Monthly Archives: February 2020

Central Valley Sports, STOCKTON HEAT

STOCKTON HEAT SHUT OUT SATURDAY AGAINST IOWA

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STOCKTON, Calif. – Iowa netminder Kaapo Kahkonen turned away all 35 shots faced from the Stockton Heat, including 27 over the first 40 minutes, en route to a 2-0 win for the Wild Saturday night at Stockton Arena. The contest was the first time this season that the Heat had been kept off the board and came nearly a full year since the club’s last shutout at home on March 2, 2019. Both Iowa goals came in a span of just 17 seconds in the second period, Mike Liambas and Connor Dewar finding the back of the net, respectively, in the short span. Both teams went scoreless on the power play, the Heat 0-for-4 and Iowa 0-for-5 on the night.

Stockton will return to action on Friday at home, the front end of a home-and-home against divisional foe Bakersfield.

GOALIES

W: Kaapo Kahkonen (35 shots, 35 saves)

L: Artyom Zagidulin (28 shots, 26 saves)

NOTABLE STATISTICS

Three Stars: First – Kaapo Kahkonen (35 sv SO), Second – Mike Liambas (gwg), Third – Josh Atkinson (2a)

Shots On Goal: STK – 35, IA – 28

Power Plays: STK – 0-4, IA – 0-5

– Both Iowa goals came in a span of just 17 seconds in the second period.

– Stockton had not been shut out since April 6, 2019 at Manitoba.

– Stockton’s last home shutout came on March 2, 2019 against the San Diego Gulls.

– The Heat finish the season 0-3-1-0 against the Iowa Wild.

– The game was Stockton’s first-ever Leap Day game.

UP NEXT

The Heat return to action next weekend with a home-and-home Friday and Saturday against the Bakersfield Condors, in Stockton then at Bakersfield, respectively. Friday’s puck drop will be at 7 p.m. at Stockton Arena. 

Match Recap Courtesy of the Stockton Heat Media Relations

Central Valley Sports, STOCKTON HEAT

STOCKTON HEAT FALL FRIDAY AGAINST SAN DIEGO GULLS

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STOCKTON, Calif. – Luke Philp lit the lamp for the 18th time this season to reach a tie for the team lead in goals and Eetu Tuulola potted his first-career shorthanded marker, but the Stockton Heat dropped Friday’s contest against San Diego by a 4-2 final score at Stockton Arena. The Heat got on the board first with Philp’s power play goal coming on the heels of three-straight kills for Stockton in the opening minutes, but San Diego rattled off three unanswered to seize a two-goal cushion heading into the final frame. Tuulola’s strike came just 29 seconds into the third, but the Heat were unable to find the equalizer and then San Diego found the empty net for the 4-2 final. Stockton, which entered the contest tops in the AHL on the penalty kill, conceded twice to a Gulls squad that had been 1-for-28 on the year against Stockton entering today’s game.

The Heat will next play their final contest outside of the Pacific Division of the year on Saturday as they play host to the Iowa Wild.

GOALIES

W: Anthony Stolarz (26 shots, 24 saves)

L: Jon Gillies (31 shots, 28 saves)

NOTABLE STATISTICS

Three Stars: First – Chris Mueller (1g,1a), Second – Isac Lundestrom (2a), Third – Luke Philp (1g)

Shots On Goal: STK – 26, SD – 32

Power Plays: STK – 1-4, SD – 2-9

– Luke Philp’s power play goal brought him to a tie with Byron Froese for the team lead at 18 on the season.

– San Diego’s power play goal in the second period snapped a skid of 16-straight chances on the man-advantage against Stockton that started on January 15.

– The contest was just the third time this season that the Heat have conceded multiple power play goals at home, sixth overall in 51 games. The Gulls entered the game 1-for-28 on the year against the Heat on the man-advantage.

– Eetu Tuulola’s shorthanded marker at the start of the third was his first-career shorthanded point.

