Hunt, Paukovich Recalled to Springfield

Published on February 2, 2009 under 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, announced today that rookie left wing Garet Hunt and center Geoff Paukovich have been recalled from the Thunder to Springfield.

Hunt and Paukovich are expected to be available to suit up for the Falcons on Friday, Feb. 6, who host the Lowell Devils at 4:30 p.m. PT.

It is the first AHL call-up of Hunt's career and the 21-year old rookie forward has skated in 42 games for the Thunder this year, scoring 14 points (5g-9a) while leading the ECHL with 186 penalty minutes.

The 5-foot-9, 190-pound left winger was signed by Springfield to an AHL contract in the summer of 2008 spent his four-year (2004-08) junior career with the Vancouver Giants of the Western Hockey League, amassing 542 penalty minutes and 41 points (16g-25a) in 193 career games. Last season, Hunt skated in 62 games for the Giants, leading the team and ranking fourth in the WHL with a career-high 239 penalty minutes while totaling 18 points (7g-11a).

Paukovich, 21, has appeared in six games for the Thunder this season, scoring one goal and adding four minutes. The Englewood, Colo. native has skated in 103 career games as a pro with the Thunder and Springfield, scoring 31 points (15g-16a) while posting 132 penalty minutes.

A second round selection (57th overall) of the Oilers in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft, Paukovich suited up in 70 games for the Thunder last season, scoring 13 goals, 26 points (13g-13a) and amassing 94 penalty minutes. The 6-foot-4, 216-pound center, who added a goal in six Kelly Cup Playoff games last year, has skated in 27 games this year for Springfield, scoring four points (1g-3a) and adding 34 penalty minutes. Paukovich has skated in Oilers training camp the last two seasons.

The Thunder returns to play at home on Wednesday, February 4 against the Alaska Aces at 7:00 p.m. from Stockton Arena. The game can be heard on radio at 1420 KSTN and is available online (audio is free-of-charge) for viewing for a $7 charge at http://www.stocktonthunder.com/ (courtesy of B2 Networks).

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, group tickets, individual tickets and mini plans 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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