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James Bates Recalled To Springfield

November 11, 2009 - 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, announced right wing James Bates has been recalled from the Thunder to Springfield.

Bates, 24, signed an AHL contract with Springfield during the summer of 2008 and is tied for the Thunder lead in points (11) and goals (6) while suiting up in 11 games this year.

The native of Toronto, Ontario ranked fourth on the Thunder in scoring last year with 48 points (16g-32a) in 63 games, additionally tying for third in team scoring for the Kelly Cup Playoffs with 13 points (6g-7a) in 14 postseason games.

After Jan. 1, Bates proved to be one of the most prolific scorers on the Thunder roster and in the ECHL, producing a near point-per-game output with 38 points (13g-25a) in 39 games which was third on the Thunder and tied for 19th in the league.

The 6-foot-3, 195-pound winger participated in Oilers preseason camp this year and began his pro career with the Norfolk Admirals (AHL) in 2007-08, notching one assist in five games with nine penalty minutes. The Toronto, Ontario native played all four years (2004-08) college hockey career with Quinnipiac University (NCAA), skating in 143 career games while scoring 129 points (52g-77a) and adding 88 penalty minutes.

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/.



ECHL Stories from November 11, 2009


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