Free Agent Naurato, Thunder Agree to Terms
March 31, 2009 - ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release
STOCKTON, Calif. - The Stockton Thunder, the proud ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League's Edmonton Oilers and American Hockey League's Springfield Falcons, has agreed to terms with free agent left wing Brandon Naurato (NAH-raw-toh), Thunder head coach Matt Thomas announced today. Per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
The 24-year old rookie is scheduled to make his professional debut with the Thunder on Friday, April 3 against the Las Vegas Wranglers at 7:30 p.m. (1420 KSTN/StocktonThunder.com) at Orleans Arena.
"Brandon comes from a tremendous program at Michigan where they've had a lot success in winning and producing good players," said Thomas. "He possesses a real good shot, he's a hard worker and a heart-and-soul kind of player."
Naurato joins the Thunder after finishing the college season with the University of Michigan (NCAA), where he previously competed for four full seasons (2005-09) and skated in 130 games for the Wolverines, scoring 64 points (32g-32a) and collecting 96 penalty minutes.
The Livonia, Mich. native scored 13 points (6g7a) in 25 games this season for Michigan, posting 32 penalty minutes. As a teammate of Thunder right winger David Rohlfs in 2006-07, Naurato set career-highs in goals (12), assists (tied, 11) and points (23) when he skated in 40 games, helping guide Michigan to a berth in the NCAA "Frozen Four" tournament.
The Thunder was voted "Best Local Sports Team" by readers of San Joaquin Magazine, has led the ECHL in attendance for three consecutive seasons and drew 239,337 fans to Stockton Arena in 2007-08. Season tickets for 2009-10, group tickets and individual tickets 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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