Photo essay – Snapshot of the Stockton Thunder

STOCKTON , Calif. – As any hockey fan knows, there is much more to an ECHL hockey game than using a long stick to maneuver a puck down the ice in an attempt to score. PHN photographer Jack Lima stopped the action for a closer look at the Stockton Thunder in this series of photos from the current season.

In each stadium, the opening introductions can set the stage for action. In Stockton, the players enter the ice through an ominous gold fog that resembles fire.

Waiting to enter the rink

Tyson Sexsmith

Spotlights track their short warm-ups just before the National Anthem and the puck drops.

Bryan Pitton in the spotlight

The action begins. The acrobatics demonstrated by the players is all-out intensity.

Fraser Clair jumps

Idaho%27s Tyler Beskorowany in net

Jarrett Konkle

No time to second think using their bodies to stop a puck travelling well over 100 mph; it’s part of the job. It includes sliding, diving, twisting, turning, blocking and leaping.

Jarrett Konkle jumps over a shot on goal

Marcus Watson

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These games can mean thirty-plus saves by a goalie, just doing his job.

Tyson Sexsmith with the glove save

Goalies are personalities all their own. When goalies began wearing masks in the 1960s, famous players of the era decorated the masks to reflect their styles, personalizes, team names and themes. The tradition continues, only now the masks are elaborate pieces of artwork. Bryan Pitton, an Edmonton Oilers prospect wears a mask with Rexall Place emblazoned on one side. The opposite side has the AHL Barons design. The top is a bold photo of the Oilers logo, while the chin has the word “Pitz” in iced lettering.

Bryan Pitton

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Tyson Sexsmith is a San Jose Sharks prospect. His mask has a marine theme, with a menacing looking shark’s teeth on one side, his nickname “Sexy” and a voluptuous mermaid on the other side. The chin is a look at the wide open mouth of a shark.

Tyson Sexsmith

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The intensity and adrenaline are pumping through these guys. Most of them are so in tune with the game they do not see or hear the fans yelling and beating the glass as they players skate past.

Steve Vanoosten and Garet Zemlak concentrate

Dan Tormey makes a save against the Reign.

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Then there’s an occasional fight. Many fans think this is the best part of hockey, others are not so sure. But all hockey fans know that fights can be a part of the game strategy; a way to change the momentum, get the fans in the game, stick up for themselves or their team-mates.

Thunder vs Condor action

Garet Hunt gets the crowd into the game

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And then last of all, the best part, if it’s the team you are rooting for; the goal. Players have a variety of celebration moves. Victory is a tremendous rush.