The Stockton Thunder had to postpone their second home game of the season Friday night after a Zamboni issue damaged the ice at Adventist Health Arena.
The Thunder were set to face the Fresno Falcons on Friday, Oct. 23. However, arena staff could not repair the playing surface in time for the game. Officials called off the matchup after crews spent about 90 minutes trying to fix the damage.
Thunder President/General Manager Scott Brand said the team had distributed approximately 2,600 tickets for the game.
What caused the ice damage?
Brand said he believes human error caused the incident, although arena officials had not confirmed the exact cause.
According to Brand, water from the Zamboni melted through the ice on top of the concrete underneath.
“We thought that we would be able to,” Brand said of repairing the ice in time. “We tried our best.”
Brand said the team remained hopeful that crews could fix the surface. However, he acknowledged that officials could have made the decision sooner.
“Probably the mistake I made is we should have probably called the game, you know, 20 minutes earlier,” he said.
In a statement shared on the Thunder’s Facebook account, Adventist Health Arena said safety remained its top priority.
“The safety of players, officials and fans is the highest priority at Adventist Health Arena,” the statement said. “That commitment guided the decision to postpone last night’s game because of an issue with the ice’s surface.”
Fans had already entered the arena when officials announced the postponement. Thunder players later came out to meet supporters and thank them for attending.
What happens to tickets?
The Stockton Thunder released a separate statement confirming the postponement.
“Tonight’s game against Fresno has been postponed and will be rescheduled for a later date,” the team announced Friday. “Additional information will be provided as it becomes available.”
Adventist Health Arena said guests who attended Friday’s game can return for the rescheduled matchup at no additional cost. Officials have not announced a new date.
Brand said the organization also plans to work with the arena and ticketing provider on refund options.
Brand said the team anticipates no issues with its next home game Oct. 30 against the Baton Rouge Kingfish.
The postponement comes one week after more than 5,000 fans attended the Thunder’s home opener. That game marked the return of professional hockey to Stockton after a four-year absence.
Brand acknowledged the frustration for fans who came to support the new franchise.
“I feel bad for the fans,” Brand said. “And our players.”
He said the organization now needs to earn back the trust of disappointed supporters.
“All we can do is, you know, we’re just going to shut up and work harder,” Brand said. “And, you know, we hope that those who are really upset give us a second chance.”
The Thunder will face Fresno on the road Saturday at 6 p.m.