Matt Thomas Accepts Head Coaching Position With the University of Alaska Anchorage

Published on June 18, 2013 under ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


STOCKTON, Calif. - The Stockton Thunder, a two-time recipient of the ECHL "Award of Excellence," announced today that head coach Matt Thomas has accepted an offer to become the new head coach of the University of Alaska Anchorage's hockey team.

"It's no surprise to see Matt earn this opportunity as he has come close before in the professional ranks," said Thunder owner Brad Rowbotham. "But he has found something that will work best for him and his family and we couldn't be happier for him. Matt and I worked together very well, pushing each other to be better in our roles all the time which culminated with a Western Conference championship. The lessons learned to get there will be passed on to our next coach. My wife, Dawn and the rest of our family will miss Matt, his wife Andrea, and sons Devlin and Gavin."

"This is a terrific and well deserved opportunity for Matt and I'm confident he will do a great job for UAA," said Thunder president Dan Chapman. "For many years now Matt has been regarded as one of the best coaches in the ECHL and now he is being rewarded. We want to sincerely thank him for his contributions to the Stockton Thunder and wish he and his family all the very best."

Thomas posted a record of 163-127-39 (win percentage of .555) in 329 games as Thunder head coach during five seasons, additionally collecting a 34-30 record in 64 Kelly Cup Playoff games.

During his tenure in Stockton, which included movement into the Thunder record books as the all-time leader in games coached, wins, win percentage and playoff wins, his teams never missed the playoffs and he recently guided the Thunder to its first Western Conference championship and Kelly Cup Finals appearance last season.

"It is with mixed emotions that I move on from my position with the Thunder organization," said Thomas. "Stockton has been a special place for me and my family. Both our sons were born here and we have met so many wonderful people in this community that we now call friends."

Thomas continued, "I thank Brad and Dawn Rowbotham for this opportunity. Our ownership is driven, passionate and understanding, providing the tools for our top notch staff to be successful. This is the best ownership group to work for in the ECHL. They will ensure continued success in a championship drive for Stockton. I thank the players that made this experience unforgettable and for our current group that battled like warriors this past season. I thank all Thunder fans - the backbone of this organization - and by far the most passionate and supportive group I've ever had the privilege of working for."

Under Thomas in 2010-11, following the team's first trip to the Conference Finals, the Thunder tied the Bakersfield Condors for first place in the Pacific Division.

Thomas, 37, was twice named a coach in the ECHL All-Star Game, most recently during his time with the Thunder in 2009 at Reading. Since his first head coaching job with Atlantic City in 2004-05, he helped cultivate the careers of six former players or assistant coaches who eventually earned head coaching positions in the ECHL and American Hockey League.

The native of Mississauga, Ontario produced a record of 342-225-80 (win percentage of .590) in 647 career ECHL games as head coach of the Thunder, Fresno Falcons and Atlantic City Boardwalk Bullies. His all-time postseason record stands at 49-48 in 97 games.

He returns to the NCAA coaching ranks, where his career first began in 1998 for his alma mater at RIT. He also spent two seasons behind the bench for the national power University of Maine from 2000-02 and helped guide the Black Bears to the NCAA Championship game in 2002.

Thomas leaves the ECHL as the all-time leader in playoff games coached (97) and third in playoff wins (49). He also ranks sixth on the regular season career list in games coached (647) and fifth in wins (342).

"The Thunder has already begun its search for a replacement and we're excited about the excellent coaching candidates available," said Rowbotham. "We expect to have a new coach in place by July."

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