06/17/2010 4:06 PM - Organization earns second honor, drew over 6,000 fans per game for fifth straight season
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STOCKTON, Calif. - The Stockton Thunder, a two-time recipient of the ECHL "Award of Excellence," announced that the Thunder organization has been named recipient of the 2010 ECHL Ticket Department of the Year award at the recent league-wide meetings held in Las Vegas.
"Winning this award for the second time in our five seasons is a true testament to the hard work of our entire staff," said Thunder president Dan Chapman. "In difficult economic times you have to be creative and thorough in your efforts to attract more fans and our staff has done a great job in that regard. We're also so very fortunate to have such a dedicated fan base that supports Thunder hockey throughout Northern California."
The award marks the second honor for the Thunder, who was co-recipient of the award in 2006. The Thunder ticket sales department is led by vice president of sales Dave Piecuch and comprised of director of group sales Alex Geche and account executives Vince Munguia, Clint Eastman, Michael Koebler, Robert Norton and Alex Wheatley.
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Thunder account executive Vince Munguia, delivering season tickets to awaiting Thunder fans at "FanFest", was part of the organization's second ECHL Ticket Department of the Year honoree.
(photo by George Steckler)
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The Thunder, a four-time leader in ECHL attendance, averaged over 6,000 fans per game at Stockton Arena and drew over 200,000 fans at the gate last season for the fifth straight year. Welcoming its one millionth fan through the turnstiles last season, the Thunder has drawn 14 sellouts in franchise history and had five crowds of 8,000 fans or more in 2009-10.
Enjoying a season which included advancement to the National Conference Final for the first time in Thunder history, the team went 17-12-7 at home and 16-6-4 in the last 26 home games.
"Thunder Goes Pink IV," presented by St. Joseph's Medical Center in association with Food-4-Less/Rancho San Miguel Markets and Antonini Freight Express, once again proved to be a definitive success, where 16,368 fans through two games on Nov. 6-7 helped raise $32,480 in cash, split evenly between the event beneficiaries: American Cancer Society - Stockton Field Office and St. Joseph's Foundation - Breast Cancer Services.
This year, the Stockton Thunder continued its growing "Easy Being Green" Campaign, with a "green weekend" on March 5-6 in two games against Victoria. The two-day event, which drew over 13,500 fans, featured a pre-game "Green Fair" (before each game) featuring local eco-friendly businesses and organizations distributing information and green-themed giveaways.
In front of a sold out crowd of 9,737 on Jan. 30 against Victoria, the Thunder was able to collect a record 4,348 bears and other stuffed animals on "Teddy Bear Toss" night to donate to the United Way who in turn distributed them to local children's charities.
Year Team
2009-10 Stockton Thunder
2008-09 Cincinnati Cyclones
2007-08 Reading Royals and Victoria Salmon Kings
2006-07 Florida Everblades and Alaska Aces
2005-06 Las Vegas Wranglers and Stockton Thunder
2004-05 Bakersfield Condors and Long Beach Ice Dogs
2003-04 Alaska Aces
2002-03 Reading Royals
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 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, 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 tickets and mini-plans will be announced soon.
The proud ECHL affiliate of the Edmonton Oilers of the National Hockey League, the 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 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/.
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