– The Heat are now 19-4-2-2 on the year when scoring first.

UP NEXT

The Heat become the Lodi Crushers tomorrow night as the club plays host to the Iowa Wild at 6 p.m. The game will feature a pregame wine tasting and specialty jerseys available for auction.

Match Recap Courtesy of the Stockton Heat Media Relations

Central Valley Sports, Stockton Kings

SALT LAKE GETS REVENGE IN REMATCH OVER STOCKTON KINGS, 128-99

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Stockton, Calif. – The Stockton Kings (21-17), the NBA G League affiliate of the Sacramento Kings, fell to the Salt Lake City Stars (25-12), the NBA G League of the Utah Jazz, 128-99, in a rematch from Monday night’s game, when Stockton defeated Salt Lake 140-110. Salt Lake forward Jarrell Brantley had a game-high 24 points. 

Stockton struggled to score in the first quarter, shooting .463 percent from the field and .267 percent from three-point range. Salt Lake saw as much as a 16-point lead, with just under two minutes remaining in the first half. Salt Lake kept their lead at 60-48 over Stockton to go into the second half. Salt Lake dominated inside, scoring 36 of their 60 points from inside the paint and outrebounding Stockton 25-14. 

Stockton guard Cody Demps scored 11 of his 23 points in the first half, shooting 4-of-6 from the field. 

Stockton was able to cut Salt Lake’s lead down to 10 points in the third quarter, but Salt Lake would only grow their lead going into the fourth quarter leading Stockton 87-70. In the fourth quarter, Salt Lake outscored Stockton 41-29, keeping a 20+ lead for most of the quarter. 

Salt Lake saw seven players in double figures. Brantley led Salt Lake in scoring with 24 points and 9 rebounds, including seven from the defensive end. Forward Miye Oni finished with a double-double, scoring 17 points and 11 rebounds. 

Stockton was led by Demps with 23 points. Guard Kyle Guy added 20 points, seven assists and two rebounds. Center Eric Mika finished with 16 points, eight rebounds and four assists. 

Stockton is back home on Sunday, March 1, to host the Rio Grande Valley Vipers at 2 p.m. The Kings will then head south for back-to-back games. On Tuesday, March 3, they will face the Agua Caliente Clippers at 7 p.m. On Wednesday, March 4, they will visit the South Bay Lakers for a 7 p.m. tip-off.

Match Recap Courtesy of the Stockton Kings Media Relations

Central Valley Sports, Sacramento River Cats

Sacramento River Cats to host Annual Preseason Party This Sunday

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Free event features the launch of 2020 single game tickets sales and remaining seats for the March 22 Exhibition Game with the San Francisco Giants

West Sacramento, Calif. – The 2020 Sacramento River Cats season kicks off this Sunday, March 1, with the annual Preseason Party at Sutter Health Park. This free event will run from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. and features free hot dogs, Round Table Pizza, soda and Merlino’s, and the opening of the Tri Counties Bank Ticket Office for single game ticket sales.

Attendees at this year’s event can enjoy a scavenger hunt throughout the ballpark, a sneak peek at the River Cats’ clubhouse, live music in the Knee Deep Alley, and opportunities to take photos with the 2019 Pacific Coast League and Triple-A National Championship trophies. Another exciting feature of this year’s Preseason Party is batting practice on the field. Fans of all ages will have an opportunity to take batting practice for a donation to the River Cats Foundation (weather permitting). There will also be free activities for kids, including arts and crafts, and demonstrations from Mad Science.

Tickets to the March 22 Exhibition Game between the River Cats and San Francisco Giants are currently only available at rivercats.com as part of the Best of Sutter Health Park 3-Pack (through Saturday, February 29), but a limited number of seats will be available at Sunday’s Preseason Party.

