STOCKTON, Calif. - Andrew Perugini (pictured surrendering a goal to Anthony Peluso--George Steckler/Stockton Thunder) came within 2:04 of a shutout as Stockton defeated Alaska 3-1 Sunday in front of 5,297 at Stockton Arena.

The Aces completed their six-game road trip with a 2-3-1 record and head back to Anchorage 20-21-4 overall, holding down the fifth spot in the National Conference, where seven of eight teams qualify for the playoffs.  Alaska plays host to Bakersfield next Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday.  All three games start at 7:15 p.m. and will be broadcast live on KFQD 750 AM, with Peanut Farm Pre-Game Show coverage getting underway at 7 p.m. each night.

Sunday marked only the second time in eight games this season the Thunder and Aces played a game decided by more than one goal.  Stockton grabbed a 1-0 advantage with only 4.3 seconds left in the first period when Bryan Young ripped a one-timer past Alaska goalie Scott Reid, making his first start in 22 days.  Power play goals by former Ace Matt Robinson and Ryan Constant gave the Thunder a 3-0 lead entering the final 20 minutes.

Alaska avoided being whitewashed for only the second time this season when Nick Mazzolini fed Peluso for the latter's first goal as an Ace and the second of his pro career (the other came with Alaska's AHL affiliate in Peoria Dec. 4).  Stockton out-shot the visitors 31-27 and the Aces went 0-for-5 on the power play, leaving them just 2-34 on the trip.

Prior to the game, Alaska announced that Alexandre Imbeault, its leading scorer and sixth in the ECHL with 48 points (18g-30a), has chosen to leave the team and sign a contract with a team in the Czech Republic.  He has been suspended by the Aces and his ECHL rights will remain with the club.