Almtorp Recalled To Springfield, Bateman Returns

December 11, 2007 - ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


STOCKTON, Calif. - The Stockton Thunder, the ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League's Edmonton Oilers and American Hockey League's Springfield Falcons, has announced rookie center Jonas Almtorp (YO-nas) has been recalled from the Thunder from Springfield and rookie left wing Pat Bateman has been activated off the three-day injured reserve list.

Almtorp, 23, has appeared in three games with Springfield at the AHL level this season, tallying two penalty minutes before his assignment to the Thunder on October 16. Almtorp has scored 10 points (5g-5a) in 22 games with Stockton this season, tallying 20 penalty minutes and a shorthanded goal. A fourth round selection (111th overall) of the Oilers in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft, Almtorp appeared in 226 career games with MoDo and Brynas of the Swedish Elite League along with Sundsvall and Almtuna of the Swedish 1st Division, tallying 79 points (36g-43a) and 219 penalty minutes.

The Sundsvall, Sweden native scored a career-high 36 points (16g-20a) in 44 games along with 56 penalty minutes with Almtuna in 2004-05 and tallied 11 points (1g-7a) with 30 penalty minutes in 46 games with Brynas (Swedish Elite League) last season, teaming with Washington Capitals 2006 first round draftee and rookie Nicklas Backstrom and former NHL veterans Andreas Dackell (Ottawa, Montreal) and Tommy Sjodin (Minnesota, Quebec, Dallas).

Bateman, 25, is expected to join the Thunder lineup on Tuesday against the Alaska Aces and has scored two goals in seven games with the Thunder this season.

The Thunder returns to play on Tuesday, December 11 with an 8:15 p.m. road game against the Alaska Aces at Sullivan Arena. The game can be heard live on radio at 1420 KSTN and the internet (video and audio available) at www.stocktonthunder.com, courtesy of B2 Networks.

Host of the 2008 ECHL All-Star Game and festivities on Jan. 22 and 23, the Thunder has led the ECHL in attendance for two consecutive seasons and drew 244,085 fans to Stockton Arena in 2006-07. Season tickets, mini plans, group and individual tickets for 2007-08 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.



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