Thunder "Defenseman of the Year" Aiello Back for 2010-11

Published on August 31, 2010 under ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


STOCKTON, Calif. - The Stockton Thunder, proud ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League 9;s Edmonton Oilers and San Jose Sharks, and head coach Matt Thomas announced today the team has re-signed defenseman Anthony Aiello (EYE-el-oh). Per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Aiello was named "Thunder Defenseman of the Year" in 2009-10 and is the sixth returning player (two forwards, four defensemen) from last year's Thunder squad that advanced through the Kelly Cup Playoffs to the Conference Finals.

"Anthony was one of the big pieces to ou r success last season and we're looking forward to his return and building on his development," said Thomas. "He can play in all situations and was paired with Daryl Marcoux last season to perform as our top 'shutdown' defensive combination. We have a lot of confidence in him as a staff and will look for him to contribute as a leader with his character and work ethic."

Aiello, 24, led all Thunder defensemen with 27 points (7g-20a) in 54 games last season as a rookie and was second among the team's blueliners with 20 assists and a +13 rating.

In the postseason, the 6-foot-1, 196-pound defenseman was second on the club with five power-play assists and recorded four multi-point games and nine points (1g-8a) in 15 playoff games.

He was originally acquired by the Thunder from the Florida Everblades on Dec. 1, 2009 in exchange for future considerations and selected in the fifth round (129th overall) of the 2005 NHL Entry Draft by the Minnesota Wild.

The native of Braintree, Mass. skated in 132 career games through four years (2005-09) with Boston College (NCAA), scoring 35 points (5g-30a) from the blueline while totaling 142 penalty minutes. Aiello was a part of Boston College's national championship squad in 2008 when he scored a career-high 13 points (3g-10a) from the blueline in 43 games as a 2007-08 junior.

"When I talked to Coach Thomas, he was really excited at bringing back as many players as possible from last year's team, and I want to be a part of that," said Aiello. "I enjoyed playing for him and with as many leaders as we had in my first season. There's not much fan support, compared to Stockton Arena, at some of the rinks you visit so it makes you appreciate the great fan base that's a part of this community. I'm looking forward to returning to that atmosphere."

OPEN ING 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 and Alaska Aces meet in the preseason opener on Oct. 5 at Sullivan Arena, beginning at 8:15 p.m. The Thunder and Ontario Reign square off in the only preseason game at Stockton Arena on Friday, Oct. 8 at 7:30 p.m.

The Thunder are freezing Season Ticket Prices for the 2010-11 season, which are on sale now 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 merchandis e, a free e-newsletter, an exclusive gift, admission to the first two rounds of the Kelly Cup Playoffs and more. Information on individual and group tickets will be announced soon.

A two-time recipient of the ECHL "Award of Excellence," 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 and mini-plans 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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