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Calgary Flames Officially Announced as Ownership Group

January 30, 2015 - ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


Stockton, Calif. - The Stockton Thunder proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL's New York Islanders and the AHL's Bridgeport Sound Tigers, held a press conference to announce today that the Calgary Flames of the NHL have officially purchased the Stockton Thunder franchise and will be moving their AHL franchise to Stockton beginning in the 2015-16 hockey season.

In attendance were Calgary Flames General Manager Brad Treliving, Stockton Thunder President Dave Piecuch, Stockton Mayor Anthony Silva, Stockton Vice Mayor Christina Fugazi, and Stockton City Councilmembers.

"We are excited for this transition and are looking forward to this new partnership," Mayor Silva said. "We here in Stockton are establishing ourselves as a minor league sports city and the entire City Council is here in attendance to support what we see as yet another step forward in Stockton sports."

Mayor Silva was not the only member on the podium that was excited about the new partnership with Calgary.

Flames General Manager Brad Treliving spoke to the importance of having an AHL team located on the West Coast, and his own excitement about having a franchise in Stockton.

"To use a baseball analogy, this will be our top "˜Triple-A' affiliate," Treliving said. "This move is significant to our development of a Stanley Cup champion in Calgary for multiple reasons. First off, Stockton Arena is a world-class facility that is the envy of not just ECHL teams, but AHL teams as well. Having our players play at a top-notch facility was paramount. Also, the fans pack the house here every night; we look forward to that same support for the new team."

Stockton Thunder President Dave Piecuch spoke next, reassuring fans that made two and three-year season ticket commitments, that their plans would be honored and provided some insight as to just how big a move this will be for Stockton.

"88% of current NHL players have played in the AHL at some point in their careers," Piecuch said. "As far as the name of the new team is concerned, we will hold a "˜Name the Team' contest where fans can weigh in on their favorite choices and we have not ruled out any names at this point in time."

The Flames are not the only NHL team bringing their AHL affiliate west, as the Anaheim Ducks, Edmonton Oilers, Los Angeles Kings, and San Jose Sharks will round out the five-team Pacific Division in the AHL with teams in San Diego, Bakersfield, Ontario, and San Jose respectively.

AHL President and CEO Dave Andrews spoke earlier at a press conference in San Jose about the massive move west in the AHL.

"Relocating five teams is a complex process, and we are very excited to have brought this initiative to a successful outcome," said Andrews. "The Western-based NHL clubs have been in dialogue with our league for almost three years, and today's announcement launches a new era for the American Hockey League and for professional hockey in California."

While much of the conference focused on the future, both Treliving and Piecuch echoed the sentiment that the focus is now on completing the 10-year chapter of ECHL hockey in Stockton on a positive note.

Fans have the chance to watch the Thunder take on the Utah Grizzlies on Saturday beginning at 7:30 p.m. during the team's Law & Order night, celebrating the brave men and women who protect and serve our community. In addition, the first 500 fans, 12-years-old and younger will receive a Thunder replica jersey.

Get your tickets now by calling (209) 373-1500 or by visiting StocktonThunder.com .

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