Garet Hunt Named Sixth Captain in Thunder History

Published on October 12, 2012 under ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


STOCKTON, Calif. - The Stockton Thunder, proud ECHL affiliate of the Edmonton Oilers of the National Hockey League, announced left wing Garet Hunt has been named the team's new captain, making him the sixth player in Thunder history to wear the "C" since the team joined the ECHL in 2005-06.

"Garet is the perfect leader for this group," said Thunder head coach Matt Thomas. "His commitment to his teammates, this organization and the community of Stockton made it an easy decision. He is the type of player that shows up to compete every day and plays a very important role in our team identity."

Hunt, who turns 25 on Sunday, wore an "A" as an alternate captain on his jersey last year when the Thunder advanced to the second round of the Kelly Cup Playoffs for the third time in four seasons. Defenseman Ryan Constant and center Harrison Reed were selected as alternate captains.

"Harrison and Ryan will compliment Garet very well," said Thomas. "They have a lot of experience and are players that will be relied on heavily to lead on the ice. I'm confident our leadership group will do an excellent job making sure we are ready to compete every night."

Hunt needs six games to qualify as a veteran in the ECHL and has collected 78 points and 1,003 penalty minutes in 254 career games with the Thunder and in the American Hockey League with Springfield and Worcester. He stands as the Thunder all time leader with 244 games played and is fifth in scoring with 77 points.

The 5-foot-8 and 190 pound winger has been selected as a recipient of the Thunder "Fan Favorite" award every year since his rookie campaign in 2008-09 and was named the Thunder "Unsung Hero" in 2010-11.

Hunt spent his junior career with the Vancouver Giants of the Western Hockey League and played in 193 career games. He was a part of Vancouver's 2006-07 team that won the Memorial Cup title and skated with notable teammates who have NHL experience, such as Milan Lucic (Boston) and Andrej Meszaros (Philadelphia).

Hunt joins Jason Morgan (2011-12), Craig Valette (2009-11), Matt O'Dette (2008-09), Brad Farynuk (2007-08) and Dean Stork (2005-06) in the succession of Thunder captains. The Thunder did not name a captain in 2006-07.

Opening Night is tonight when the Thunder launches the 2012-13 season and the ECHL's 25th Anniversary campaign at home against the Ontario Reign starting at 7:30 p.m. at Stockton Arena.

A two time recipient of the ECHL "Award of Excellence," the Thunder led the ECHL in attendance for four consecutive seasons and drew over 200,000 fans for the seventh consecutive season in 2011-12. Season Tickets, Group Tickets and Mini-Plans for 2012-13 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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