Showing posts with label ECHL. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ECHL. Show all posts

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Stockton Thunder Regular Season Begins Friday


STOCKTON, Calif. - The Stockton Thunder, a two time recipient of the ECHL “Award of Excellence,” is scheduled to host “Opening Night” at Stockton Arena this Friday at 7:30 p.m. which serves as the launching of the 2011-12 ECHL season against the Colorado Eagles.

More than just a game to start the new season, it will be a historic night in the ECHL. The Thunder will welcome the Eagles, who will play their inaugural game after spending the previous eight seasons in the Central Hockey League.

A perfect complement to the refrigerator, filing cabinet or desk, the first 2,000 fans (ages 18 and over) in attendance at Stockton Arena will receive a collectible Thunder magnetic schedule.

The Thunder will also add a new feature to the fans’ game night experience. A new goal horn at Stockton Arena has been installed and will be unveiled when the Thunder scores its first goal of the game.

The horn, supplied to the team upon its ECHL membership move from Atlantic City to Stockton in 2005, was formerly used by the Boardwalk Bullies at historic Boardwalk Hall. The horn will sound with each Thunder goal and at the end of the game for each victory.

One lucky young fan will also be announced as the grand prize winner of the Thunder’s “Coach For A Day” sweepstakes, presenting the winner with a hands-on experience to lead the Thunder through game day at Stockton Arena on Oct. 29 against the Idaho Steelheads at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets for “Opening Night” begin at just $7 and can be purchased online at Ticketmaster.com, by phone at 1-800-745-3000, at all Ticketmaster outlets or at the Stockton Arena Ticket Office. Discounts are available for groups of ten or more by calling the Thunder at (209) 373-1500.

The Thunder are freezing most Season Ticket prices for the 2011-12 season, which are on sale now and can be purchased by calling (209) 373-1500 or by visiting http://www.stocktonthunder.com/. Thunder Season Ticket Holders enjoy the highest demanded seating locations in Stockton Arena, benefits including admission to Season Ticket Holder-only events, discount opportunities on Thunder merchandise, a free e-newsletter, an exclusive gift, admission to the first two rounds of the Kelly Cup Playoffs and more.

-WRITTEN BY THE STOCKTON THUNDER-

*This article was reposted at OilersJambalaya.com with the permission from the Stockton Thunder hockey club.*

Friday, October 7, 2011

Stockton Thunder Game Preview vs Bakersfield Condors

Stockton Thunder vs. Bakersfield Condors

TICKETS: Sit wherever you want, for just $10 tonight

DATE:: Friday, October 7, 2011
TIME: 7:30 p.m.
SITE: Stockton Arena
RADIO: 92.5 FM (inside Stockton Arena only)
ONLINE: StocktonThunder.com (AmericaOne)

NHL AFFILIATES
Stockton Thunder: Edmonton Oilers, San Jose Sharks
Bakersfield Condors: None

NEXT HOME GAME
Friday, October 14, 2011 vs. Colorado Eagles (Opening Night) – 7:30 p.m.


TONIGHT’S MATCHUP
The Thunder open the 2011-12 preseason tonight against the Bakersfield Condors at Stockton Arena, the first of back-to-back matchups in as many days against their Pacific Division rivals. Both teams finished tied for first place in the Pacific Division last year and the Condors were awarded the title banner via a tiebreaker. Both teams will become very familiar with each other – there are 13 matchups ahead in the regular season, featuring a coaching matchup of past and present Thunder representatives. Both teams will close the preseason schedule tomorrow night in a rematch at Rabobank Arena.

THUNDER TEAM NOTES
The Thunder will roll out a re-tooled lineup tonight, featuring seven returning players from last year’s team and two newcomers – Jason Morgan and Matt Foy – who have playing experience in the National Hockey League. Morgan has suited up for five NHL clubs, most recently with Minnesota Wild. Coincidentally, Foy joins him as a reunited teammate, who previously skated with Morgan in Minnesota and in the American Hockey League with the Houston Aeros. Additionally, right winger Kevin Baker joins the roster after spending last season in Italy with Ritten-Renon and capturing the ECHL’s Most Valuable Player award with the Florida Everblades in 2008-09.

SIX DEGREES OF SEPARATION
The Thunder will be squaring off with familiar faces on the rival bench. The Condors are led by new head coach Matt O’Dette, who was with the Thunder the last three seasons as a defenseman and assistant coach. He either played or coached under head coach Matt Thomas from 2005-11 in Stockton and Fresno. Joining O’Dette on the Condors roster are four former Thunder players – goaltender Bryan Pitton, forwards Matt Marquardt and Jesse Gimblett, and defenseman Trevor Hunt (brother Garet is in his fourth season with the Thunder).

FREE PLAY
The Thunder return to Stockton Arena on Sunday for “Fan Fest” at 4:00 p.m., hosting an event that is free-of-charge and open the public, providing fans with a rare opportunity to interact with Thunder players and coaching staff, collect autographs and photos and pick up brand new Thunder merchandise for the season while experiencing a taste of the Thunder game night experience. Thunder players will participate in events such as Puck Control Relay, Hardest Shot and Breakaway Relay. The expanded event will include a special raffle, offering fans a chance to take their shot at a Thunder goaltender on the ice and a unique “empty net” shot competition for goaltenders.

The Fan Deck will be open during the event, where all fans will have a chance to win Thunder prizes and present kids with a chance to enroll in the new, no cost Thor’s “Kids Club.”Following the Skills Competition, several members of the Thunder will sign autographs for fans on the Fan Deck. Fans can also bring their hockey and lifestyle questions for their favorite player and coaching staff from 5-6 p.m. in the Comcast Club for a special “Q&A Session.”

-WRITTEN BY THE STOCKTON THUNDER-

*This article was reposted at OilersJambalaya.com with the permission from the Stockton Thunder hockey club.*

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Stockton Thunder Make Some Cuts

2011-12 Training camp roster stands at 24 skaters and two goaltenders


STOCKTON, Calif. – The Stockton Thunder, proud ECHL affiliate of the Edmonton Oilers and San Jose Sharks of the National Hockey League, announced today that their training camp roster has been reduced by six players.

The following players were released from training camp:

> Brandon Burlingame (C)
> Balazs Deifik (F)
> Matt Pamidi (G)
> Javier Rabago (G)
> Drew Sanders (LW)
> Dan Sulitzer (D)

The Thunder training camp roster stands at 26 players (24 skaters and two goaltenders).

The Thunder opens the preseason schedule on Friday, hosting the Bakersfield Condors at 7:30 p.m. at Stockton Arena. General admission tickets are $10 (just $5 for Season Ticket Holders) and can be purchased online at Ticketmaster.com, by phone at 1-800-745-3000, at all Ticketmaster outlets or at the Stockton Arena Ticket Office

-WRITTEN BY THE STOCKTON THUNDER-

Monday, September 5, 2011

Kids Enter To Be Coach For A Day With The Stockton Thunder

Unique kids contest awards grand prize winner a day to help coach the Thunder

STOCKTON, Calif. – The Stockton Thunder, a two time recipient of the ECHL “Award of Excellence,” has announced a “Coach For a Day” sweepstakes contest, lasting through Oct. 14 and offering kids a once in a lifetime opportunity to act as coach of the Thunder for a day.

The contest, open to young fans between ages 7-13, will present a hands-on experience to lead a hockey team through the thrill and excitement of a game day at Stockton Arena, revolving around the Thunder’s Oct. 29 home game against the Idaho Steelheads at 7:30 p.m.

The grand prize winner will receive an exclusive behind-the-scenes coaching experience which includes an authentic “one day” contract as a coach of the Thunder, access to the team’s morning skate at Stockton Arena, opportunity to announce the starting lineup to the team before the game in the locker room and participation in the pregame ceremonial puck drop.

