Stockton Thunder and Alaska Aces Preview

STOCKTON, Calif. – As the Western Conference champions the Alaska Aces had a bye for the first round, and will face the Stockton Thunder in round two, for the Conference Semifinals.
 
The Thunder (fifth seed), swept the Colorado Eagles (forth seed) in a best of five series to earn their way to the next level.  
 
The best of seven series, with a 2-3-2 format, will begin in Alaska on Friday, April 13 at Sullivan Arena. 
 
The Aces and Thunder faced one another in ten games this season, with seven of them in Stockton and were 5-4-1 in the Aces favor.  At home, the Aces were 3-0 against the Thunder, while they were 2-4-1 at Stockton.  However, as is commonly known, how the teams played during the regular season is not necessarily true in the post season.  As the Thunder demonstrated in the first round, where they were 4-5 against the Eagles, but swept them in three games to advance.
 
The Thunder has their work cut out for them in this round. They know that playing at the Sullivan is difficult and the fans will be out in full force.  The place will definitely be loud, and the Aces will feed off that energy.  Thunder coach Matt Thomas is looking to continue their win streak, and looks to return back to Stockton with a two game lead.
 
This is the second time the Thunder and Aces face one another in the post season. Stockton knocked Alaska out of the post-season in 2010 with a 3-1 series win to advance to the second round.
 
The Aces will be working to win their third Kelly Cup Championship (2006, 2011), have played in the post season for each of their nine years in the ECHL, and have secured their fifth conference championship.  The Aces lost in the final round to the South Carolina Stingrays in 2009.  Stockton has advanced for their sixth consecutive time, and are seeking their first division championship.
 
One note of interest, the Thunder’s NHL affiliate is the San Jose Sharks, while the Aces’ is the St. Louis Blues.  The Sharks are leading in the first round of the post season against the Blues, after the first game. 
 
Game one is Friday, April 13, with game two on Saturday.  Look for an aggressive game with intense action.
 
All photos by Jack Lima. (jack.lima@prohockeynews.com )
Contact the writer at shellie.lima@prohockeynews.com