Forward Matt Robinson, Thunder Agree To Terms

Published on December 2, 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 free agent left wing Matt Robinson, Thunder head coach Matt Thomas announced today. Per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Additionally, the Thunder announced the team has acquired future considerations from the Gwinnett Gladiators in exchange for veteran center Mike Bayrack.

Robinson, 24, is reunited with former Alaska Aces teammate Brett Hemingway (signed by the Thunder as a free agent on Dec. 1) and both are expected to make their Thunder debut this Friday at Stockton Arena against the Bakersfield Condors at 7:30 p.m. (StocktonThunder.com).

"Matt has gained a reputation of being a reliable goal scorer and point producer in our league based on his ability to use his size, speed and skating ability," said Thomas. "He gives us another offensive element for our top scoring lines and is a welcomed player that can be counted and utilized in all situations."

This year, Robinson previously scored nine points (3g-9a) in 12 games with Johnstown while posting 13 penalty minutes. His 21 goals with Alaska as a 2006-07 rookie stand as a career-high.

The 6-foot-1, 186-pound forward has skated in 143 career ECHL games through three seasons-plus (2006-10) with the Alaska Aces and Johnstown Chiefs, scoring 89 points (46g-43a) and posting 130 penalty minutes. In 23 career Kelly Cup Playoff games, Robinson has scored six points (3g-3a).

Robinson was acquired by Johnstown on Sept. 9, 2008 from Alaska in exchange for forward Alexandre Imbeault and endured an injury shortened season last year, when he scored nine points (3g-9a) in 14 games last season for the Chiefs.

"I'm excited about the opportunity to come back west where I'm closer to family," said Robinson. "The fans here are passionate. I've always personally enjoyed coming into Stockton Arena and playing in front of an endless sea of black and gold. It will be exciting to be a part of that and playing for Coach Thomas I'm hoping to contribute any way I can and help our team move up the ranks."

The Surrey, British Columbia native skated in 114 career games in his two-year (2004-06) junior career in the Western Hockey League with the Vancouver Giants and Regina Pats, burying 87 points (46g-41a) and 46 goals while posting 113 penalty minutes.

Bayrack was signed by the Thunder as a free agent on Nov. 6, 2009 and has suited up in six games this season, going scoreless while drawing four penalty minutes. He has skated in 425 career ECHL games in seven seasons with Stockton, Charlotte, Texas, Greensboro, Toledo and Jackson, scoring 368 points (166g-202a).

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, Group, Mini Plan and Individual 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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