Kids can enter by submitting a written or typed entry (two pages, maximum) and answer one of the following topics:

“Why I love the Stockton Thunder …”


“Why I am a fan of the Stockton Thunder …”

“Why I think I would make a great coach for a day …”

Additionally, the winner will also receive a free ticket to that night’s game and have their winning essay posted publicly at www.stocktonthunder.com and the Thunder official Facebook page.

All participants will also receive a free ticket to the game that night and be recognized on the ice during the second intermission.

Contestants are encouraged to submit their entry by email to Jessica Fillo, Thunder manager of game operations and community relations at jfillo@stocktonthunder.com. The grand prize winner of “Coach For a Day” will be announced at Opening Night on Friday, Oct. 14, when the Thunder hosts the Colorado Eagles at 7:30 p.m.

Entries can also be submitted by fax at (209) 373-1525, by mailing the Thunder at 248 W. Fremont Street, Stockton, CA. 95203 or delivering to the Thunder business offices at Stockton Arena between 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

OPENING NIGHT AND TICKET INFORMATION

Opening Night is Friday, Oct. 14, when the Thunder opens the 2011-12 regular season at home against the Colorado Eagles, starting at 7:30 p.m. at Stockton Arena. The game will be a historic ECHL event to welcome in the Eagles, who will play in their inaugural game after spending the previous eight seasons in the Central Hockey League.
The Thunder are freezing most Season Ticket prices for the 2011-12 season, which are on sale now and can be purchased by calling (209) 373-1500 or by visiting www.stocktonthunder.com. Thunder Season Ticket Holders enjoy the highest-demanded seating locations in Stockton Arena, benefits including admission to Season Ticket Holder-only events, discount opportunities on Thunder merchandise, a free e-newsletter, an exclusive gift, admission to the first two rounds of the Kelly Cup Playoffs and more. Individual ticket prices will be announced soon.

For more information about tickets, merchandise, or other inquiries contact the Stockton Thunder offices at (209) 373-1500 or visit http://www.stocktonthunder.com/

-WRITTEN BY THE STOCKTON THUNDER-

Saturday, December 18, 2010

The History of the Stockton Thunder / #StkThunder


Since 2005, the Stockton Thunder has built a legacy on the strength of capturing the hockey imagination, passion and attention of California’s Central Valley sports landscape. For the first time in Thunder history, playoff hockey stretched into the Conference Finals as the Thunder advanced to the third round of the Kelly Cup Playoffs in 2010 – falling six wins shy of a Kelly Cup championship. Such historical highlights have also included Thunder fans boosting a streak of leading the league in attendance for four straight seasons – a feat only accomplished one other time in league history (Florida – 2000-05) and hosting the 2008 ECHL All-Star Game, a featured ECHL contest during the league’s 20th Anniversary season that was attended by more than 7,000 fans at Stockton Arena.

In addition to the new relationship with Worcester and San Jose, a current affiliation with the NHL’s Edmonton Oilers and an influx of free-agent talent has taken the Thunder to four straight consecutive Kelly Cup Playoff appearances in 2007-10, while seven players have moved on from Stockton in the last four years to make their debut in the National Hockey League. It is a union of captivating entertainment and an electrifying team that continue to pave the way for bigger heights in 2010-11 for the Central Valley.

Click below for the full story on the history of the Thunder, a complete listing of the team’s records and an all-time roster.

History of the Thunder

Thunder Records

All-Time Roster

THUNDER IN “THE SHOW”

Devan Dubnyk (G)
Years with Stockton: 1 (2006-07)
Made NHL debut (with Edmonton): Nov. 28, 2009 (at Vancouver)

Etching his name numerous times in the record books is one way to make a presence in Stockton. Another is to cover the net with a towering 6-foot-6, 194-pound frame. One of the first, showcased prospects to come to the Thunder just months after the Oilers joined as an affiliation, goaltender and fan favorite Devan Dubnyk thrilled Thunder fans in the 2006-07 season with sparkling save after save, igniting chants of “Dooob” each time the 20-year old knocked away a threatening scoring chance. A first round draft pick (14th overall) of the Oilers in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft, Dubnyk set Thunder single-season records for wins (24), minutes played (2,529), lowest goals-against-average (2.56) and save percentage (.921) in 2006-07, helping guide the team to their first Kelly Cup Playoff berth in team history. He earned a spot on the National Conference team at the 2007 ECHL All-Star Game and turned his storybook rookie season into two solid years with the Springfield Falcons thereafter. An injury to Oilers goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin paved the way for Dubnyk’s first call-up to the NHL in November 2009 and the Oilers fell behind the Vancouver Canucks, 4-0 in a nationally-televised game at GM Place on Nov. 28, Dubnyk was summoned into the game for his NHL debut. He turned in a 21-save effort on “Hockey Night In Canada” to become the seventh player in Thunder history to make his NHL debut.

Colin McDonald (RW)
Years with Stockton: 1 (2008-09)
Made NHL debut (with Edmonton): Nov. 27, 2009 (vs. San Jose)

Stockton proved to be a key stop for Colin McDonald’s rise through the Oilers farm system as a top prospect in 2008-09 after his selection as a second round draft pick by Edmonton in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft. A thick, 6-foot-3 and 205-pound forward gifted with speed, a rocket snap shot and keen playmaking vision, McDonald was sent the way of the Thunder in November 2008 from the Springfield Falcons and didn’t take long to make an impact, dishing out two assists in three games. Springfield then summoned for his services and finished with 10 goals and 22 points (10g-12a) in 77 AHL games. McDonald finally earned “the call” to the NHL early in the 2009-10 season and debuted on a line with former Thunder center Ryan O’Marra with the Oilers at Rexall Place on Nov. 27 against the San Jose Sharks. He would follow up the red-letter night with another one just 24 hours later, when he scored his first NHL goal (assist to O’Marra) against Vancouver Canucks star netminder Roberto Luongo at GM Place.

Ryan O’Marra (C)
Years with Stockton: 1 (2007-08)
Made NHL debut (with Edmonton): Nov. 10, 2009 (at Ottawa)

Gifted with hands, speed, fearlessness and playmaking ability, center Ryan O’Marra began his official journey to the NHL with the Thunder in the infancy of the 2007-08 season, providing a glimpse of his potential with 20 points (11g-9a) in 24 ECHL games before his recall to Springfield in December, coincidentally, when he was named to the ECHL All-Star Game as a member of the National Conference. He returned for the Kelly Cup Playoffs and proved to be a handful for the eventual National Conference champ Las Vegas Wranglers with nine points (2g-7a) in six games. Originally selected by the New York Islanders in the first round (15th overall) of the 2005 NHL Entry Draft, part of his intrigue was his acquisition by the Oilers on February 27, 2007 with Robert Nilsson and another first round draft pick for longtime NHL veteran Ryan Smyth. After 62 games in a full AHL season in 2008-09 with Springfield, O’Marra got the long-waited “call” in 2009-10 and first suited up for the Oilers on November 10 at Scotiabank Place against the Ottawa Senators in his home province of Ontario.

Troy Bodie (RW)
Years with Stockton: 1 (2006-07)
Made NHL debut (with Anaheim): Jan. 16, 2009 (at Pittsburgh)

A big-league sized force at 6-foot-4 and 219 pounds, blessed with wheels and containing the willingness to drop the gloves for his opponents, right wing Troy Bodie began his ascension to the NHL level as a member of the Thunder in 2006-07, wearing out ECHL opponents with 21 goals, 38 points (21g-17a) and 80 penalty minutes in just 46 games while weaving a “playmaker” assist in the 2007 ECHL All-Star Game in Boise. Drafted in the 9th round by the Oilers in 2003, Bodie spent the entire 2007-08 season in the AHL with Springfield before signing an NHL contract with the Anaheim Ducks for 2008-09, slating his start for Iowa of the AHL. Bodie emerged with the big club against the Pittsburgh Penguins on January 16 at Mellon Arena and went on to suit up in four games for the Ducks. Bodie was a member of the Ducks playoff roster, who fell one win shy of reaching the Western Conference Finals in a seven-game, second round loss to Detroit.

