By Charles Richards
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif - Jordan Morrison scored in the third period to bring the game within one, but the San Francisco Bulls (19-27-1-6) could not complete the comeback against the Stockton Thunder (27-20-5-4) in a 3-1 defeat Sunday afternoon at the Cow Palace in front of nearly 100 dogs. Thomas Heemskerk played well in net for the Bulls making 28 saves at the first-ever Pucks and Paws game at the Cow Palace.
There was no scoring in the first period, but the fireworks from last night in Stockton carried over to the game this afternoon. Less than two minutes into the game Kris Belan and Ryan Green dropped the gloves for their respective teams in a highly-spirited bout. Shots on goal were even at seven after 20 minutes of play.
With Morrison and Teigan Zahn in the penalty box for matching minors, the Thunder struck for the first goal of the game. Eric Hunter scored his 17th goal of the season at 8:22 of the second period. Shawn Weller and Ryan Constant picked up the assists. Stockton took advantage of a 4-on-3 power play situation after matching minors, and a tripping minor on Morrison. Brandon Davidson scored for the third time this season with 2:50 remaining in the period. Matt Reber picked up the only assist on the goal.
Morrison got the Bulls back into the game at 9:11 of the third period with his 15th goal of the year. Morrison followed up his own shot, and slid the puck past Tyler Bunz, who was out of position on the play. Rob Kwiet and Mikael Tam assisted on the goal. The Bulls fought hard in an attempt to tie the game, but could not get the puck past Bunz. Constant added an empty-net goal for the Thunder late in the game to seal a 3-1 victory.
The Bulls will take off for a six-game road trip, during which they will face the Idaho Steelheads, Utah Grizzlies, Colorado Eagles, and Las Vegas Wranglers before returning home March 6 to host the Alaska Aces. Follow the games on KNBR.com and AmericaOneSports.com.
Bulletins: The Bulls were out-shot 29-27…Stockton was 1-for-3 on the power play. The Bulls were 0-for-3 on the man-advantage…It was the Thunder’s first win at the Cow Palace.
Three Stars
1. Brandon Davidson (STK)
2. Tyler Bunz (STK)
3. Jordan Morrison (SF)
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