STOCKTON,
Thunder President Dan Chapman led the conference with a few opening comments. “We are happy to have the Oilers back on board for a fifth consecutive season. They are committed and dedicated to the development of their young players. While at the same time committed to helping us form a winning team.”
“We are very, very happy to have the Sharks on board as well, and geographically it makes a lot of sense.” Chapman added.
Getting the Oiler’s affiliation agreement in place was among Thunder head coach Matt Thomas’ first priorities of the summer. The added bonus of the Sharks’ agreement just made it that much sweeter for him and the team.
“We were that close to winning the championship. Last year being only two wins away from the finals. I think we needed a little bit of a push,” Said Thomas, of the potential that both the Oilers and Sharks can bring the Thunder this up-coming season. “We are looking forward to the season.”
Rick Olczyk, Oilers assistant general manager, said of the agreement, “I’m looking forward to this upcoming year with Coach Thomas. He’s been nothing but professional. We emphasize two principles in our organization; development and winning. Certainly Matt instills those principles on a daily basis.”
There have been seven players from the Thunder organization that have gone on to play in the NHL over the last five seasons. Eight of the players on the final season roster were contract players affiliated with the Oilers.
San Jose Sharks executive vice president and general manager Doug Wilson remarked, “We are very excited to add the Stockton Thunder as our ECHL development affiliate. The Thunder have really fostered a great tradition of success on and off the ice. For us, it makes perfect sense for our franchise to partner with them, since we are located about 80 miles apart.”
“I’m excited about getting back to work with Matt Thomas,” said Sharks vice president and assistant general manager Wayne Thomas. “There are three things we look at; a stable professional organization, a place where hockey is important in the community, and entrusting players with the coach.”
The radio voice of the Sharks, Dan Rusanowsky, remarked about the record the Thunder has with the Oilers. “It all comes back to the fans; and the fact that they are so passionate and their love for the game of hockey.”
Coach Thomas elaborated on the advantages this brings. “I think it helps to create a culture. It gives a player a hope to move up. Aligning with two great teams that have a winning history is a benefit.”
Thomas can’t forecast the number of contract players from either organization that may be assigned to the Thunder. He’s certainly pleased with the prospect of rounding out his free-agent roster with contracted players. He also added that announcements of signings now may slow down, until after the AHL training camp completes. Perhaps then he’ll have a better idea of how many players he’ll have.
In addition to these agreements, the Worchester Sharks and the Oklahoma City Barons are the AHL team affiliates to the San Jose Sharks and the Edmonton Oilers respectively.
The Stockton Thunder kick-off the 2010-11 season on Friday, October 15, when they host the Ontario Reign.
Contact the writer at Shellie.Lima@prohockeynews.com
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