ECHL to Name Coach, Players to All-Decade Team

Published on September 7, 2010 under ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


STOCKTON, Calif. - The Stockton Thunder, a two-time recipient of the ECHL "Award of Excellence," announced in conjunction with the ECHL that the league will honor an All-Decade Team to celebrate the best players and coach to perform in the ECHL from 2000-2010.

The ECHL will accept nominations from teams and fans starting today and running through Sept. 24. Nominations should be sent to ECHL@echl.com.

Thunder head coach Matt Thomas is receiving consideration for nominations. Thomas, 34, has a regular season record of 234-143-54 (.606 win percentage) as a head coach in the decade with Stockton, Fresno and Atlantic City, ranking fi fth in all-time wins during the decade:

ALL-TIME WINS, REGULAR SEASON (2000-2010)

COACH WINS

1. Jeff Pyle (Gwinnett, Mobile) 345

2. Malcolm Cameron (four teams) 295

3. Davis Payne (Alaska, Pee-Dee) 289

4. Glen Gulutzan (Las Vegas) 254

5. Matt Thomas (Stockton, Fre, A.C.) 234

Thomas also won a Kelly Cup championship in 2002-03 as an assistant coach with Atlantic City, has been named coach for the ECHL All-Star Game twice (2005, 2009) and has been behind the bench in a coaching role for teams that advanced to the Conference Finals three times.

As a head coach and assistant coach, he owns a playoff series record of 9-7 and has never missed the playoffs in eight seasons in the ECHL (2002-10). Last season, he guided the Thunder to their first trip to the Conference Finals.

Starting in early October, teams and fans will have the opportunity to vote for the All-Decade Team on ECHL.com. The League will announce the All-Decade Team in November. The All-Decade Team will consist of six forwards, four defensemen, two goaltenders and one coach.

THUNDER HEAD COACH MATT THOMAS BIO

In order to be eligible for the All-Decade Team, players or coaches must have made a significant impact on the ECHL from 2000 through 2010. An individual must have played or coached in parts of at least four seasons from the 2000-01 season through the 2009-10 season to be eligible for the All-Decade Team. Only those accomplishments, statistics, awards, honors and achievements earned during ECHL play should be taken into account when nominating players or coaches for the All-Decade Team. Final nominations will be based on voting and the meeting of certain criteria.

OPENING NIGHT AND TICKET INFORMATION

Opening Night is Friday, Oct. 15, when the Thunder opens the 2010-11 regular s eason at home against the Ontario Reign, starting at 7:30 p.m. at Stockton Arena. The Thunder and Alaska Aces meet in the preseason opener on Oct. 5 at Sullivan Arena, beginning at 8:15 p.m. The Thunder and Ontario Reign square off in the only preseason game at Stockton Arena on Friday, Oct. 8 at 7:30 p.m.

The Thunder are freezing Season Ticket Prices for the 2010-11 season, which are on sale now can be purchased by calling (209) 373-1500 or by visiting www.stocktonthunder.com. Thunder Season Ticket Holders enjoy the highest-demanded seating locations in Stockton Arena, preferred parking options, benefits including admission to Season Ticket Holder-only events, discount opportunities on Thunder merchandise, a free e-newsletter, an exclusive gift, admission to the first two rounds of the Kelly Cup Playoffs and more. Information on indi vidual and group tickets will be announced soon.

A proud ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League's Edmonton Oilers and San Jose Sharks, the Thunder was voted "Best Local Sports Team" by readers of the San Joaquin Magazine, led the ECHL in attendance for four consecutive seasons and drew over 200,000 fans for the fifth consecutive season in 2009-10. Season Tickets and mini-plans for 2010-11 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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