Big Games Not Foreign to Eizenman

The following article featuring former Rensselaer standout Oren Eizenman appeared in the April 21 issue of the Stockton Record.

By Scott Linesburgh
Record Staff Writer

STOCKTON - Oren Eizenman sees some similarities between international play and the playoffs.

That is why he believes his experience on the Israeli national team has helped during the Thunder's postseason.

Eizenman leads the team in postseason points and scored the tying and winning goals in Game 2 of Stockton's best-of-seven, second-round series with Bakersfield. The Thunder leads 2-0 and hosts the Condors at 7 p.m. today in Game 3 at Stockton Arena.

Stockton won the first two games despite never leading in regulation. It took overtime goals from Eizenman and J.F. Caudron, who plays on the same line with Eizenman and Kelly Czuy.

"It's been an extremely tight series, and we've got the results in the first two games. We know the job isn't done yet," said Eizenman, 25, who has 11 points in six playoff games and tied Game 2 against the Condors in the second period before winning it 4-3 in overtime. "We know it could be different, and we have to keep that in mind."

The center was on the Israeli team with his brothers, Alon and Erez, in 2005 and '06.

Oren and his brothers hold dual citizenship in Israel and Canada. Their parents, Moshe and Ronit Eizenman, were born in Israel before moving to Canada, and as a child Oren lived in Toronto and Ramat Gan, a suburb of Tel Aviv, Israel.

He said the nature of this postseason reminds him of the international tournaments he participated in.

"It's a real honor to have played on that team. I feel a real connection to Israel and go back every summer," Eizenman said. "And they are such a short tournaments and every game means a lot, like the playoffs. It's important to come out and play well every night.

"It was a great learning experience, and you want to take what ever you can into the playoffs to help."

Stockton defenseman Daryl Marcoux, who also played with Eizenman with the defunct Fresno Falcons, said there's no secret to why Eizenman has been successful.

"He's well prepared, and I think that's why he's been consistent," Marcoux said. "He also brings a very strong work ethic. You never see him stop moving out there."

Thunder coach Matt Thomas said it's going to take that type of effort from the entire roster if it wants to finish off Bakersfield and go to the National Conference finals.

"They could have easily won either game. We're happy that we won, but we have to understand that we need to be better," Thomas said. "We've been good, but not great, and we have to be great. They will not quit."

One thing the Thunder would like to do is get off to a good start today. It has surrendered the first goal in all six of its playoff games, but has won five.

"We've shown a lot of character by coming back," Caudron said, "but it would be great to take the lead in the next game and keep the lead."