Liam Reddox (LW)
Years with Stockton: 1 (2006-07)
Made NHL debut: Dec. 7, 2007 (vs. St. Louis)

A 4th round pick of the Edmonton Oilers in 2004, Reddox parlayed a clutch first playoff round series against the Idaho Steelheads with a three-point effort (2g-1a), earning a spot with the AHL’s Springfield Falcons in 2007-08. The 5-foot-10, skilled and feisty forward finished the 06-07 year on-fire with a 7-game scoring streak, posting 11 points (4g-7a) in that stretch. After a strong start at the AHL level with the Springfield Falcons, Reddox became the second player in Thunder history to play in the NHL, making his debut with the Edmonton Oilers on December 7, 2007 against the St. Louis Blues. Reddox, who would score 12 points (5g-7a) for the Oilers the following year, suited up in 46 games for Edmonton in 2008-09, scoring his first NHL goal against the Colorado Avalanche on Nov. 15, 2008.

Tim Sestito (C)
Years with Stockton: 1 (2006-07)
Made NHL debut: Nov. 27, 2008 (vs. Los Angeles)

Always popular in the dressing room for his work ethic and attitude, budding forward Tim Sestito was one of the linchpins to the Thunder success in 2006-07, ranking second on the club with 132 penalty minutes while scoring 26 points (13g-13a). Sestito scored three points (2g-1a) in six Kelly Cup Playoff games, including a shorthanded game-winner in the first playoff contest in Thunder history – a 4-3 victory at Idaho. Sestito made his full-time graduation to the AHL level the following season in Springfield and was awarded the captain’s “C” on his jersey at the beginning of the 2008-09 season, finally breaking through the NHL ribbon at Rexall Place on November 27 by making his NHL debut against the Los Angeles Kings.

Bryan Young
Years with Stockton: 1 (2006-07)
Made NHL debut: Mar. 9, 2007 (at Anaheim)

Bryan Young made his way to the top of the NHL’s farm system ladder in freakishly quick fashion – a rarity for a minor league hockey player, Young carved his path from the ECHL to the NHL in the same year. The 6-foot-1, 190-pound soft-spoken defenseman was drafted in the 5th round by the Oilers in 2004 and suited up in 17 games for the Thunder in 2006-07. Despite only posting four assists from the blueline, it was his signature rugged, hard-hitting defensive style that was meant to be refined during his stay in Stockton and a handful of highlight-reel open ice hits sent Thunder fans, teammates and opponents in awe. Young became the first former Thunder player to make his NHL debut – suiting up for the Oilers on March 9, 2007 at Anaheim. Young went onto appear in 17 games for the Oilers in the next two seasons.

-Written by the Stockton Thunder-

*Reprinted by OilersJambalaya.com with permission from the Stockton Thunder hockey club*

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Stockton Thunder / Friday's The Night, Where Will You Be? / #StkThunder


10/18/2010 1:02 PM -
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NEXT HOME GAME: Friday, Oct. 22

TIME: 7:30 p.m.

OPPONENT: Ontario Reign

TICKETS: Click here (starting at just $9)


WHAT'S GOING ON:

POSTER GIVEAWAY (presented by Coors Light and DBI Beverage of San Joaquin)
All fans will receive a commemorative Thunder player poster, courtesy of Coors Light and DBI Beverage of San Joaquin!

METRO PCS FREE FRIDAY
- One lucky section at the game will receive a free gift courtesy of MetroPCS and all fans are invited to stop by MetroPCS's booth at Stockton Arena to win a free phone and service for one whole year!

POSTGAME AUTOGRAPH BOOTH: Chris D'Alvise and Aaron Clarke

ABOUT CHRIS D'ALVISE:
D'Alvise, 24, is one of nine returning players from last year's Thunder team that made its first ever appearance in the Conference Final.

Already with two assists in three games, The 5-foot-11, 175-pound pivot was named 2009-10 Thunder Rookie of the Year last year to lead the Thunder and rank fourth among ECHL rookies with 34 goals, additionally ranking second on the team with 67 points (34g-33a) in 68 games.

The native of Mississauga, Ontario was named to the National Conference All-Star team last year and also achieved Reebok Hockey ECHL Rookie of the Month honors in March, netting 23 points (11g-12a) in a 15-game stretch.

ABOUT AARON CLARKE:
Named one of four rotating alternate captains, Clarke, 27, comes off a 2009-10 season where he shattered career highs in goals (25), points (57) and assists (32) in 59 ECHL games, additionally ranking third on the Nailers in scoring and goals. Contributing on the penalty kill, his five shorthanded goals, a career-high as well, led the ECHL.

Completing his third year, the 5-foot-9, 185-pound forward racked up 14 assists on the power-play which ranked tied for second on the team.

The Peterborough, Ontario native earned a selection to the American Conference All-Star team in 2009, his first ECHL All-Star berth and scored a goal in the game at Reading. Serving the Nailers as captain, Clarke capped off the year with 37 points (11g-26a) in 40 games for Wheeling and chipped in with three goals and an assist in seven playoff games.

* Autograph booth participants subject to change

-Reprinted by OilersJambalaya.com with permission by the Stockton Thunder-

Saturday, October 16, 2010

Stockton Thunder Lose Opening Game 6-3 / A Game Recap


10/15/2010 11:15 PM - Thunder set back on Opening Night before 6,117 fans
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FINAL STATS: Box score
VIDEO: Highlights and postgame locker room comments
AUDIO: Game highlights

STOCKTON, Calif. - Kellen Briggs made 24 saves and the Ontario Reign led wire-to-wire, capitalizing off five unanswered goals to send the Stockton Thunder to a 6-3 defeat on Opening Night, before 6,117 fans at Stockton Arena on Friday night.

The Thunder, who were led offensively by Fraser Clair with three points (2g-1a), dropped its fourth straight season opening defeat. Ontario's Tim Kraus, Jordan Morrison and rookie Aaron Lewadniuk each chipped in with two points.

Ontario got out to a fast start with three goals in the first ten minutes and took a 3-0 lead after the first period.

Shawn Collymore buried a one-timer from between the circles just 53 seconds into the game, followed by a Jeff Corey goal where he turned the defense inside-out, from off the rush and slipped a backhander through Tyson Sexsmith's five hole for a 2-0 edge with 2:31 into the first period.

Kyle Kraemer's bid from 40 feet out, straightaway, slipped through traffic and boosted the Ontario lead to 3-0 with 10:23 gone.

Ontario padded the lead to 4-0 in the second period on Matt Delahey's drive from the right point for a power-play goal at 1:32. Chaz Johnson then capitalized on a rebound at the left goal post following Sexsmith's stop on Eric Doyle's bouncing shot, boosting the edge to 5-0 at 7:48.

The Thunder finally got on the board with 4:05 left in the second when Clair banged in a rebound from the right circle, after Chris D'Alvise and Jason Pitton failed to connect on a two-on-one, tic-tac-toe style set-up.

The goal sparked a response by the Thunder who used a more physical approach to outshoot Ontario, 24-18 over the final two periods and claim three goals in the final 25 minutes.

Following Lewadniuk's first pro goal at 9:34 of the third period where he cashed in a rebound at the left goal post, Clair cut the deficit to 6-2 following a turnover with 4:09 to play, going to the backhand on Briggs from the right circle.

Jesse Gimblett, who began the third period with a scrap against Ontario's Luke Beaverson at 6:14, collected the first goal of his professional career with 21.4 seconds to play when he capitalized with a screen in front of Briggs and re-directed Clair's wrist shot from the left circle for a power-play goal.

Sexsmith took the loss in net with 24 saves.

