from the mid-slot past Victoria goaltender Julien Ellis, after right wing Tim Verbeek set up Spurgeon from the right circle from the game's opening faceoff. Assistant captain Nathan Martz's power-play goal hiked the Thunder lead to 2-0 with 5:46 gone, burying a rebound into an open net after Ellis stopped Jeff Lang's bid from the point. Victoria responded with defenseman James DeMone's power-play marker with 8:00 elapsed, slapping a one-timer from the slot over Stockton netminder Devan Dubnyk's left shoulder.
Thunder defenseman Tim O'Connell scored his team-leading fifth goal of the year with only 33 seconds gone in the second period for a 3-1 score, wristing a shot from the left blueline that beat a screened Ellis on the glove side.
The Salmon Kings cut the Thunder lead back to one on Seamus Young's one-timed tally at 17:37, converting F.P. Guenette's centering pass from the left corner for Victoria's second power-play goal of the game.
Stockton erupted with a three-goal period to close the game, beginning with Bodie's eventual game-winner from the slot with 13:25 left for a 4-2 Thunder lead. Milan Gajic drew Victoria back to a one-goal deficit again just 50 seconds later, finishing an up-ice rush by tipping in David Wrigley's left wing set-up while sprawling in front of Dubnyk.
It took only 2:05 after Gajic's goal for Stephane Goulet to push the Thunder lead to 5-3, beating Ellis in the slot past the goaltender's stick side on a turnaround shot, while fighting off a Victoria defender from the puck.
Rookie defenseman Mark Adamek then closed the scoring with 14:44 gone with his first professional goal of his career, taking a Goulet feed at the high slot and blasting a 40-foot missile past Ellis' stick side.
Bodie's three-point night ties a team season-high for most points in a game, while the Thunder matched a season-high for most goals in one game. Dubnyk improved his record to 6-1-1 in net for the Thunder, turning away 27 Victoria shots.
The Thunder now returns home to begin a season-long nine-game homestand on Sunday, November 19 against the Utah Grizzlies, beginning at 4:00 p.m. at Stockton Arena. The game can be heard live on the internet (free-of-charge) and is available for viewing at a $6 "pay-per-view" rate at http://www.stocktonthunder.com/ (courtesy of B2 Networks).
Thunder season tickets, mini-plans and individual tickets for the 2006-07 season are on sale now. For more information about tickets, merchandise, or other inquiries contact the Stockton Thunder offices at (209) 373-1500 or visit www.stocktonthunder.com.
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Three Stars:
1. STK - Troy Bodie
2. VIC - Milan Gajic
3. STK - Tyler Spurgeon
Click here to view the game's box score.
