BAKERSFIELD, Ca – Tonight will be the final opportunity for the Stockton Thunder Coach to get a pre-season game action look at roster hopefuls. The Thunder has about 30 guys on the training camp roster and Coach Matt Thomas is hoping the guys that showed promise during practice can continue to contribute to the team during a game.
The Thunder will play at Rabobank Arena against their closest rival, the Bakersfield Condors. Of the players in camp, are two former Condors, Steve Slonina (07-08) and Luis Tremblay (04-05).
Matt Thomas will be assisted by player/assistant coach, former Thunder Captain Matt O’Dette. The Thunder is among other ECHL teams that have opted to use player/coaches to cut costs. “This is a great opportunity to learn from a great coach, and gives me a chance to keep playing some too,” said O’Dette.
Matt O%27Dette
O’Dette didn’t know how many games he’d see action in, but added, “it all depends on how I feel and if there are many call-ups to Edmonton by our players.”
When asked what differences he’s expecting, he remarked, “It’s going to definitely be different for me, and there will be a fine line between being a friend to players and my coaching responsibilities. But I’m fortunate to have been the Captain in the past, so I think that gives me a little credibility with the guys. I’m excited to do it.”
There are about ten players on the training camp roster that have never seen professional action; of those, Chris D’Alvise suited up in the 3-1 pre-season loss Thursday night. D’Alvise played center for Clarkson University (NCAA) for the last four years. After college, in March he signed as a free agent and skated in four games with the Cincinnati Cyclones, earning three assists.
Chris D%27Alvise
Second season goalie, Andrew Perugini is excited to be back here. He participated in Springfield’s rookie camp earlier, and is scheduled to be in the net tonight. Perugini was injured in the first round of last years playoff games, and was forced to sit out most of the rest of the season. It was a “tough break being injured in the playoffs. It set me back a bit.” But says he’s ready to get back on the ice this year.
This pre-season, Perugini said he was working on reading the game and his positioning as a goalie. “Players do things a lot faster [at the ECHL level] than the junior level.”
Goalie Andrew Perugini
Last years fan favorite, Garet Hunt is back on the Thunder line-up. In Thursday’s game, Hunt was involved in a skirmish with Condor’s Nick Kemp, earning five for fighting. Last season, Hunt finished the season in second place in the league with 248 penalty minutes.
Hunt says it’s different this year; his second season in the pro’s. He adds about this pre-season, “I feel a lot more confident on the ice.”
During the summer, Hunt spent about 2 ½ hours per day in the gym working out with his brother (who plays for Alaska-Anchorage College). In addition to a serious gym regimen, he worked on his skills on the ice in the weeks before camp.
Hunt said he spent some time on the ice skating with his old junior hockey team in Vancouver, while they practiced too. Hunt has set his personal goals for the season. “I want to contribute more this year. I want to get more goals and help the team; and since I’m an energy player, I think [his physical condition] will help.”
Free Agent Tyler Burton is another full-time roster hopeful. “There are a lot of guys here, and obviously not all 30-plus guys can make the team. We have to go out and work hard every day.” He adds, “Its stiff competition.”
Tyler Burton
The Thunder kicks off the regular season in Idaho on October 16th at Qwest Arena against the Steelheads. Let the season begin!
Contact the author: shellie.lima@prohockeynews.com
Contact the Photographer: jack.lima@prohockeynews.com
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