Fans will also have the opportunity to purchase single game tickets for the 2020 season of River Cats baseball. The Tri Counties Bank Ticket Office will open at 1:00 p.m. and fans are encouraged to secure seats early for premium games like Opening Night (April 14), Independence Day Eve (July 3), Star Wars Night (July 18), and all giveaway dates to avoid lines and ticket shortages. A full promotions and giveaways schedule for the 2020 season is now available at rivercats.com/promotions. All promotions and dates are subject to change.

Those in attendance can also gear up at the On Deck Shop during the annual kick-off event. The store is stocked with a wide variety of the newest River Cats and Giants gear, including t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, and novelty items. There will also be plenty of items commemorating the 2019 River Cats National Championship team.

Season ticket memberships and special ticket packages are available by calling the River Cats ticket hotline at (916) 371-HITS (4487) or emailing tickets@rivercats.com.

Following the Sacramento River Cats’ Exhibition Game with the San Francisco Giants on March 22, the club’s PCL and Triple-A title-defense will officially begin on Thursday, April 9 in Reno, with Opening Night at Sutter Health Park coming on Tuesday, April 14 against the Tacoma Rainiers.

Press Release Courtesy of the Sacramento River Cats Media Relations

Central Valley Sports, Stockton Kings

STOCKTON KINGS SOAR PAST SALT LAKE CITY STARS, 140-110

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Stockton, Calif. – The Stockton Kings (21-16), the NBA G League affiliate of the Sacramento Kings, beat the Salt Lake City Stars (24-12), the NBA G League of the Utah Jazz, by a score of 140-110. Stockton forward DaQuan Jefferies had a game-high 33 points.

The game began with both teams in a back and forth battle, with the first quarter ending with Salt Lake leading 26-25. In the second quarter, Stockton shot seven-of-12 (.583 percent) from beyond the arch. Jefferies did not miss a shot the entire quarter going five-of-five from the field and two-of-two from three-point range, scoring 12 of his 33 points.

In the first half, Jefferies and center Robert Franks each scored 17 points, scoring 34 of Stockton’s 60 points. Stockton led going into the second half, 60-53.

In the third quarter, Stockton guard Kyle Guy scored 16 points, shooting four-of-five from the field and three-of-four from beyond the arch helping Stockton outscore Salt Lake 40-29 in the quarter. Stockton shot .706 percent from the field, and .700 percent from three-point range while Salt Lake struggled shooting .407 percent from the field and .250 from three-point range. Guy’s three-point jump shot near the half-court mark at the buzzer gave put Stockton ahead 100-82. 

Stockton extended the lead in the fourth quarter, seeing their biggest lead at the four-minute mark, ahead by 32 points. Stockton would keep their strong lead and beat the Stars with a final score of 140-110.

Salt Lake guard Justin Wright-Foreman led the Stars in scoring with 22 points. 

Stockton saw five players in double-figures. Jefferies led the game with 33 points and grabbed eight rebounds as Guy finished the game with 30 points and five assists. Franks added a double-double with 24 points and 11 rebounds.  

Salt Lake City returns on Wednesday, February 26, for Stockton’s second annual Education Day game at 10 a.m. All students in attendance will receive a free educational workbook from the Stockton Kings. Stockton is home again on Sunday, March 1, to host the Rio Grande Vipers at 2 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at StocktonKings.com/Tickets.

Match Recap Courtesy of the Stockton Kings Media Relations

Central Valley Sports, STOCKTON HEAT

STOCKTON HEAT CLIMB TO FIRST IN PACIFIC WITH 4-1 WIN

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TUCSON, Ariz. – The Stockton Heat scored four goals in the third period to erase a one-goal deficit en route to a 4-1 win over Tucson Saturday, pulling into a tie for first place in the Pacific Division with the Roadrunners. Trailing by a score into the final frame, the Heat connected on back-to-back power play opportunities with goals from Matthew Phillips and Austin Czarnik over a span of 3:24 to take a 2-1 lead that Stockton did not relinquish, adding two empty-netters late for the 4-1 final.