NOTES: The Thunder scratched Trevor Hunt (injured reserve), Jordan Foreman (injured reserve) and Scott Howes (healthy) ... Sexsmith stopped a penalty shot by Tim Kraus with 15:28 left in the first period, closing the five-hole on Kraus' wrist shot ... the Thunder were outshot, 30-27 by Ontario but had a 13-8 shots edge in the third period ... the Thunder went 1-for-3 on the power-play ... Stockton's last season opening win was in 2006-07, when they opened on the road with a 6-1 victory over Bakersfield.

Stockton and Ontario will play in a rematch tomorrow at Stockton Arena, beginning at 7:30 p.m. (1280 KWSX/StocktonThunder.com).

A two-time recipient of the ECHL "Award of Excellence," Thunder was voted "Best Local Sports Team" by readers of the San Joaquin Magazine, led the ECHL in attendance for four consecutive seasons and drew over 200,000 fans for the fifth consecutive season in 2009-10. Season Tickets, mini-plans and individual tickets for 2010-11 are on sale now. For more information about tickets, merchandise, or other inquiries contact the Stockton Thunder offices at (209) 373-1500 or visit http://www.stocktonthunder.com/

-Reprinted at OilersJambalaya.com with permission from the Stockton Thunder-

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Stockton Thunder / Prepping Locker Room and Ice / #StkThunder


OKC Barons Send Two To Stockton Thunder / #StkThunder



10/12/2010 3:14 PM - Thunder reduce roster to 22 players with first two assigned from Oklahoma City
6-foot-3, 215-pound forward Jesse Gimblett skated with the Edmonton Oilers and Oklahoma City Barons in training camp after a stellar final year at the University of Calgary. (photo by Steven Christy/OKC Barons)
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MORE: MARK ARCOBELLO CAREER STATISTICS
MORE: JESSE GIMBLETT CAREER STATISTICS

STOCKTON, Calif. - The Stockton Thunder, proud ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League's Edmonton Oilers and San Jose Sharks, announced today the Oklahoma City Barons of the American Hockey League have assigned rookie center Mark Arcobello (ARK-oh-bell-oh) and left wing Jesse Gimblett to the Thunder.

Both players are the first two assigned to Stockton this season from Oklahoma City and will be available to suit up for the Thunder beginning on Opening Night, this Friday against the Ontario Reign at 7:30 p.m. at Stockton Arena.

Arcobello, 22, previously skated in 131 career games through four seasons (2006-10) in college with Yale University, scoring 116 points (49g-67a) and posting 203 penalty minutes.

Finishing over a point-per-game average in his final two seasons, the 5-foot-9, 165-pound pivot was named second-team All-Ivy last season with a career-high 36 points (15g-21a) in 34 games as a 2009-10 senior. He led the program in scoring as a 2008-09 junior, racking up 35 points (17g-18a) and a career-high 17 goals in 34 games.

Gimblett, 25, enters his first full season as a pro after signing an amateur tryout contract last season with the Springfield Falcons (AHL), collecting one assist in four games with six penalty minutes.

The 6-foot-3, 215-pound forward previously skated in 114 career games through four seasons (2006-10) in college with the University of Alberta, scoring 92 points (49g-43a) and posting 156 penalty minutes. Last season, Gimblett scored a career-high 17 goals and 28 points (17g-11a) in 25 games.

The Newtonville, Ontario native also suited up in 327 career junior games through five seasons (2001-06) with Owen Sound and Saginaw of the Ontario Hockey League, scoring 170 points (77g-93a) and posting 356 penalty minutes.

Additionally, it was announced the team's roster has been reduced to 22 players and the following players have been placed on waivers:

Matt Pamidi (G)


Dan Bartlett (C)


Brian Cooke (D)


Jordan Cyr (LW)


Shane Ferguson (F)


Sean Menton (RW)


Marcus Watson (C)

A two-time recipient of the ECHL "Award of Excellence," Thunder was voted "Best Local Sports Team" by readers of the San Joaquin Magazine, led the ECHL in attendance for four consecutive seasons and drew over 200,000 fans for the fifth consecutive season in 2009-10. Season Tickets, mini-plans and individual tickets for 2010-11 are on sale now. For more information about tickets, merchandise, or other inquiries contact the Stockton Thunder offices at (209) 373-1500 or visit www.stocktonthunder.com.

-Written by the Stockton Thunder-

Sunday, October 10, 2010

Stockton Thunder - A Little Fun Before the Storm

This afternoon the Stockton Thunder hockey team held its FanFest event at Stockton Arena. It was a great opportunity to see the team that would be hitting the ice on October 15, 2010, the first Thunder game of the new season.

Fans in attendance were first treated to a skills competition. The glass on one side of the arena was taken down. The absence of glass created a more intimate environment and allowed a few of the hockey players to able to interact with the crowd. Center Craig Valette was one of the first guys to skate over to the kids sitting in the row in front of me and chat with them about their mohawks and if they'd ever played hockey. Coach Thomas even surprised some people by stretching his leg out on the wall right in front of them so he could warm up.

After Director of Broadcasting and Media Relations Mike Benton welcomed the crowd, Coach Thomas had a few of the guys do the Puck Control Relay. Then the team competed to see who had the fastest slap shot. Valette went first and his shot registered at 98mph, which would end up being the fastest time among all the guys. After everyone took their turn, defenseman Ryan Constant had the second fastest time at 93mph. Coach Thomas wanted to see which one of the two would still have the fastest shot so Valette and Constant ended up having to "rock-paper-scissors" to see who would go first. Valette still came out victorious by shooting at 98mph again.

The last event in the skills competition was the Breakaway Relay. The guys were divided into two teams, one team shooting against goalie Tyson Sexsmith, and the other team shooting against goalie Jason Lindner. Coach Thomas explained to the crowd that this exercise was important because the Thunder had problems winning in shootouts last season. The guys definitely took special liberties with this skill, a few of them tried some really fancy between-the-leg shots, some spin-o-ramas, and deke & delay moves. Either the Thunder will still have issues with the shoot-outs, or the goalies were extra sharp. Sexsmith only let in one goal, and Lindner gave up two.

The next session of FanFest featured an autograph session for half the team, while the other half participated in a Q&A session with the fans asking the questions. After half an hour the guys would switch. I ended up getting pictures and autographs first then sat in on part of the second Q&A session. I don't think there was an official attendance tally for FanFest, but this was the most people I've ever seen at a meet & greet event. The line for autographs was enormous and I was lucky to be near the front. Photographs from the event can be viewed here: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=106117&id=1367406758&l=5724343cfc

The Q&A session really showed off the team's personality. Even sitting on a stage with microphones in front of their faces and a crowd of about 100 people in front of them, the Thunder were really laid back and at ease. Seeing how they interacted with each other you could tell immediately who the jokers and clowns were and who was more reserved.

One of the first questions from a fan was where their worst road trip was. Defenseman Anthony Aiello said the recent preseason trip they took over the weekend was bad because of the bus ride to Ontario. Jason Pitton stated that in Alaska, they never saw one minute of daylight. Scott Howes, Tyson Sexsmith, and Chris D'Alvise also named Alaska. Assistant Coach Matt O'Dette made the crowd laugh by saying visiting Bakersfield was the worst.

Another fan asked the team who their favorite hockey idol was. Aiello said "Ray Borque". One of Jason Pitton's was "Doug Gilmour". "Glen Metropolit" was listed as Scott Howes idol. No surprise that goalie Tyson Sexsmith's choice was "Patrick Roy". Coach Thomas named "Wendel Clark". Steve Vanoosten said "Steve Yzerman" was his idol. And once again, Matt O'dette drew laughs and applause when he said Garet Hunt (who played for the Thunder the last two seasons and is now on the Worcester Sharks) was his idol.

The last question posed seemed like an easy one, but the guys seemed a little bashful to answer. The question was who their favorite female celebrity was. The names "Megan Fox", "Heidi Klum", "Jenna Fisher", "Faith Hill", and "Carrie Underwood" were thrown out there after much hesitation. Coach Thomas said he was glad the guys were focused-they were able to answer who their favorite hockey idol was faster.

