Thunder Re-Signs 2010-11 Unsung Hero and Fan Favorite

Published on September 28, 2011 under ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


STOCKTON, Calif. - The Stockton Thunder, proud ECHL affiliate of the Edmonton Oilers and San Jose Sharks of the National Hockey League, and head coach Matt Thomas announced today that the team has re-signed left wing Garet Hunt. Per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Hunt, 23, is scheduled to return for his fourth season in a Thunder uniform and received a pair of Thunder honors last season, earning the team's "Unsung Hero" award and his third consecutive "Fan Favorite" award. He is the seventh returning player added to the Thunder roster from last season.

"Garet has been a big part of our success the last three seasons," said Thomas. "He is a fan favorite and a tough player to play against. I think he proved to everyone late last season that when he is focused, he can also contribute offensively. I look for him to once again anchor our penalty kill unit and start the season the way he finished it last year. He's a big addition."

The 5-foot-8 and 190 pound forward ranks as the Thunder all-time leader in penalty minutes (711), ranks fourth in games played (175) and needs 12 games to break Mark Adamek's record of 186 games in a Thunder uniform. He has collected 58 points (23g-35a) and a +3 rating in the ECHL since joining the Thunder in 2008-09.

Hunt skated in 60 games for the Thunder last season, notched a career high 13 goals, 30 points (13g-17a), +9 rating and led the ECHL with a career high tying 248 penalty minutes. He helped the Thunder earn home ice advantage for the first round of the Kelly Cup Playoffs and tie a club record with 86 points.

In 30 career Kelly Cup Playoff games, Hunt has posted six goals, nine points and 34 penalty minutes.

The Maple Ridge, British Columbia native also suited up in nine games with the Worcester Sharks of the American Hockey League last season, collecting one assist and 35 penalty minutes. He made his AHL debut with the Springfield Falcons in 2008-09 and posted two penalty minutes in one game.

"Stockton's my second home after playing here for three seasons," said Hunt. "The reasons to return are playing for a first class organization, coach and fans. I just want to come back and have another good playoff run. Last year's was too short and it only inspires me to do my best in helping our team make a deep playoff run this season."

In 193 career major junior games, spanning four seasons (2004-08) in the Western Hockey League with the Vancouver Giants, he collected 542 penalty minutes and 41 points (16g-25a).

OPENING NIGHT AND TICKET INFORMATION

Opening Night is Friday, Oct. 14, when the Thunder opens the 2011-12 regular season at home against the Colorado Eagles, starting at 7:30 p.m. at Stockton Arena. The game will be a historic ECHL event to welcome in the Eagles, who will play in their inaugural game after spending the previous eight seasons in the Central Hockey League.

The Thunder are freezing most Season Ticket prices for the 2011-12 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, 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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