Corey Schueneman finished with three assists on the night, his first-career three-point game, and Glenn Gawdin finished with two points with a goal and assist. The Heat finish the three-game road trip with three of a possible six points, including three of four over the weekend against the Roadrunners. The contest was the first time this season that the Heat were able to top Tucson in regulation.

GOALIES

W: Jon Gillies (27 shots, 26 saves)

L: Darcy Kuemper (28 shots, 26 saves)

NOTABLE STATISTICS

Three Stars: First – Corey Schueneman (3a), Second – Jon Gillies (26 svs), Third – Darcy Kuemper (26 svs)

Shots On Goal: STK – 30, TUC – 27

Power Plays: STK – 2-7, TUC – 1-5

– The game was the first time this season that the team that scored first did not earn a point (entered 5-0-0-1). It was also the first time Tucson did not record a point when leading after two periods (22-0-0-1 before tonight).

– The Roadrunners scored the game’s first goal for the fifth time in seven games of the season series with Stockton. 

–  Matthew Phillips’ goal in the third was his first since returning from injury that caused him to miss 16 games. It was his 15th of the season.

– Corey Schueneman extended his scoring streak and recorded his fourth multi-point game of the season with a career-high three assists.

– Austin Czarnik’s power play goal was his fourth game-winner of the season, tied with Luke Philp for the team lead.

– The Heat are in first in the Pacific Division for the first time since November 8, when Stockton and Tucson were tied at 16 points apiece.

UP NEXT

Stockton returns home for a pair of games next weekend, Friday against the San Diego Gulls and Saturday against the Iowa Wild.

Match Recap Courtesy of the Stockton Heat Media Relations

Central Valley Sports, STOCKTON HEAT

POSPISIL NETS FIRST PRO GOAL, STOCKTON HEAT EARN POINT FRIDAY AT TUCSON

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TUCSON, Ariz. – Martin Pospisil recorded his first professional goal and first pro multi-point effort, and the Heat got a strong 8-for-9 effort out of the penalty kill but the Tucson Roadrunners emerged victorious in overtime by a 3-2 final Friday in Tucson. The Heat remain within reach of first place with the night’s result, now two points back of the first-place Roadrunners.

Tucson was paced by Beau Bennett, who recorded both regulation goals for the home team, while Stockton got goals from Pospisil and Corey Schueneman, whose coast-to-coast goal brought the Heat even at 1-1. The penalty kill performed admirably with only one goal against on nine chances, including a second period in which the Heat skated down a man for more than 10 minutes. The contest was the fourth time in the six games between Stockton and Tucson that overtime was required to determine a winner. The team that scores first in the season series is now 5-0-0-1.

GOALIES

W: Ivan Prosvetov (30 shots, 28 saves)

OTL: Jon Gillies (38 shots, 35 saves)

NOTABLE STATISTICS

Three Stars: First – Beau Bennett (2g), Second – Michael Bunting (1g), Third – Ivan Prosvetov (28 svs)

Shots On Goal: STK – 38, TUC – 30

Power Plays: STK – 1-2, TUC – 1-9

– Two of Corey Schueneman’s three goals on the year have come in the last three games, and he now has a three-game scoring streak (2g,1a).

– Martin Pospisil recorded his first professional goal and multi-point game (1g,1a).

– Beau Bennett’s power play goal in the second snapped a streak of 25 consecutive kills for the Heat that spanned back to February 9.

– Stockton spent more than 10 minutes of the second period down a skater.

– Through six games of the season series between Stockton and Tucson, four have required play beyond regulation.

– The team that scores first in the season series is now 5-0-0-1.

UP NEXT

The Heat and Roadrunners will meet once again Saturday at 6:05 p.m. PST before Stockton returns home for a pair of games next weekend.

