Thunder Plucks Condors in 7-0 Rout

What a way to start off Stockton Thunder Goes Pink Weekend-a weekend dedicated to fundraising for the fight against cancer, than to get a 7-0 shut-out over the visiting Bakersfield Condors.

It was a spirited game for sure. Thunder's Jason Pitton dominated the first fight with Bakersfield Condor's Antonin Manavian, which happened within the first three minutes of the game and set the tone for Stockton's total dominance throughout all three periods.

The starting goalie for Stockton was Bryan Pitton, his first game back with the Thunder after being sent down from the Oklahoma City Barons. He made 19 saves to get the shut-out and looked sharp for having just flown into town.

With goals scored by Craig Valette, Jesse Gimblett (with 2) , Chris Lawrence, Fraser Clair, Chris D'Alvise, and Jason Pitton, the Thunder never seemed satisfied with their lead. Even with a 3-0 advantage over Bakersfield after the first period, they never stopped trying to get the next goal. The second period did go scoreless, but four more goals were scored against Condor's goalie Peter Hirsch in the third period.

It was a scrappy game, complete with twelve fighting penalties, a short-handed goal by Chris D'Alvise (assisted by Jason Pitton), a bogus diving penalty against Thunder's Ryan Constant, 27 shots on goal against Bakersfield, a shut-out by goalie Bryan Pitton, and a happy crowd of 6,707 fans.

I can't wait to see what the Bakersfield Condors will try to get going for Saturday's game, but as long as the Stockton Thunder plays with the same drive they did tonight, they'll prevail.

I've gotta go rest up now-the first inaugural Stockton Thunder Goes Pink 5k Walk/Run is tomorrow morning!