Abbott Twins, Thunder Agree To Terms

August 3, 2006 - ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


STOCKTON, Calif. - The Stockton Thunder has agreed to terms with forwards Cam Abbott and Chris Abbott, Thunder head coach Chris Cichocki announced today. Per club policy, terms of the deals were not disclosed.

"Cam and Chris precisely fit the style of play I'm looking for," said Cichocki. "They bring a ton of energy, never pass up a hit, and are relentless on the forecheck. They compliment each other along with doing the little things right, and I'm optimistic they'll be a perfect fit in our lineup."

Following the Thunder's recent free agent acquisitions of Mike and Mark Adamek, the occasion marks the first time in ECHL history that a team has posted two sets of brothers on its active roster at the same time. Both natives of Sarnia, Ontario, Cam and Chris recently finished four-year (2002-06) college hockey careers at Cornell University (NCAA), combining for 112 career points (46g-66a) and 165 penalty minutes in 251 games for the Big Red.

Cam Abbott, 22, enters the professional ranks after tallying 62 points (23g-39a) and 109 penalty minutes in 125 career games with Cornell. As a 2003-04 sophomore, Cam's nine goals ranked tied for third on the Big Red, following a 2002-03 freshman year when he posted a career-high 17 points (7g-10a). Prior to his collegiate hockey career, Cam's 2001-02 junior hockey season with the Sarnia Blast (WJHL) was headlined by guiding the Blast to a Sutherland Cup Championship, also leading the team in scoring with 71 points (32g-39a), ranking fifth in the league while posting WJHL All-Star honors.

"It's a great start for our pro careers, and a great opportunity to come to Stockton," said Cam. "We're thankful for the opportunity to play together at the pro level as brothers, we compliment each other's style of play and we're looking forward to continue playing side-by-side."

Chris Abbott, 22, registered 50 points (23g-27a) and 56 penalty minutes in 126 career games at Cornell, twice tying a career-high with seven goals each in his last two seasons (2004-06). Previously, Chris also spent his 2001-02 junior hockey season as a WJHL All-Star pick with Sarnia's Sutherland Cup Championship team, notching 67 points (23g-44a) which ranked seventh in the league.

"Stockton is a team that's striving to get better, they've keyed on some great players that are coming back, the arena is unbelievable and we're looking forward to playing in front of a huge fan base," said Chris. "It's a dream come true to continue playing with Cam side-by-side professionally; it's also great for our parents who only have to make one stop to come watch us play."

Details on Thunder 2006 training camp information will be announced soon. The Thunder begins the 2006-07 ECHL season Friday, October 20 on the road against the Bakersfield Condors, and faces the Long Beach Ice Dogs on Saturday, October 28 at 7:30 p.m. PT in the home opener at Stockton Arena.

An ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League's Phoenix Coyotes and American Hockey League's San Antonio Rampage, the Thunder drew 228,364 fans to Stockton Arena in its inaugural season, the ECHL's best attendance mark for 2005-06.

Thunder season tickets for the 2006-07 season are on-sale now. For more information about tickets, merchandise, or other inquiries contact the Stockton Thunder offices at (209) 373-1500 or visit www.stocktonthunder.com.



ECHL Stories from August 3, 2006


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