Idaho, Stockton to meet for Nat'l Conference championship

(Boise, ID) ? Two teams that haven?t seen each other since January meet in the ECHL?s National Conference finals when the top-seeded Idaho Steelheads take on the sixth-seeded Stockton Thunder in a best-of-seven series. The Thunder knocked off the second-seeded Bakersfield Condors in five games to reach the conference finals. Idaho swept Utah in four games. Idaho and Stockton opened the season with a three-game series in Boise. The two teams also rang in 2010 together, playing on New Year?s Eve and New Year?s Day. The last of the regular-season matchups between the Steelheads and Thunder, however, came on January 2. Idaho and Stockton get re-acquainted on Friday, April 30, at Qwest Arena in Boise. Game 2 will also be in Boise on May 1 before shifting to Stockton games 3, 4, and 5. Game 3 will be Wednesday, May 5, in northern California. Game 4 is Friday, May 7, and the fifth game of the series (if necessary) would be on Saturday, May 8. Should a sixth or seventh game be required, those would take place in Boise on May 11 and 12. Some head-to-head numbers between Idaho and Stockton: Season Series: Idaho 10-2-0-0, 6-0 in Stockton, 4-2 in Boise. Leading Scorers vs. opponent: Evan Barlow (7 goals, 4 assists) for Idaho, Chris D?Alvise (4 goals, 3 assists) for Stockton. Top Goaltenders vs. opponent: Richard Bachman (5-1, .933 save percentage) for Idaho. Andrew Perugini (1-3, .935 save percentage) for Stockton. Last 5 Years: Idaho 27-15-2-2 Last Playoff Meeting: First round, 2007. Idaho defeated the Thunder, four games to two, en route to the Kelly Cup championship. Two of Idaho?s four wins in the series were in overtime. Tickets for Games 1 & 2 of the National Conference finals are on sale now by calling 208.331.TIXS. Catch playoff fever with a group night with the Steelheads ? a great way to get family, friends, or colleagues together for a discounted price. Each ticket comes with a soda, hot dog, and bag of chips. Contact the Steelheads front office at 208.383.0080 for more information.