Thunder dominate Aces, win 8-5

STOCKTON, Calif. – The Stockton Thunder will advance to the Conference Semifinals, as the Alaska Aces are sent packing following an emotional and exciting game four.  
“I’m happy for the fans,” said General Manager Dan Chapman following the game. “These people deserve to see this at home, after five years. It’s really great.” He went on to comment on the excitement of the action, the Thunder “knew they had to take care of business. We didn’t want a game five, since anything can happen.” 
The Aces opened the scoring in the first period at the 4:31 mark, with a goal by T.J. Fast, followed by a second goal by Jarrett Konkle only seconds later at 4:55.   The Thunder had their first scoring opportunity as a result of a power play with a goal by former Ace Matt Robinson at 5:30.   Konkle would score his second of the night with 8:09 left in the first period to put the Aces up 3-1. 
Stockton roared back, and didn’t look back before the end of the first period with four more unanswered goals.   Chris D’Alvise, James Bates, J.F. Caudron and Jordan Bendfeld all scored to put the Thunder up 5-3 as the teams left the ice for the first break.  
Alaska’s Billy Sauer had the start in the net tonight, but was pulled in favor of Scott Reid following Caudrons goal, after three saves in seven shots.    
In the second period, Stockton continued to dominate the ice and the scoring, with a goal at 3:34 by Garet Hunt that Reid would have liked to take back.   A missed glove save, that trickled in the net behind him would get the fans on their feet.   Igor Gongalsky scored his first of the post-season at 9:45, to put Stockton up 7-3.   Reid was pulled, and Sauer went back to the net for a second try.    
The third period, Alaska’s Anthony Peluso scored on a pass from Bryan Miller at 7:58, but the goal was answered by Stockton’s Robinson for his second of the night at 11:30.   Konkle scored at 14:50 on a power play goal, to complete the hat-trick, but it wouldn’t be enough, as Stockton held off the Aces with a final score of 8-5. 
Andrew Perugini gets the win for Stockton, with 40 saves.   Head Coach Matt Thomas said, “If you had to pick a player of the series it would be Perugini. He made some really critical saves.” 
“They made some really good plays out there,” said Thomas, Alaska “out-played us at times, but I think we got to their goaltender. We were able to capitalize on them when they made the changes,” which seemed to make all the difference tonight. 
The win at the Stockton Arena tied the post-season high score and came before 4,583 fans decked out in black and yellow.   This is the first time the Thunder has advanced to round two with a win on home ice and the fans were appreciative.    
Thomas was glad the win came tonight, since that means nearly a full week break. “It’s critical to get some preparation for round two. We had a crazy stretch of games the last couple of weeks to get it done.”   The rest will be well deserved.    
The loss for the Aces marks their first ever loss in the first round of the post-season, despite a season high 45 shots on goal for the effort.  
Bates, with a goal and three assists for the night was awarded the first star, with stars to Robinson and D’Alvise as well. 
Following the final horn, both teams lined up as tradition would dictate for the congratulatory hand shake.   Smiles, handshakes and hugs, as the fans witnessed the final moments of both teams on the ice together this season. 
Stockton will play the winner of the Bakersfield and Victoria game. Victoria leads the series 2-1 with game four on Sunday at Bakersfield.  
Contact the writer at Shellie.Lima@prohockeynews.com
Contact the photographer at Jack.Lima@prohockeynews.com