STOCKTON, Calif. - The Stockton Thunder, the proud ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League's Edmonton Oilers and American Hockey League's Springfield Falcons, announced rookie defenseman Robbie Bina (BEE-na) has been reassigned to the Thunder from Springfield.Bina, 25, skated in 28 regular season games for the Thunder this year and scored a goal in his pro debut on Oct. 18. Bina has scored eight points (1g-7a) with the Thunder while adding 26 penalty minutes. The 5-foot-8, 180-pound defenseman was signed by the Falcons to an AHL contract in the summer of 2008 and has registered eight points (1g-7a) in 37 games this year for Springfield, notching 26 penalty minutes.
The Grand Forks, N.D. native spent four years (2003-05, 2006-08) of his college hockey career with the national power University of North Dakota (NCAA), skating in 149 career games while scoring 74 points (13g-61a) and amassing 102 penalty minutes.
Bina helped guide the Fighting Sioux to three appearances in the NCAA "Frozen Four" and an appearance in the National Championship game in 2005. Bina missed the 2005-06 season due to injury and rebounded to post career-highs in points (32) and goals (10) in 43 games as a 2006-07 junior.
STOCKTON THUNDER PLAYOFF ROSTER:
Goaltenders (2): Andrew Perugini, Bryan Pitton
Defensemen (9): Mark Adamek, Ryan Constant, Robbie Bina, Sebastien Bisaillon, Tyler Kindle, Cleve Kinley, Matt O'Dette, Kenny MacAulay*, Daryl Marcoux
Forwards (12): James Bates, Judd Blackwater, Igor Gongalsky, Ryan Huddy, Garet Hunt, Adam Huxley, Mike Lalonde, Brandon Naurato, David Rohlfs, Damian Surma, Cory Urquhart, Craig Valette
* Denotes currently on recall or loan to respective American Hockey League club (AHL)
The Thunder opens the Kelly Cup Playoffs in Game 1 of the Pacific Division Semifinals against the Ontario Reign at Citizens Business Bank Arena, beginning Friday, April 10 at 7:00 p.m. The game is available on radio at 1420 KSTN and online for viewing online (audio is free-of-charge) for a $7 charge at http://www.stocktonthunder.com/ (courtesy of B2 Networks).
The proud ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League's Edmonton Oilers and American Hockey League's Springfield Falcons, the Thunder was voted "Best Local Sports Team" by readers of the San Joaquin Magazine, has led the ECHL in attendance for four consecutive seasons and drew 223,854 fans to Stockton Arena in 2008-09. Season tickets for 2009-10 and Kelly Cup Playoff tickets 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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