Matt Thomas Named Second Head Coach in Thunder History

December 29, 2008 - ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


STOCKTON, Calif. - Stockton Thunder president Dan Chapman announced today that Matt Thomas has been named new Head Coach of the Stockton Thunder. In addition, Chris Cichocki has been relieved of his coaching duties.

"Matt Thomas is a proven winner who has had great success in the ECHL," said Chapman. "We look forward to having him lead our hockey operation and bringing some of that success to Stockton. Prior to the start of this season, for a variety of reasons I felt this was our most important year yet on the ice. We haven't been able to perform at a level our fans deserve so we felt now was the time to make this change in hopes of signifcantly improving our hockey team."

Thomas takes the helm of the Thunder coaching staff effectively immediately and will be formally introduced as Head Coach of the Thunder at a news conference on Tuesday, