STOCKTON, Ca – The Stockton Thunder announced today they have entered into a working agreement for the duration of the 2009-2010 season with the San Jose Sharks. The agreement will supplement the Thunder’s continuing working affiliation with the Edmonton Oilers and the Springfield Falcons of the AHL.
The Thunder Organization marks their fifth year in Stockton and has led the ECHL in fan attendance over each of their past four years. The geographical location of Stockton also makes this relationship beneficial to both teams since Stockton is about 80 miles northeast of San Jose. The Stockton Thunder is also a two-time recipient of the ECHL “Award of Excellence”.
Since beginning their partnership with Edmonton have advanced to the Kelly Cup Playoffs for three consecutive years and seven former Thunder players have gone to play in the NHL. Those include wings Troy Bodie, Colin McDonald, Liam Redox, centers Ryan O’Marra and Tim Sesito, goaltender Devan Dubnyk, and defenseman Bryan Young.
The Sharks had been associated with the Phoenix Roadrunners and the Fresno Falcons at different times in the past decade, but since both teams folded last season, they have not had a west coast ECHL affiliate this season. Stockton Coach Matt Thomas is familiar with the Sharks organization since he was the skipper of the Fresno organization when they worked with the Sharks in the past, prior to moving to Stockton. Presently the Stockton Thunder is part of the Pacific Division of the National Conference within the ECHL and is in a tie for second place with 31 points with Las Vegas Wranglers and the Ontario Reign. The leader, Bakersfield Condors, has a solid lead with 42. The Thunder is second league-wide in attendance with 6, 006 average, after thirteen home games, and trails Ontario by less than 450 fans overall.
Contact shellie.lima@prohockeynes.co
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