Let's hope the guys are very focused. All the Thunder fans are impatient and excited for the 2010-2011 season to be underway. With each year the team has been in existence, they've exceeded the successes of the year before. The Stockton Thunder made it to the Kelly Cup Conference Finals last year, and while that was fantastic, they want more, and I can't wait to be among the crowd that's there for it.

-Written by Lyndall Mae-

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Stockton Thunder Recap: Stockton 3 - Alaska 1 / #StkThunder


10/05/2010 9:57 PM - Tyson Sexsmith stops 31 shots in Thunder preseason opening win
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FINAL STATS: BOX SCORE

ANCHORAGE, Alaska - Goaltender Tyson Sexsmith made 31 saves to win in his preseason debut, helping guide the Stockton Thunder to 3-1 victory over the Alaska Aces in the 2010-11 ECHL preseason opener at Sullivan Arena on Tuesday.

Sexsmith, who was assigned to the Thunder on Monday from the San Jose Sharks, kept Alaska off the board early and was helped out by two power play goals from Matt Jones and Sean Menton. Forward Chris Lawrence got the game-winning goal in the first period as Stockton led wire-to-wire.

"I thought it was a great effort and I liked the way we worked hard," said Thunder head coach Matt Thomas. "Obviously executing on power plays early in the game was crucial for us. I thought we worked it around pretty well. Defensively there's room to grow but were very solid in competing. I thought Tyson made it easy for us to play in front of him, which is always a nice thing to get from a goaltender."

Tyson Sexsmith was nearly flawless on
every shot he saw, recording 31 saves.
(photo by Sean Blair)

The Thunder came out rolling with the first two goals of the game. Jones, a recent free agent signee after starting his career on an NHL contract with the San Jose Sharks, put the Thunder ahead 1-0 on a power-play goal with 12:19 left in the opening period by knocking a shot from mid-air past goaltender Travis Yonkman, after Alaska failed on several clearing attempts.

Lawrence boosted the lead to 2-0 with nine minutes left when he hammered a slapshot from the right circle past Yonkman, all set up by Daryl Marcoux's feed.

Sexsmith a third round draftee of the San Jose Sharks in 2007, settled in by stopping all 11 shots he saw in the first period.

Alaska sliced the gap in half just 11 seconds into the second period when Garry Nunn converted off a late two-on-none break, slipping Scott Burt's feed into a near wide open net.

Rookie Sean Menton restored the two-goal cushion just 1:09 later when he collected his first goal of the preseason. Craig Valette set up the chance by barely missing wide of the net off the rush from the left wing, but Menton parked the rebound, which caromed hard off the boards, past a twisting Yonkman.

Sexsmith kept Alaska at bay with nine saves in the final period for the victory.

NOTES: The Thunder scratched Ryan Constant, Chris D'Alvise, Shane Ferguson and Steve Vanoosten ... the Thunder wore special preseason jerseys which will be auctioned off after Friday's home game against the Ontario Reign ... the Thunder officially converted at 2-for-5 on the power play and nearly had a third power-play goal just after an Aces penalty expired (Lawrence goal) ... Yonkman took the loss for Alaska in net with 22 stops.

Stockton and Alaska will square off in a rematch on Wednesday night at Sullivan Arena, beginning at 8:15 p.m. Opening Night is Friday, Oct. 15, when the Thunder opens the 2010-11 regular season at home against the Ontario Reign, starting at 7:30 p.m. at Stockton Arena.

A two-time recipient of the ECHL "Award of Excellence," Thunder was voted "Best Local Sports Team" by readers of the San Joaquin Magazine, led the ECHL in attendance for four consecutive seasons and drew over 200,000 fans for the fifth consecutive season in 2009-10. Season Tickets, mini-plans and individual tickets for 2010-11 are on sale now. For more information about tickets, merchandise, or other inquiries contact the Stockton Thunder offices at (209) 373-1500 or visit http://www.stocktonthunder.com/.

-Written by the Stockton Thunder-

*posted by OilersJambalaya.com with the permission of the Stockton Thunder hockey club*

Friday, October 1, 2010

Stockton Thunder, Why?

I wanted to introduce myself to the Oilers Jambalaya readers so they could get a feel of where I'm coming from when I write about the Stockton Thunder. I still feel like a "newbie" fan. I got hooked on hockey a few years ago after watching Dallas Stars goalie Marty Turco in net on television (during a free preview of Center Ice) and have been obsessed with the sport, and goalies, ever since. And because of my obsession, my boyfriend and some friends eventually took me to the Stockton Arena to see my first live hockey game.

If I remember correctly, the Idaho Steelheads were in town to play the Stockton Thunder. My friends and I sat in the upper level seats, right behind the goal where the Thunder shoots twice. The speed of the skaters, bodies smashing against glass, puck ricocheting around the rink, and the applause from the crowd was and still is intoxicating.

I attended a few more games after that and eventually became a season ticketholder. I've been a season ticketholder for three years and have been lucky to see some amazing talent on the ice. NHL and AHL games are exciting to watch live, but there's something different about ECHL games that I absolutely love.

It's hard to pinpoint exactly what that is. These minor league teams are operating on tight budgets. There are players from all walks of life-fresh out of college, veterans that were drafted by an NHL team but never got to play in the big show, guys that were sent down from an AHL team for more training/experience, etc. These guys aren't making big bucks in the ECHL, but they play grittier and they play hard and for the love of the game-only a small percentage of people make it into the NHL and these guys are aware of that.

What I find really special about the Stockton Thunder is that despite the economy and the newness of the sport in this region (even with the San Jose Sharks nearby), this team gets a large, rowdy crowd night after night. Players love it here, and I hear great compliments about the arena and city from even the opponents' fans.

I hope I can do the Thunder some justice by being able to share information with the readers. Check back soon for more about Coach Thomas' new (and evolving) 2010-2011 Stockton Thunder.

Thanks for reading!

--Lyndall

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Jason Pitton Returns to the Stockton Thunder / #StkThunder


09/28/2010 10:21 AM - Forward is eighth to return from last year's Conference Finals squad

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MORE: JASON PITTON CAREER STATISTICS
VIDEO: (Coming soon) Matt Thomas comments on bringing back Jason Pitton

STOCKTON, Calif. - The Stockton Thunder, proud ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League's Edmonton Oilers and San Jose Sharks, and Thunder head coach Matt Thomas announced today the team has re-signed left winger Jason Pitton (PITT-in). Per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Pitton, 24, is the eighth player to return from last year's Thunder team that advanced to the National Conference Finals for the first time.

"Jason became a key contributor to our success and everyone remembers how much of a force he was in our playoff run last season," said Thomas. "He's a big body, a great skater, has a great set of hands and brings quite a bit of toughness to our identity. We want to be a big, strong team that can score goals, make you pay physically and he fits that identity to a 'T' with his playing style."

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Jason Pitton (17) lays a check into Logan MacMillan of the Bakersfield Condors. (photo by Sean Blair)
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The 6-foot-2, 230-pound forward was selected by the New York Islanders in the eighth round (244th overall) in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft and enjoyed a career-high 11 goals and 24 points (11g-13a) in 38 ECHL games. He led the Thunder with seven goals in the Kelly Cup Playoffs and totaled 14 points (7g-7a) in 15 postseason games.

Currently, he is attending AHL training camp with the Manitoba Moose and was signed by Springfield on Jan. 21 on a professional tryout agreement last season. He suited up 25 AHL games, scoring one goal, one assist and adding 22 penalty minutes.

The Brampton, Ontario native has collected 37 career points (16g-21a) in 61 ECHL games with Stockton and Utah. In 161 career games in the AHL, Pitton has registered 24 goals, 54 points (24g-30a) and 198 penalty minutes with Bridgeport and Springfield.

