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Thunder Wrap-Up: Over 200,000 Fans Visit Stockton Arena as Thunder Closes Season

April 26, 2012 - ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


FIRST ROUND: Defeated Colorado, 3-0

SECOND ROUND: Lost to Alaska, 4-1

STARTING OFF: "(Thunder president) Dan Chapman and the staff in Stockton has consistently done a tremendous job of promoting the sport, game production and giving their fans an exciting product through the years," said McKenna, who has been traveling to team cities recently. "I think all of those things combined have made it work."

- ECHL Commissioner Brian McKenna, The Record (Mar. 25, 2012)

STILL GOING STRONG: THUNDER FANS RANK AMONG LEAGUE'S ELITE FOR 7th STRAIGHT YEAR

IN A NUTSHELL : The Thunder completed the regular season third in ECHL attendance and for the seventh straight season totaled over 200,000 fans at Stockton Arena. Stockton has 17 sellouts in the team's franchise history. This season, the Thunder welcomed 18 crowds of 6,000 or more to Stockton Arena and drew a season high 9,398 fans on Mar. 3 vs. Alaska.

TOP FIVE HOME CROWDS IN 2011-12

OPPONENT DATE ATTENDANCE

1. Alaska 3/3/12 9,398

2. Bakersfield 3/24/12 9,323

3. Utah 11/5/11 9,012

4. Alaska 1/28/12 7,613

5. Utah 3/17/12 7,537

PLAYOFF RECAP: THUNDER PUSHES THE LIMIT

The Thunder advanced into the second round of the Kelly Cup Playoffs for the third time in four seasons, first sweeping the Colorado Eagles 3-0 in the Western Conference Quarterfinal before their defeat to Alaska, 4-1 in the Conference Semifinal ... Stockton was led in the first round with Max Campbell's six points and four goals in the series ... Stockton won the first two games at home, including a game two thriller at 3-2 in sudden death overtime on Chris D'Alvise's goal just 17 seconds in ... a 4-2 Thunder win in game three at Budweiser Events Center, on the strength of Campbell's two goals, eliminated the Eagles ... in the second round series, the Thunder was led by Campbell's four points (1g-3a) and D'Alvise's pair of goals ... the Thunder led 1-0 in game one during the third period before Alaska rallied for a 2-1 win ... the Thunder tied the series the next night on D'Alvise's game winning goal in overtime for a 3-2 victory at Sullivan Arena ... Alaska won the final three games of the series at Stockton Arena and eliminated the Thunder in a 4-1 defeat in game five on Apr. 21.

ON THE ICE: CONTUNUING TO PRODUCE

The Thunder orchestrated a swift turnaround at home to eventually earn the fifth seed in the Western Conference, never falling below the .500 mark after Jan. 21 with a team consisting of 14 rookies heading into the Kelly Cup Playoffs. The Thunder went 11-6-1 in the final 18 home games and sent its eighth graduate onto the National Hockey League level. Among the milestones achieved in the season were:

Promoted their eighth player onto the NHL for his debut (Milan Kytnar with Edmonton - Jan. 11) Mike Little, named to ECHL All-Rookie team (first in Thunder history) Matt Thomas, reached the 300 career win plateau (eighth in ECHL history) Olivier Roy, 4 shutouts (broke Thunder record, T-2 ECHL) Gabriel Levesque, 20.9 shooting percentage (1st ECHL)

2011-12 TEAM LEADERS:

Points - Kevin Baker (56)

Goals - Kevin Baker (27)

Assists - Matt Foy (36)

Plus/Minus - Mike Little (+21) (led ECHL defensemen, rookies)

Penalty Minutes - Garet Hunt (255)

2011-12 PLAYOFF LEADERS:

Points - Max Campbell (10)

Goals - Max Campbell (5)

Assists - Max Campbell, Kevin Baker (5)

Plus/Minus - Chris D'Alvise (+3)

Penalty Minutes - Chris D'Alvise (39)

FINAL 2011-12 TEAM NOTES:

- Matt Thomas finished the regular season with 305 career wins (8th all time, ECHL)

- Left winger Garet Hunt became the Thunder career leader with 38 playoff games played

- Defenseman Mike Little was named to the ECHL All-Rookie team (1st in Thunder history)

- Goaltender Olivier Roy collected four shutouts in the regular season to break a Thunder single season record

- Stockton toppled the 30-win plateau for the fifth time in seven seasons

- Stockton advanced to the Kelly Cup Playoffs for the sixth consecutive season

- Stockton was third in the ECHL in attendance with 212,988 fans

- Stockton finished the regular season schedule at11-6-1 in the final 18 home games

- Stockton had 18 crowds over 6,000 at Stockton Arena this season

- Stockton sent its eighth former player onto the NHL level this season

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING

(Courtesy of The Record)

"(Thunder president) Dan Chapman and the staff in Stockton has consistently done a tremendous job of promoting the sport, game production and giving their fans an exciting product through the years," said McKenna, who has been traveling to team cities recently. "I think all of those things combined have made it work."

- ECHL Commissioner Brian McKenna at Thunder "Fan Appreciation Night," The Record (Mar. 25, 2012)

"I have written letters in the past before the season, but not at the playoffs. And I wanted Olivier to know that he needed to be a leader on the ice," Thomas said. "It wasn't about putting more pressure on anybody. It was about letting him know that everybody believes in him, including me. So let's go have fun."

- Thunder head coach Matt Thomas on goaltender Olivier Roy, who went 4-1 in his first 5 playoff games, The Record (Apr. 13, 2012)

"I feel good; it's pretty special to be back," Stalock said before the game. "Some were saying when it originally happened that it was a career-ending injury. I just want to thank everyone that helped me along the way."

- Goaltender Alex Stalock, who made his NHL debut in 2010-11 with San Jose and won in his season debut with the Thunder on a rehab stint, The Record (Jan. 22, 2012)

"This is for such a good cause, and I know this is our No. 1 event of the season," Thunder president Dan Chapman said. "And our fan base has taken it upon themselves to make it a festive occasion and a celebration of survivorship."

- Thunder president Dan Chapman after "Thunder Goes Pink VI" concluded with a 3-2 win vs. Utah, The Record (Nov. 6, 2011)

The Thunder Season Tickets for 2012-13 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, 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.

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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