Stockton’s Rookie, Chris D’Alvise

STOCKTON, Calif. – Stockton Thunder’s Center Chris D’Alvise is relishing each game as a rookie. Since signing as a free-agent, D’Alvise has celebrated two-hat tricks, earned a spot on the ECHL All-Star team and is third on the Thunder in points, and seventh in the league among rookies since the season began. D’Alvise, aged 24, has appeared in all but three games this season, scoring 23 goals and 21 assists, 30 penalty minutes and is a plus 12 to date.   D’Alvise played NCAA hockey with Clarkson University (2005-09), while completing a bachelor’s degree in business.   He skated in 145 games, tallying a combined 105 points (49 goals, 56 assists) and 117 penalty minutes.   He appeared in two NCAA “frozen four” tournaments.   In his junior year, he celebrated a career high 29 points (12 goals, 17 assists) in 39 games.   In early January, D’Alvise represented the Thunder for the National Conference in the ECHL All-Star game and was credited with an assist.   He said it was a great opportunity and he enjoyed getting to meet the players from other teams, which he would not have been able to do otherwise.  Thunder Coach Matt Thomas spoke about D’Alvise regarding his selection to the All-Star team last month. “He had a great start this season; a slow November. But he picked it up. He’s a hard worker and doesn’t worry about things he can’t control, it’s refreshing. He absolutely deserves this shot.”   D’Alvise began playing hockey as a youngster, like many kids in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada.   He began skating on teams when he was about six years old.   His parents encouraged his participation in several sports, which led to playing basketball, baseball and even football, in addition to hockey, though hockey turned out to be his sport of choice.   D’Alvise must have hockey in his genes.   His father, Daniel, was a member of the 1980 Canadian Olympic team and played in a European hockey league, as well.   Which goes without saying, that young D’Alvise said he’s been watching the Olympics closely this year too.   Stockton is located in northern California, between the ocean and the beautiful Sierra’s.   The weather is generally mild, though there’s lots of fog in the winter, there’s rarely a drop of snow or ice.   When asked his impression of the area, he replied, “I like it here. The weather is better than at home.”   But he added that it is “not quite hot enough for him to play golf yet”, like many of his teammates, but he does enjoy playing basketball.   Most of the time, D’Alvise can be found just lounging around the house on his off-days, and admits he likes to watch TV and listen to hip-hop music.     D’Alvise said he didn’t really follow a hockey team, but is a football fan. As a child, his father used to take him to see the Buffalo Bills play football, so that remains a favorite of his too.     One of his favorite places to visit when on the road as a member of the Thunder is Victoria, British Columbia, to play the Salmon Kings.   As a Canadian native, he said it’s as close to coming home as he gets to, since he’s working in California.   When it comes to his own personal expectations for himself, he shrugged and thought a moment, quietly saying, “I’d like to get 35 goals by the end of the season.”   There’s a good possibility he’s on track to do just that and more.   D’Alvise tallied 14 points in eleven games during January and February, including a six game streak of eight goals, and there are still plenty of games to go in the season.  On the outside, D’Alvise could blend in well with most young men his age. But on the ice, he’s aggressive and powerful.   He seems to have what it takes, whether it’s inherited from a family of hockey players, or just natural instinct, it doesn’t seem to matter to him. He’s well-grounded and has a promising career ahead of him.   Stockton is currently in second place in the Pacific Division and fifth in the National Conference, with 25-22-2-6 to date.   They’ve been struggling over the last few games, and have a 4-5-0-1 record for their last ten games. During March the home crowd will be happy since there are 11 of 14 games at home. Stockton is currently in third place in average attendance, with 5,934.   They won the attendance records for the last four consecutive years and are on track to make it a fifth.   Contact the writer at Shellie.Lima@prohockeynews.com Contact the photographer at Jack.Lima@prohockeynews.com