Stockton Thunder Add Player / #StkThunder

THUNDERVISION: Matt Thomas Comments on Jordan Foreman Signing

It's True! No More Oilers PPV's!

Yes folks, there will never be another PPV game for at least 10 years. Wooo!

Much like we had hoped earlier, the Oilers and the Flames have both reached a deal with Rogers Sportsnet to carry at least 58 Oilers and 58 Flames games every year for the next 10 years. That's a sweet deal to me.

I guess there will be one untelevised game on Feb. 5/11. The Oilers game in Columbus conflicts with a CBC Maple Leafs broadcast. Go figure!

But whatever, 81 games on the tube is pretty awesome no matter how you look at it.

Good bye stupid $14.95 money wasters, hello VERY CHEAP $2.99 a month SportsnetOne.

Life just got better....

-Written by Smokin' Ray-

Where Will You Be? Campaign Launched / #StkThunder

Where Will You Be? Campaign Launched

08/09/2010 11:43 AM - New campaign for sixth season in the Central Valley unveiled for 2010-11

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STOCKTON, Calif. - The Stockton Thunder, a two-time recipient of the ECHL "Award of Excellence," announced its 2010-11 hockey season will be themed, "WHERE WILL YOU BE?" The new season's marketing campaign aims to spotlight the overall hockey and entertainment experience presented to the fans through game night promotions, special events, community activities and charitable efforts.

The Thunder has averaged over 6,000 fans per game through the turnstiles at Stockton Arena for five consecutive seasons (2005-present) and two years ago, became the first team in the ECHL to lead the league in attendance for four straight seasons since the Florida Everblades accomplished the feat for five straight years (2000-05).

"The concept is based on the individual fan enjoying the shared experience of a Thunder game," said Thunder vice president of marketing Marlena Aranda. "We appreciate and want to recognize the fact that these moments at Thunder games create life long memories for so many."
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The Thunder has recorded 14 sellouts at the 9,737-seat Stockton Arena since entering the league in 2005-06. Last year, a Thunder record of $656,977 was donated in cash, tickets, memorabilia and other items to charity in 2009-10, toppling its charitable record of over $550,000 set in 2008-09.

The official season artwork and theme was released with a vibrant design adorned in the Thunder's black, gold and white colors. The season's theme will feature Thunder fans, die-hard and casual, in anticipation and celebration of highlights of the Thunder experience that have become a staple attraction: electrifying hockey on the ice and thrilling entertainment.

The artwork to accompany the theme was designed by Donnie Conner in the Thunder marketing department and will be featured prominently with Thunder publications, advertising and merchandise throughout the season. Special events that have become a signature for premier hockey entertainment in the Central Valley will be synergized with the theme, including "Thunder Goes Pink," "Easy Being Green" and more.

Details on 2010-11 FanFest, the prominent event to help launch the season that invites fans to view a Thunder practice, pick up season tickets and participate in themed activities around Stockton Arena, will be announced soon.

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. Details on Thunder 2010 training camp information will be announced soon.

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 http://www.stocktonthunder.com/. Partial-season Mini Plans are also available now and information on individual tickets will be announced soon.

The proud ECHL affiliate of the Edmonton Oilers and the San Jose Sharks 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. For more information about tickets, merchandise, or other inquiries contact the Stockton Thunder offices at (209) 373-1500 (209) 373-1500 or visit http://www.stocktonthunder.com//.

-Written by Stockton Thunder-

Show Me The Money / OKC Barons Edition

Today we look at the amount of projected dollars the Edmonton Oilers/OKC Barons will spend this year on Barons players. Let me tell you this, if I am correct, this is going to be a very expensive team.

Read no further if you are squeamish to large numbers.

PRODIGAL HOCKEY OWNER: Bob Funk Jr.

AFFILIATE TEAM: Edmonton Oilers

GENERAL MANAGER: Bill Scott
ASSISTANT GM: ????

HEAD COACH: Todd Nelson

ASSISTANT COACH: Gerry Fleming

TRAINER: Brandon Dionne

EQUIPMENT MANAGER: ????

MASCOT NAME: Derrick

WEBSITE: http://www.okcbarons.com/
TWITTER: www.twitter.com/okcbaronshockey
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/okcbarons

PROJECTED OKC BARONS ROSTER*

*Players subject to change. All dollar figures below are 2010-11 AHL dollars only.

Go to CapGeek.com for the full list NHL contracts.

FORWARDS:


C - Ryan O'Marra ($70,000)
C - Chris Vande Velde ($62,500)
C - Brad Moran ($225,000)
C - Teemu Hartikainen ($65,000)
C - Milan Kytnar ($55,000)

LW - Linus Omark ($65,000)
LW - Alexandre Giroux ($500,000)
LW - Gregory Stewart ($105,000)
LW- Phillipe Cornet ($60,000)
LW - Matt Marquardt ($62,500)

RW - Magnus Paajarvi/Jordan Eberle** (MPS $67,500 / JE $65,000)
RW - Colin MacDonald (??? will update)
RW - Ben Ondrus ($130,000)
RW - Toni Rajala ($55,000)

**(Projecting that one of the two will be in OKC)

DEFENCEMEN:

Shawn Belle ($150,000)
Richard Petoit ($105,000)
Jake Taylor (??? will update)
Alex Plante ($65,000)
Jeff Petry ($62,500)
Johan Motin ($55,000)
Jordan Bendfeld ($60,000)
Taylor Chorney ($62,500)
Theo Peckham ($65,000)

GOALIES:

Martin Gerber ($200,000)
Jeff Deslauriers ($1,050,000 if he clears waivers)
Devan Dubnyk ($800,000 if he clears waivers)
Bryan Pitton ($55,000)

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So there we have it. Now let's add up some numbers.

Forwards Total not including MPS, Eberle & MacDonald: $1,455,000

Defence Total not including Jake Taylor & Theo Peckham: $560,000

Goalie Total not including Deslauriers & Dubnyk: $255,000

OKC BARONS GRAND TOTAL: $2,270,000 AHL dollars

Now add Deslauriers or Dubnyk to that number. WOW! That's some big bucks.

This team better be a Calder Cup contender, if not the champs.

-Written and Updated by Smokin' Ray-

Gerber signs two way deal with Oilers

From the Oilers' Website:

General Manager Steve Tambellini announced today the Edmonton Oilers have agreed to terms with goaltender Martin Gerber on a one-year contract.Gerber, 35, played last year with Altant Moscow of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). In 30 appearances he went 15-6-6 with a 2.19 GAA and .914 save percentage.

Gerber, who is from Burgdorf, Switzerland, was originally drafted 232nd overall by the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim. In two seasons with the Ducks he played in 54 games going 26-21-5 before being dealt to the Carolina Hurricanes where he led the Canes to to a division championship. In 60 games Gerber posted a 38-14-6 record, 2.78 GAA and .906 save percentage.

The 5'11", 195 lbs veteran also played with the Ottawa Senators and Toronto Maple Leafs before heading to the KHL. In 226 games Gerber has a 110-78-21 record, 2.65 GAA and .910 save percentage.

Gerber also has some international experience and split the goaltending duties with David Aebischer for Team Switzerland in the 2006 Winter Olympics.

Edmonton Oilers hockey is presented in part by the Rexall Family of Pharmacies, Molson Canadian, ATB Financial, TELUS, Cenovus Energy and Ford.

Contract Details: From @RealKyper on Twitter: Oilers sign Martin Gerber 1 year / 2-way contract. 500/200 guaranteed in minors. Oilers have him pegged as a 3/4 goalie in system.