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Thunder Re-Signs Defenseman Mike Little

July 5, 2012 - ECHL (ECHL) Stockton Thunder

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 the team has re-signed defenseman Mike Little. Per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Little, 24, is the first player to return from last year's Thunder team that advanced to the second round of the Kelly Cup Playoffs. He was the first player in Thunder history to be selected to the ECHL All-Rookie Team and was the lone representative of the Western Conference for the 2011-12 honorees.

"It was a priority to get a player like Mike back in the fold," said Thomas. "He had a tremendous rookie season that saw continuous and vast improvement. He solidified himself as a top defenseman and an important part of our team success. We look forward to him picking up where he left off last year."

The 5-foot-9 and 185 pound defenseman led all Thunder blueliners and rookies with 41 points (10g-31a) in 70 games last season. He added two assists in eight Kelly Cup Playoff games.

His +22 rating during the regular season led all ECHL defensemen and tied for second among all league skaters.

Dating back to Jan. 1, Little ranked third on the Thunder with 30 points (8g-22a) in 42 games. He enjoyed eight multi-point games during the season.

The Enfield, Conn. native entered the pro ranks with the Reading Royals in 2010-11, where he collected two assists and a +6 rating in his first seven games. He spent all four years (2007-11) of his college career at American International College (NCAA) and posted 32 points (5g-27a) and 32 penalty minutes in 133 games.

OPENING NIGHT AND TICKET INFORMATION

Opening Night is Friday, Oct. 12 when the Thunder launches the 2012-13 season and the ECHL's 25th Anniversary campaign at home against the Ontario Reign starting at 7:30 p.m. at Stockton Arena.

The Thunder are freezing season ticket prices for the 2012-13 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 most 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.

A two time recipient of the ECHL "Award of Excellence," the Thunder led the ECHL in attendance for four consecutive seasons and drew over 200,000 fans for the seventh consecutive season in 2011-12. 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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