Big second period leads Thunder past Steelheads

(Stockton, CA) - The Stockton Thunder scored three second-period goals to snap a tie, pulling away from the Idaho Steelheads Saturday night for a 5-1 win. The win was watched by a sellout crowd of 9.396 fans at the Stockton Arena. With Stockton leading 1-0 late in the first period, the forward line of Tyler Ludwig, Michael Neal, and Kyle Reed put together a strong shift that led to a puck dancing in the crease in front of the Stockton goal. Ludwig dove at the puck, jabbing it across the goal line for his third goal of the season, tying the game at one. Neal and Reed got the assists. For Reed, it was his first professional point. The Thunder took control of the game in the second period, getting even-strength goals from Jordan Fulton and Fraser Clair to take a 3-1 lead. Idaho went on the power play, hoping to cut into the lead, midway through the second period. Instead, the Thunder converted a loose puck into a short-handed goal that increased the Stockton lead to 4-1. The Thunder added a power-play goal in the third period to set the final margin of 5-1. Dusty Carlson stopped 28 of 33 shots for the Steelheads. Stockton's Tyson Sexsmith saved 23 of 24 shots. Idaho's power play came up empty for the second straight game, going 0-5, while Stockton was 1-3 with the man adantage. Idaho and Stockton meet for the final time in the regular season Sunday afternoon at 5 PM (Mtn). The game will be carried live on KTIK (1350 AM). The Steelheads return home on Wednesday, March 23, to begin "Pink in the Rink" Week against the Ontario Reign. The Steelheads will wear specially-themed pink jerseys that will be auctioned off to raise money to fund the battle against breast cancer. The two teams play Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. Tickets are available at www.idahosteelheads.com or by calling 208.331.TIXS. COORS OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME - Michael Neal AQUAFINA THREE STARS 1) Jordan Foreman (STK) 2) Fraser Clair (STK) 3) Tyson Sexsmith (STK)