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ECHL's Stockton Thunder, NHL's Phoenix Coyotes announce one-year affiliation agreement

October 6, 2005 - ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


STOCKTON, Calif. - The Stockton Thunder, in conjunction with the National Hockey League's Phoenix Coyotes, have announced a one-year affiliation agreement effective immediately, Thunder team president Dan Chapman announced today.

"We are very pleased to form this partnership with the Phoenix Coyotes," Chapman said. "With Wayne Gretzky at the helm, they are a highly-respected organization throughout the NHL, and we're delighted to be a part of their team."

"I'm excited to work with the Phoenix organization and I'm looking forward to a long-lasting relationship," Thunder head coach Chris Cichocki said. "I'll do everything in my capacity to properly enhance their players' development as future Phoenix Coyotes."

The Coyotes, who are part-owned and head coached by Gretzky (NHL Hall-of-Famer and all-time leading scorer), will send players to the Thunder's roster as part of the agreement. As part of the working agreement, the Thunder will also be involved with player transfers through the San Antonio Rampage, the American Hockey League affiliate of the Coyotes.

"We are very ecstatic on our new agreement with the Thunder, from the standpoint of it rounding out our developmental circle in the minor leagues," Coyotes general manager Mike Barnett said. "With Chris Cichocki leading the way in Stockton, we feel very secure that his hockey expertise will properly enhance our players with the intangibles it takes to win hockey games night-after-night, especially in a competitive ECHL Pacific Division."

The Coyotes, a member of the NHL's Western Conference and Pacific Division, have been a member of the National Hockey League since 1979, when they were originally the Winnipeg Jets. Upon the move to Phoenix, Arizona in 1996, the Coyotes were a Stanley Cup Playoff mainstay, making it to the postseason five times in seven seasons.

"The Coyotes are excited to have the Stockton Thunder join us as our ECHL affiliate," Coyotes assistant general manager Laurence Gilman said. "The Thunder is backed by a solid ownership group, and an extraordinary environment which will be beneficial to the development of our prospects."

The club was previously affiliated with the Idaho Steelheads. The Coyotes were purchased by an ownership group led by Gretzky, Steve Ellman, and Jerry Moyes in 2001.

The Thunder, an ECHL member formerly known as the Atlantic City Boardwalk Bullies, makes the transition as a former affiliate of the New York Islanders. The Thunder opens the regular season on October 22nd against the host Fresno Falcons, and will host Fresno in Stockton's home opener on December 3rd.

Season tickets for the upcoming Thunder season are on sale now. Tickets for the home opener can currently be purchased as part of a full or mini season package. For more information on season tickets, mini packages, merchandise, or other information, please call the Stockton Thunder at (209) 948-3322 or visit www.stocktonthunder.com.

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