Chad Costello, Travis Anderson Agree To Terms

Published on August 11, 2009 under ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


STOCKTON, Calif. - The Stockton Thunder, the proud ECHL affiliate of the Edmonton Oilers of the National Hockey League and Springfield Falcons of the American Hockey League, has agreed to contract terms with right wing Chad Costello and rookie defenseman Travis Anderson, Thunder head coach Matt Thomas announced today. Per club policy, terms of the deals were not disclosed.

The contracts mark the fourth defenseman and the fifth forward to join the Thunder roster for 2009-10.

"Chad has proven to be a top level scorer at every stop of his career and his track record makes us excited to bring on a young player who has potential to be an elite scorer in our league," said Thomas. "His ability to create scoring opportunities and perform as a point producer should bode well for our offense."

Said Thomas of Anderson, "We're consistently looking for solid defensemen to add to our depth and we're confident Travis should help us by contributing in many areas. He compares a lot to a player from past Thunder teams in Mark Adamek with his stabilizing force on the blueline and a big frame that's useful in a 'stay-at-home' role."

Costello, 23, skated in 65 games for the Muskegon Lumberjacks of the International Hockey League (IHL) last year, leading the club's rookies with 46 points (17g-29a) and 17 goals while posting 20 penalty minutes. The 5-foot-9, 170-pound forward made his professional debut in 2007-08, suiting up in two games for the Texas Wildcatters.

The native of Johnstown, Iowa previously appeared in 59 career games in college for Northeastern University (NCAA) in two seasons (2006-08), scoring 35 points (14g-21a), 14 goals and amassing 32 penalty minutes. Previously, Costello skated in 164 junior games in three seasons (2003-06) with Cedar Rapids and Des Moines of the United States Hockey League and Wichita Falls of the North American Hockey League, racking up 154 points (65g-89a), 65 goals and 63 penalty minutes.

Costello's junior career high of 76 points (31g-45a) in 59 games with Cedar Rapids led the league in scoring in 2005-06, breaking the club's single-season scoring record.

"My first season of pro hockey last year really helped in getting me to the next level by developing my role as a player and understanding what it takes to contribute to team success," said Costello. "My good friend, (Los Angeles Kings forward) Teddy Purcell, gave me a solid recommendation about the hockey environment in California and I've heard about how rabid Thunder fans are for every game, so it makes me very excited for this season and what's in store in Stockton."

Anderson, 23, is scheduled to make his professional debut in a Thunder uniform after playing five seasons (2004-09) of his college career at Niagara University (NCAA), skating in 137 games for the Purple Eagles while amassing 26 points (3g-23a) and 132 penalty minutes from the blueline.

The 6-foot-1, 195-pound defenseman collected a career-high eight points (2g-6a) and added 30 penalty minutes in 33 games for Niagara last season.

"I'm looking forward to starting my pro career in Stockton and in a system where players know where they're supposed to be on the ice and when," said Anderson. "What people will find out about my game is that I'm not a flashy player, but I try to contribute with the little things that you don't see on a scoresheet like blocking shots and clearing pucks out of the zone. Those are parts of the game that have always worked for my style."

The Thunder returns to the ice for preseason play on Thursday, Oct. 8 against the Bakersfield Condors, starting at 7:00 p.m. at Stockton Arena. The 2009-10 season, the fifth-year anniversary for the team, launches on Friday, Oct. 16 at Qwest Arena against the Idaho Steelheads at 6:10 p.m. and the Thunder home opener is Friday, Oct. 23 against the Ontario Reign at 7:30 p.m. at Stockton Arena.

The Thunder was voted "Best Local Sports Team" by readers of the San Joaquin Magazine, has led the ECHL in attendance for four consecutive seasons and drew 223,854 fans to Stockton Arena in 2008-09. Season Tickets for 2009-10 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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