"It wasn't too hard of a decision to come back considering I had such a great time last year with our great group of guys in the room, the fans and the enjoyable experience of playing in Stockton night in and night out," said Pitton. "I know with Matt Thomas and Matt O'Dette back here again, we'll have that same type of feel to it. I've been working off the ice at refining my physical conditioning and on the ice with my hands, and I can't wait use that to contribute offensively."

Pitton scored 60 goals, 104 points (60g-44a) and collected 122 penalty minutes in 204 career games through four seasons (2002-06) in the Ontario Hockey League with Sault Ste. Marie and Guelph.

OPENING NIGHT AND TICKET INFORMATION

Opening Night is Friday, Oct. 15, when the Thunder opens the 2010-11 regular season at home against the Ontario Reign, starting at 7:30 p.m. at Stockton Arena. The Thunder and Alaska Aces meet in the preseason opener on Oct. 5 at Sullivan Arena, beginning at 8:15 p.m. The Thunder and Ontario Reign square off in the only preseason game at Stockton Arena on Friday, Oct. 8 at 7:30 p.m.

Training camp opens Sunday, Oct. 3 at Stockton Arena, beginning at 5:00 p.m.

A two-time recipient of the ECHL "Award of Excellence," Thunder was voted "Best Local Sports Team" by readers of the San Joaquin Magazine, led the ECHL in attendance for four consecutive seasons and drew over 200,000 fans for the fifth consecutive season in 2009-10. Season Tickets and mini-plans for 2010-11 are on sale now. For more information about tickets, merchandise, or other inquiries contact the Stockton Thunder offices at (209) 373-1500 or visit http://www.stocktonthunder.com/.

-Written by the Stockton Thunder-

*Reprinted by OilersJambalaya.com with permission from the Stockton Thunder hockey club*

Monday, September 27, 2010

California Natives Among Five to Main Camp In Stockton / #StkThunder


09/27/2010 12:32 PM - Four with California connections among those earning training camp invites

 
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VIDEO: Sanders, Watson Comments after Friday session

  
STOCKTON, Calif. - The Stockton Thunder, proud ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League's Edmonton Oilers and San Jose Sharks, announced the following five player have been extended and accepted training camp tryout agreement offers from the Thunder Free Agent Tryout Camp, which concluded on Sunday:

 
Brian Cooke (D) - Los Angeles, Calif.

Jason Lindner (G) - North Vancouver, B.C.

Sean Menton (RW) - Monrovia, Calif.

Drew Sanders (F) - Modesto, Calif.

Marcus Watson (C) - San Jose, Calif.

 
Cooke, a 6-foot-2, 198-pound defenseman, skated as a red shirt freshman for the hockey program at Wayne State University (NCAA) in 2006-07 before the team disbanded and previously was a first team All-star defenseman (South Division) for the Bridgewater Bandits Junior A team of the Eastern Junior Hockey League. A native of Los Angeles, he served as a Head Counselor for the Los Angeles Kings "Kings Camp 2010" during the summer and ended his Amateur hockey career with the LA Kings Midget AAA Major team.

 
Lindner, a 6-foot, 185-pound goaltender, suited up for Utah Valley University of the American Collegiate Hockey Association and spent two years each with the Weyburn Red Wings Junior A and Delta Ice Hawks Junior B teams. During the 06-07 season with Weyburn, he ranked third in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League with 2,753 minutes while recording a .903 save percentage and one shutout in 56 games. He served as a referee last season in the Pacific International Junior Hockey League.

 
Menton, a 5-foot-8, 180-pound forward, suited up in six games for the Merritt Centennials of the British Columbia Hockey League last season and recorded two penalty minutes. The 21-year old also skated for Salem of the Empire Junior Hockey League in 2007-08 and recorded nine points (4g-5a) and 47 penalty minutes in 37 games. He was also named Player of the Game in three contest of the Provincial Championships in Alberta with the North Peace Navigators and scored two goals and added an assist in three games.

 
Sanders, a 5-foot-8, 175-pound forward, returns to Thunder training camp for the second time in his career after skating with the team and suiting up in one preseason game in 2007-08. The 27-year old last suited up for the Jersey Rockhoppers of the Eastern Professional Hockey League in 2008-09, ranking tied for second on the team with 41 assists and fourth in scoring with 58 points (17g-41a) in 50 games.

 
The Modesto native attended local Fred C. Beyer High School and appeared in 129 career games at Sacred Heart University (NCAA) while scoring 26 career points (5g-21a) with 82 penalty minutes. He skated for the local Stockton Colts youth hockey program for two seasons (1992-94).

 
Watson, a San Jose native, has suited up in 103 career junior games in the Western Hockey League with the Prince George Cougars, scoring 27 points (10g-17a) and adding 50 penalty minutes. The 6-foot-2, 198-pound pivot also added an assist and four penalty minutes in six games with Moncton of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League in 2006-07. His experience includes an invite to San Jose Sharks development camp in 2007 and participating in the Junior Sharks program.

 
Training camp opens at Stockton Arena at Sunday, Oct. 3 at 5:00 p.m. A full camp roster will be announced soon.

 
OPENING NIGHT AND TICKET INFORMATION
Opening Night is Friday, Oct. 15, when the Thunder opens the 2010-11 regular season at home against the Ontario Reign, starting at 7:30 p.m. at Stockton Arena. The Thunder and Alaska Aces meet in the preseason opener on Oct. 5 at Sullivan Arena, beginning at 8:15 p.m. The Thunder and Ontario Reign square off in the only preseason game at Stockton Arena on Friday, Oct. 8 at 7:30 p.m.

 
A two-time recipient of the ECHL "Award of Excellence," Thunder was voted "Best Local Sports Team" by readers of the San Joaquin Magazine, led the ECHL in attendance for four consecutive seasons and drew over 200,000 fans for the fifth consecutive season in 2009-10. Season Tickets and mini-plans for 2010-11 are on sale now. For more information about tickets, merchandise, or other inquiries contact the Stockton Thunder offices at (209) 373-1500 or visit http://www.stocktonthunder.com/.

-Written by the Stockton Thunder-

 

Monday, September 20, 2010

Stockton Thunder / Training Camp Time! / #StkThunder


09/17/2010 4:34 PM -
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OILERS: Complete 2010-11 Training Camp coverage
SHARKS: Complete 2010-11 Training Camp coverage

VIDEO: Bryan Pitton's pregame comments before Wednesday night
VIDEO: Jordan Bendfeld and "Fight Club"
VIDEO: Mike Benton joins Worcester Sharks head coach Roy Sommer
MORE: German connection hits Sharks camp

Summer is finally over. Both affiliates, the Edmonton Oilers and San Jose Sharks, hit the ice beginning Saturday to open 2010-11 main training camps. The Thunder has you covered to keep in the know of all things Oil Country and Team Teal.

Both the Oilers and Sharks finished 2-1 in the round robin format of the 2010 Vancouver Canucks YoungStars Tournament in Penticton, B.C.

Bryan Pitton, shown practicing
with the Oilers, is one of two
players with Thunder experience
in NHL Training Camp.
(photo by Andy Devlin/EOHC)
Two players with experience in a Thunder uniform, goaltender Bryan Pitton and defenseman Jordan Bendfeld, are participating in NHL Training Camp starting this weekend.

Bendfeld, 22, was selected in the seventh round (193rd overall) of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft by Edmonton and has skated in 69 career games for the Thunder over the last two seasons (2008-10), scoring 13 points (1g-12a) while posting 116 penalty minutes. He recorded five points (1g-4a) and a +10 rating in 15 Kelly Cup Playoff games last season.

Bendfeld had 15 penalty minutes in two games, against Calgary and San Jose, during the tournament for the Oilers.

Pitton, 22, was selected by the Oilers in the fifth round (133rd overall) in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft and is 18-28-6 with a 3.18 goals-against-average and .901 save percentage in 56 lifetime games with Stockton. Last season, he earned two separate recalls directly to Edmonton and left the ECHL on Feb. 1 on a recall to Springfield of the AHL by ranking second in the league with a .921 save percentage.

