Goaltender Mucha, Thunder Agree To Tryout Contract

Published on March 27, 2010 under ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


STOCKTON, Calif. - The Stockton Thunder, a proud affiliate of the Edmonton Oilers of the National Hockey League and Springfield Falcons of the American Hockey League, has agreed to amateur tryout contract (ATO) terms with goaltender Kurtis Mucha (MOO-kah), Thunder head coach Matt Thomas announced today.

Mucha, 20, is expected to be in uniform for the Thunder tonight, who host the Las Vegas Wranglers beginning at 7:30 p.m. (StocktonThudner.com/B2 Networks) at Stockton Arena.

"Kurtis comes as a highly recommended prospect from various contacts in the National Hockey League," said Thomas. "His size is a commodity that isn't frequently found in an available goaltender at this level and we're excited about the opportunity to evaluate another goaltender from a recruiting standpoint. His addition helps our depth down the stretch."

The 6-foot-2, 184-pound goaltender recently completed a respectable six-year junior career (2004-10) with the Portland Winter Hawks and Kamloops Blazers of the Western Hockey League, leaving the amateur ranks as the WHL's all-time leader in saves (6,998) and the Canadian Hockey League's all-time goaltending leader in games (245) and minutes (13,708).

Through his junior career, Mucha enjoyed nine shutouts and was 76-135-19 with a 3.66 goals-against-average and.892 save percentage. He split this season between Portland and Kamloops, posting a 23-17-4 record, two shutouts and a.900 save percentage in 48 games.

Mucha made his pro debut last season in the ECHL with the Idaho Steelheads, suiting up on an amateur tryout contract on April 3 and made 25 saves against the Phoenix RoadRunners.

Mucha's ATO agreement is on a five-game tryout basis with Stockton.

Additionally, the Thunder announced goaltender Aaron Sorochan has been recalled to Springfield and subsequently released.

A two-time recipient of the ECHL "Award of Excellence," 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 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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