The only issue to be had with Stockton, CA, is that I showed up a little later than I should have to really enjoy the city. I know, for some people that sounds crazy, but it’s true. I had pretty low expectations of Stockton, but I believe that to be wrong. Stockton seems like a nice town that could be a big city, but shouldn’t really be. It’s not San Jose, and it’s not San Francisco, and it doesn’t have to be. It’s just a nice place on it’s own, at least what I saw. Which admittedly isn’t much. I could spend a few more days here, but it isn’t going to happen. I have to move on.

I was hosted for the game by a guy I met on the Into the Boards forum. As I have said before, meeting people in reality that you have met on the internet is a crap shoot. You never know who you are going to wind up with. I have yet to be disappointed on this hockey tour, and tonight was no exception. Craig was nice as hell, a great hockey fan, a good guy on his own, and was falling all over himself to show me a good time. I truly appreciate his hospitality, and hope to pass it back to him at some point. Minor league fans are the best.

First, the travel (this is a road trip, after all):

OK, enough of that. The drive was nice, but on to the hockey. Welcome to the Stockton Arena:

Hey, what does that sign say?

Oh, you thought you saw that wrong. No, you did not. But don’t let this fool you, the arena inside is nice, and has some character.

It was a good place for some hockey. You wouldn’t know it from the pictures, but the crowds have been really high, averaging 6,000 per game (and at this level, that is a healthy crowd, plenty to keep your team going).

Warmups (click to make bigger):

Please note, the Wranglers are wearing warmup jerseys, with the Orleans hotel and casino logo on the front. The last time I saw this, it was the Motor City Mechanics wearing McDonald’s jerseys. You can only imagine.

Oh, say can you see….

Game time:

Solid.

Moving on, the game.

This hurt.

This was one of the few glove saves the Wranglers goalie made. Oh, sure, he made several stops, but the high glove was a weakness all night.

No fights in this game, but it was “spirited”

“No, this is what happened, so there!”

Dude.

Folks, that’s a game. Thunder win it 3-2 in regulation. It was a good game, but so much fun to hang out with Craig and the fans. He even invited me to the team president. One of the great things about the minors is that you can get so close to the team. The fans come first, and they mean it. The NHL should keep this in mind.

Swag report tomorrow.