Pitton stopped 26 shots on Wednesday against San Jose, his only apperance of the tournament.

The 6-foot-2, 176-pound goaltender broke a Thunder playoff record last year with 49 saves in Game 3 of the National Conference Final, a 1-0 win in triple overtime against the Idaho Steelheads for his first career playoff shutout.

Thunder radio play-by-play announcer Mike Benton, on-site for the tournament's webcast coverage, contributed with reports for the Sharks website, http://www.sjsharks.com/.

-Written by the Stockton Thunder-

Friday, September 10, 2010

Thunder Well Represented at Rookie Tourney / #StkThunder


09/10/2010 10:49 AM -
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MORE: ECHL.com coverage
MORE: Team-by-team breakdown
MORE: Edmonton Oilers official website coverage
MORE: San Jose Sharks official website coverage

STOCKTON, Calif. - The Stockton Thunder will be represented by two players and a staff member at the NHL Young Stars Tournament in Penticton, BC from September 12-16, 2010 at the South Okanagan Events Centre.

The eight-game tournament will feature players from the Calgary Flames, Anaheim Ducks, Edmonton Oilers, San Jose Sharks and host team Vancouver Canucks.
Goaltender Bryan Pitton and defenseman Jordan Bendfeld will be suiting up for the Edmonton Oilers.

Pitton has played for Stockton the last two years, going 9-9-3 with a .921 save percentage in 2009-10, and on two occasions was named ECHL Goaltender of the Week. The 22 year old was a fifth round selection (133rd overall) of the Oilers in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft.

Bendfeld also has played for Stockton each of the last two seasons. He appeared in 52 games with the Thunder in 2009-10 notching 10 assists and added five points (1g-4a) in 15 Kelly Cup Playoffs games as the Thunder advanced to the Conference Finals for the first time in team history. The 22 year old was selected by the Oilers in the seventh round (193rd overall) of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.

Thunder radio play-by-play announcer Mike Benton, who is entering his sixth season with the club, will be serving on the broadcast team for webcast coverage for five games during the tournament, while also contributing with video and written features for the official website of the San Jose Sharks, http://www.sjsharks.com/ .

Thursday, September 2, 2010

From One Ben To The Other / Stockton Thunder Change Equipment Managers / #StkThunder


09/01/2010 1:28 PM -

Ben Laing (left), who is taking a post in the American Hockey League, helps goaltender Bryan Pitton during Game 3 of the 2010 National Conference Final. (photo by George Steckler)

Laing was recently named 2009-10 ECHL Equipment Manager of the Year; Calkins brings American Hockey League and college experience

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STOCKTON, Calif. - The Stockton Thunder, proud ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League's Edmonton Oilers and San Jose Sharks, and head coach Matt Thomas announced today that Ben Laing has been named head equipment manager for the Portland Pirates of the American Hockey League, and Ben Calkins has been named new head equipment manager of the Thunder.

Calkins, 23, succeeds Laing and is the third equipment manager in Thunder history, joining the club after serving SUNY Plattsburgh (NCAA) as Student Equipment Manager for five seasons (2005-10).

"Ben Laing's promotion is very well deserved and it embodies what our league is all about in regards to career advancement," said Thomas. "He is one of the youngest, top notch equipment managers in our game and has a bright future ahead of him. We're looking forward to Ben Calkins' contributions to our hockey staff. He comes highly recommended from close contacts in the NHL circle and his experience at numerous levels will be valuable in making a seamless transition."

Ben Calkins
The native of Webster, N.Y. will handle management of all day-to-day equipment-related duties of the Thunder dressing room, including maintenance and inventory preservation of team supplies while assisting the hockey operations department with administrative duties and supervision of Thunder game day equipment staff.

Calkins, who has served at both the professional and college level, also garnered experience in the American Hockey League as an Equipment Assistant for the Rochester Americans for seven years (1998-2005).

He was a double-major at SUNY Plattsburgh, receiving his Bachelor of Science degrees in Business and Supply Chain Management in May 2010.

Laing, 27, was named Thunder head equipment manager on Aug. 27, 2009 and earned the ECHL Equipment Manager of the Year award last week on Aug. 6 after completing his second year of service at the professional level, originally breaking into the ECHL with Fresno in 2008-09.

He will administer all equipment related duties for Portland and assist their NHL affiliate, the Buffalo Sabres, with equipment services during the NHL training camp period.

"I would like to thank the entire Stockton Thunder organization for an amazing year," said Laing. "I will never forget the time I spent here. Matt Thomas deserves many thanks for giving me the opportunity to serve on his staff. Stockton is a truly a first class organization and I wish everyone the best in the future."

"I would like to thank Dan Chapman, Matt Thomas, Matt O'Dette and the Thunder organization for granting the opportunity for me to take the next step in my career," said Calkins. "It's an honor to follow in Ben Laing's footsteps and his hard work is an inspiration for the example he set. I'm looking forward to helping serve a first rate team like the Thunder, that has embraced the support of its community and strives to be competitive every year."

OPENING NIGHT AND TICKET INFORMATION

Opening Night is Friday, Oct. 15, when the Thunder opens the 2010-11 regular season at home against the Ontario Reign, starting at 7:30 p.m. at Stockton Arena.

The Thunder are freezing Season Ticket Prices for the 2010-11 season, which are on sale now can be purchased by calling (209) 373-1500 or by visiting http://www.stocktonthunder.com/. Thunder Season Ticket Holders enjoy the highest-demanded seating locations in Stockton Arena, preferred parking options, benefits including admission to Season Ticket Holder-only events, discount opportunities on Thunder merchandise, a free e-newsletter, an exclusive gift, admission to the first two rounds of the Kelly Cup Playoffs and more. Information on individual and group tickets will be announced soon.

A two-time recipient of the ECHL "Award of Excellence," Thunder was voted "Best Local Sports Team" by readers of the San Joaquin Magazine, led the ECHL in attendance for four consecutive seasons and drew over 200,000 fans for the fifth consecutive season in 2009-10. Season Tickets and mini-plans for 2010-11 are on sale now. For more information about tickets, merchandise, or other inquiries contact the Stockton Thunder offices at (209) 373-1500 or visit http://www.stocktonthunder.com/.

-Written by the Stockton Thunder-

Friday, August 27, 2010

Stockton Thunder Makes Trade With Greenville / #StkThunder


08/26/2010 1:00 PM - McKenzie, acquired for Igor Gongalsky, was Ottawa draft selection in 2004 and has 64 games experience in AHL
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MORE: JIM McKENZIE CAREER STATISTICS
VIDEO: Matt O'Dette discusses Jim McKenzie for Igor Gongalsky deal

STOCKTON, Calif. - The Stockton Thunder, proud ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League's Edmonton Oilers and San Jose Sharks, has acquired right wing Jim McKenzie from the Greenville Road Warriors in exchange for left wing Igor Gongalsky (gawn-GALL-skee), Thunder head coach Matt Thomas announced today.

Jim McKenzie(photo by Andre Ringuette
/NHLi via Getty Images)
"Jim is a player possessing a large frame and impressive offensive tools that fit the role of an imposing power forward," said Thomas. "In the last few seasons, he has demonstrated the knack for scoring and contains upside to his game that has already been proven with significant playing time in the American Hockey League. We're excited about how he fits with our physical, in-your-face team identity."

McKenzie, 26, was originally selected by the Ottawa Senators in the fifth round (141st overall) of the 2004 NHL Entry Draft and has appeared in 98 career games in the ECHL, spanning two seasons (2007-08, 2009-10) with the Elmira Jackals and Johnstown Chiefs, scoring 25 goals and 59 points (25g-34a) while collecting 150 penalty minutes. He has one goal in six career Kelly Cup Playoff games.

Last year, the 6-foot-2, 210-pound winger posted career-highs in goals (16), assists (24) and points (40) in 55 games for Johnstown.