Match Recap Courtesy of the Stockton Heat Media Relations

Central Valley Sports, Stockton Kings

AGUA CALIENTE CLIPPERS COMEBACK TO BEAT STOCKTON KINGS IN THRILLER, 134-131

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Stockton, Calif. – The Stockton Kings (19-16), the NBA G League affiliate of the Sacramento Kings, fell to the Agua Caliente Clippers (19-18), the NBA G League affiliate of the Los Angeles Clippers, with the final score 134-131. Agua Caliente recovered from a 20-point deficit in the second quarter to get tonight’s win. Stockton guard Isaiah Canaan scored a game-high 34 points.  

Agua Caliente forward Jonathan Motley scored half of the team’s first-quarter points, scoring 14 of his 33 points. Stockton shot 7-of-9 (.778 percent) from three-point range. During the second quarter, Stockton went on an 11-0 run to help the Kings see their biggest lead of the game, ahead 20 points with one-minute remaining in the first half. The first half ended with Stockton leading 70-53.

In the first half, Stockton forward Robert Franks scored 20 points, shooting 8-of-10 from the field, 4-of-6 from three-point range, and grabbing seven rebounds. Forward DaQuan Jefferies added 17 points and five rebounds. 

In the third quarter, Agua Caliente outscored the Kings 47-32, shooting 15-of-19 from the field (.789 percent). Forward Amir Coffey scored 14 of his 28 points. In the final minutes of the quarter, Agua Caliente went on a 10-0 run bringing the score to a tie at 97 with 45 seconds remaining in the quarter for the first time since the game began. The score would remain tight through the fourth quarter. With 1:20 remaining in regulation, the game was tied at 128. Free throws by Coffey in the final seconds would secure the win for the Clippers. 

Agua Caliente saw six players in double figures. Motley led the Clippers in scoring with 33 points, shooting 11-of-19 from the field. Coffey and guard James Palmer added 28 points apiece. 

Canaan led the game in scoring with 34 points and added seven assists and five rebounds. Forward Robert Franks posted a double-double with 29 points and ten rebounds. Jefferies finished with 25 points and seven rebounds. 

Stockton head on the road to face the Santa Cruz Warriors on Saturday, February 22, at 7 p.m. The Stockton Kings are back in action for a three-game homestand beginning on Monday, February 24, for a rematch against the Santa Cruz Warriors at 7 p.m. They will welcome the Salt Lake City Stars on Wednesday, February 26, as they host the second annual Education Day game at 10 a.m. All students in attendance will receive a free educational workbook from the Stockton Kings. Tickets can be purchased at StocktonKings.com/Tickets.

Central Valley Sports, STOCKTON HEAT

QUINE EXTENDS RECORD POINT STREAK, STOCKTON HEAT FALL 3-2

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SAN DIEGO, Calif. – Alan Quine extended his point streak to a Stockton Heat record 11 games with a third period goal, but San Diego netminder Anthony Stolarz made 40 saves in the contest to guide the Gulls to a 3-2 win over Stockton Wednesday night at Pechanga Arena in San Diego. The Gulls scored first as Kiefer Sherwood found the back of the net 6:53 into the game, but the lead was short-lived as Mason Morelli’s marker came just 29 seconds later to pull the Heat even at 1-1. The home team claimed both goals in the second period, a pair of tallies from Sherwood and Maxime Comtois coming in a span of just 25 seconds to jump on top 3-1. Quine’s goal was the lone score in the final frame, producing the 3-2 final.

Both teams went scoreless on the man-advantage in the game, the Heat extending their kill streak to 12 in a row against the Gulls. The loss snaps a seven-game point streak for the Heat at San Diego. The Heat, still a point back of first place in the Pacific, will head to Tucson for a pair of games this weekend against the top-seeded Roadrunners.

