Lang, Thunder Agree To Terms

August 17, 2006 - ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


STOCKTON, Calif. - The Stockton Thunder has agreed to terms with defenseman Jeff Lang, Thunder head coach Chris Cichocki announced today. Per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

"I'm thrilled to bring Jeff back for this next season on a much-improved defensive corps," said Cichocki. "He made an immediate impact last season and was instrumental in our great finish to the year. I'm looking for him to pick up from where he left off at the end of last season as a great, puck-moving defenseman."

Lang, 24, returns after scoring 14 points (4g-10a) in 24 games with the Thunder in 2005-06, leading the team with a +7 rating. Originally acquired from the Toledo Storm on February 21, 2006 in exchange for the rights to Mike Knight, Lang totaled 39 points (7g-32a) in 68 games during his 2005-06 ECHL rookie campaign, splitting time between Toledo and the Thunder.

Following the acquisition of Lang, the Thunder went undefeated in 15 of its remaining 24 games (10-9-5 record), which included a season-best five-game unbeaten streak (3-0-2), lasting from March 26 to April 2. Lang scored at least a point in six of eight games (2g-5a=7p), his most efficient stretch in a Thunder uniform, lasting from March 5 to March 18.

A native of Westwood, Massachussets, Lang compiled 27 points (7g-20a) in 120 games during his four-year (2001-05) college hockey career at University of Massachusetts-Amherst (NCAA), guiding the Minutemen to the Hockey East conference championship game during the 2003-04 season.

"Based on conversations I've had with Coach Cichocki this summer, I was impressed by his vision for the direction of our team, and felt that I could be a good fit for this team," said Lang. "Playing in the new arena in front of the best fans in the ECHL also played an enormous role in my decision to return for another season."

Details on Thunder 2006 training camp information will be announced soon. The Thunder begins the 2006-07 ECHL season Friday, October 20 on the road against the Bakersfield Condors, and faces the Long Beach Ice Dogs on Saturday, October 28 at 7:30 p.m. PT in the home opener at Stockton Arena.

The Thunder drew 228,364 fans to Stockton Arena in its inaugural season, the ECHL's best attendance mark for 2005-06. Thunder season tickets and mini-plans for the 2006-07 season 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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