STOCKTON — The Stockton Thunder has advanced to the second round of the 2013 Kelly Cup Playoffs for the fourth time in five seasons and will open the Western Conference Semifinals against the first seed Alaska Aces in a best of seven series, beginning with Game 1 at Sullivan Arena on Friday, Apr. 19 at 8:15 p.m.

Ticket strip packages for the 2013 Thunder playoffs are on sale now and can be purchased by calling the Stockton Thunder at 209-373-1500. Priority seating is offered along with free 2013 playoff tickets by purchasing a new 2013-14 Thunder Season Ticket Package, or by purchasing new or renewing a 2013-14 Mini Plan. Current Thunder Season Ticket Holders receive free tickets to the first two rounds of the Kelly Cup Playoffs in their ticket package.

The Thunder, earning the No. 4 seed in the Western Conference, will duel with the Aces for the third time in playoff history and last faced Alaska in the 2012 Conference Semifinals in a series won by the Aces, 4-1. The Thunder knocked off the Aces, 3-1 in the first ever playoff meeting (best of five) between the two teams in the 2010 Conference Quarterfinals.

The series, following a “2-3-2” format, will move to Stockton Arena beginning in Game 3 on Thursday, Apr. 25 at 7:00 p.m. The Thunder finished 2-6-2 this season against Alaska.

Individual playoff tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by visiting www.ticketmaster.com.