GOALIES

W: Anthony Stolarz (42 shots, 40 saves)

L: Artyom Zagidulin (24 shots, 21 saves)

NOTABLE STATISTICS

Three Stars: First – Kiefer Sherwood (2g), Second – Anthony Stolarz (40 svs), Third – Maxime Comtois (1g)

Shots On Goal: STK – 42, SD – 24

Power Plays: STK – 0-3, SD – 0-4

– Alan Quine’s extended his scoring streak to a team-record 11 games (6g,9a), surpassing those held by current Calgary Flames forwards Mark Jankowski and Andrew Mangiapane.

– Mason Morelli’s goal in the first period was his first goal since January 15, also against San Diego. Three of Morelli’s four goals this season have come against the Gulls, with a goal in all three of his games played against San Diego.

– Corey Schueneman has a point in back-to-back games with an assist on Morelli’s marker.

– The scoring came in spurts with goals one and two coming 29 seconds apart then three and four coming in a span of just 25 seconds.

– The Heat are now 11-10-2-2 on the year when out-shooting opponents.

– The loss snapped a streak of seven trips to San Diego leaving with at least a point, a stretch that dates back to the first trip to Pechanga Arena last season.

– The Heat continued to stifle San Diego’s power play, holding the Gulls scoreless on four chances in the game. Stockton has killed 12 consecutive San Diego power play opportunities.

– Stockton is now 5-2-0-1 on the year against San Diego.

UP NEXT

The Heat will head to the desert for a pair of games over the weekend at Tucson. Stockton’s next home game is Friday, February 28 against the Gulls – a 7 p.m. puck drop.

Match Recap Courtesy of the Stockton Heat Media Relations

Central Valley Sports, STOCKTON HEAT

HAMILTON NETS OT WINNER AS STOCKTON HEAT TOPS SAN DIEGO

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STOCKTON, Calif. – For the second-straight game Stockton Heat was able to overcome a late rally by its opponent, Rob Hamilton lighting the lamp with 44 seconds remaining in overtime to beat San Diego by a 3-2 final Monday afternoon at Stockton Arena.

The Heat jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the game as Corey Schueneman scored shorthanded late in the first and John McCarron potted his first of the season early in the third, but a pair of goals from the Gulls pushed the game to overtime and allowed San Diego to steal a point in the matinee. Alan Quine pushed his scoring streak to 10 games with an assist on Hamilton’s game-winner, joining an exclusive group of Mark Jankowski and Andrew Mangiapane as Heat players to reach double-digit point streaks. The teams will face off once again Wednesday at Pechanga Arena as the Heat begin a three-game road swing.

GOALIES

W: Artyom Zagidulin (36 shots, 34 saves)

OTL: Anthony Stolarz (35 shots, 32 saves)

NOTABLE STATISTICS

Three Stars: First – Artyom Zagidulin (34 svs), Second – Corey Schueneman (1g), Third – Rob Hamilton (1g)

Shots On Goal: STK – 35, SD – 36

Power Plays: STK – 0-1, SD – 0-5

– Corey Schueneman’s shorthanded goal to open the scoring was his second score of the season and first since December 27, his first-career shorthanded point. Rinat Valiev recorded his first shorthanded point of the season with an assist.

– John McCarron’s insurance marker in the third was his first of the season and fourth-career AHL goal, all coming with the Heat. He skated in his second game of the season Monday after joining Stockton on a PTO prior to the weekend.

– Austin Czarnik now has at least a point in six of Stockton’s last seven games after registering an assist on McCarron’s goal.

– Rob Hamilton extended his scoring streak to four games (2g,3a) with the overtime winner.

– Alan Quine’s scoring streak reached 10 games (5g,9a) with his assist on Hamilton’s overtime winner.

– The Heat are 5-1-0-1 on the year against San Diego, 3-1-0-0 on home ice.

– Stockton killed all 10 opponent power plays over the past two games.

UP NEXT

The Heat will hit the road for the next three games, starting Wednesday at San Diego then a pair of games over the weekend at Tucson. Stockton’s next home game is Friday, February 28 against the Gulls – a 7 p.m. puck drop.

Match Recap Courtesy of the Stockton Heat Media Relations