McKenzie has also skated in 64 career games throughout three seasons (2007-10) in the AHL with the Binghamton Senators and Lake Erie Monsters, scoring eight points (3g-5a) while posting 33 penalty minutes.

The St. Paul, Minn. native played in 112 career college games with Michigan State University (NCAA), spanning three years (2004-07) while scoring 34 goals and 76 points (34g-42a). He achieved career-highs as a 2006-07 junior when he scored 30 points (12g-18a) in 35 games for the Spartans.

Gongalsky, 24, has appeared in 176 career games in the ECHL with the Thunder and Fresno Falcons and in the AHL with the San Antonio Rampage, scoring 104 points (42g-62a) and posting 358 penalty minutes.

A selection to the National Conference All-Star roster in 2008, he scored 14 goals, 31 points (14g-17a) in 55 games for the Thunder and added nine points (2g-7a) in 14 playoff games last season.

OPENING NIGHT AND TICKET INFORMATION

Opening Night is Friday, Oct. 15, when the Thunder opens the 2010-11 regular season at home against the Ontario Reign, starting at 7:30 p.m. at Stockton Arena. The Thunder and Alaska Aces meet in the preseason opener on Oct. 5 at Sullivan Arena, beginning at 8:15 p.m. The Thunder and Ontario Reign square off in the only preseason game at Stockton Arena on Friday, Oct. 8 at 7:30 p.m.

The Thunder are freezing Season Ticket Prices for the 2010-11 season, which are on sale now can be purchased by calling (209) 373-1500 or by visiting http://www.stocktonthunder.com/. Thunder Season Ticket Holders enjoy the highest-demanded seating locations in Stockton Arena, preferred parking options, benefits including admission to Season Ticket Holder-only events, discount opportunities on Thunder merchandise, a free e-newsletter, an exclusive gift, admission to the first two rounds of the Kelly Cup Playoffs and more. Information on individual and group tickets will be announced soon.

A two-time recipient of the ECHL "Award of Excellence," Thunder was voted "Best Local Sports Team" by readers of the San Joaquin Magazine, led the ECHL in attendance for four consecutive seasons and drew over 200,000 fans for the fifth consecutive season in 2009-10. Season Tickets and mini-plans for 2010-11 are on sale now. For more information about tickets, merchandise, or other inquiries contact the Stockton Thunder offices at (209) 373-1500 or visit http://www.stocktonthunder.com/.

-Written by the Stockton Thunder-

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

The Stockton Thunder Back In The Hunt(s) / #StkThunder


08/25/2010 10:49 AM - Two-time "Fan Favorite" Award Recipient Garet Hunt, brother Trevor return to Stockton for 2010-11

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MORE: GARET HUNT CAREER STATISTICS
MORE: TREVOR HUNT CAREER STATISTICS
VIDEO: Matt Thomas Discusses the Return of Garet and Trevor Hunt
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Garet Hunt (right) scraps with Brendan Milnamow of the Idaho Steelheads. (photo by Sean Blair)

STOCKTON, Calif. - The Stockton Thunder, proud ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League's Edmonton Oilers and San Jose Sharks, and head coach Matt Thomas announced today the team has signed unrestricted free agent left wing Garet Hunt and rookie defenseman Trevor Hunt. Per club policy, terms of the deals were not disclosed.

The transaction reunites the brothers, who played together on the Thunder 2009-10 squad that made its first appearance in the Conference Final. They have increased the total to five players returning from last season's team.

"Garet brings back familiar elements of energy, work ethic and fearlessness that are vital supplements for our team and have deservedly earned the admiration of our fan base," said Thomas. "He provides energy with the way his style rubs off on the rest of our group. He's handled his role as a true professional and realizes how it fits into our scheme, but is aware of the possibilities for his continued development."

Of Trevor Hunt, Thomas said, "Trevor enters his first full season with a lot of promise and potential. We were impressed with how he handled the professional environment coming out of college last year and we're looking for him to contribute with a solid, two-way style, similar to what Ryan Constant has provided over the last two seasons. He won't back down physically, is capable of handling the puck and possesses a hard shot from the point that we're excited to continue developing."

Garet, 22, will be entering his third season as a member of the Thunder and has been the recipient of the Thunder "Fan Favorite" Award for two consecutive seasons. He has spent his entire ECHL career of two seasons (2008-10) in a Thunder uniform, suiting up in 115 career games, scoring 28 points (10g-18a) while ranking second on the Thunder all-time list with 463 penalty minutes.

The 5-foot-8, 190-pound forward has also appeared in 26 lifetime Kelly Cup Games, scoring eight points (6g-2a) and totaling 30 penalty minutes.

Last season, Garet led the Thunder with 215 penalty minutes in 52 games and added five goals and 12 points (5g-7a). He scored four points (2g-2a) in 12 Kelly Cup Playoff games, including a game-winning goal.

In 193 career games, spanning four seasons (2004-08) in the Western Hockey League with the Vancouver Giants, he collected 542 penalty minutes and 41 points (16g-25a).

"I wanted to come back to Stockton because of many factors," said Garet. "I'm really looking forward to a special opportunity in playing alongside my brother. The fan support at Stockton Arena is second to none and I've really enjoyed my role and the opportunities to grow under Coach Thomas' style. He gives us a chance to win the Kelly Cup and that's the ultimate goal. I've got a good feeling about our chances this year."

"I'm looking forward to playing with Garet and enjoying that opportunity for the whole season," said Trevor. "From the time I spent in Stockton, late last season, the feel I got from the fans and community was incredible. It makes me excited for the upcoming year. I'm looking forward to contributing by playing a defensively sound, physical style and generating offense when the chances come my way."
Trevor Hunt generated two
assists in 8 ECHL games
from the blueline, coming
out of college.
(photo by George Steckler)


Trevor, 24, will enter his first full season of professional hockey after originally signing an amateur tryout contract with the Thunder on March 17, 2010 and notching two assists and 15 penalty minutes in eight ECHL games.

Previously, the 5-foot-10, 190-pound blueliner spent all four seasons (2006-10) of his college hockey career at the University of Alaska-Anchorage (NCAA), suiting up in 100 games for the Seawolves while totaling 22 points (5g-17a) and 114 penalty minutes.

As a 2008-09 junior, he recorded a career-high 12 points (4g-8a), four goals and eight assists in 36 games.

OPENING NIGHT AND TICKET INFORMATION
Opening Night is Friday, Oct. 15, when the Thunder opens the 2010-11 regular season at home against the Ontario Reign, starting at 7:30 p.m. at Stockton Arena. The Thunder and Alaska Aces meet in the preseason opener on Oct. 5 at Sullivan Arena, beginning at 8:15 p.m. The Thunder and Ontario Reign square off in the only preseason game at Stockton Arena on Friday, Oct. 8 at 7:30 p.m.

The Thunder are freezing Season Ticket Prices for the 2010-11 season, which are on sale now can be purchased by calling (209) 373-1500 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (209) 373-1500 end_of_the_skype_highlighting or by visiting http://www.stocktonthunder.com/. Thunder Season Ticket Holders enjoy the highest-demanded seating locations in Stockton Arena, preferred parking options, benefits including admission to Season Ticket Holder-only events, discount opportunities on Thunder merchandise, a free e-newsletter, an exclusive gift, admission to the first two rounds of the Kelly Cup Playoffs and more. Information on individual and group tickets will be announced soon.

A two-time recipient of the ECHL "Award of Excellence," Thunder was voted "Best Local Sports Team" by readers of the San Joaquin Magazine, led the ECHL in attendance for four consecutive seasons and drew over 200,000 fans for the fifth consecutive season in 2009-10. Season Tickets and mini-plans for 2010-11 are on sale now. For more information about tickets, merchandise, or other inquiries contact the Stockton Thunder offices at (209) 373-1500 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (209) 373-1500 end_of_the_skype_highlighting or visit http://www.stocktonthunder.com/.

-Written by the Stocktn Thunder-

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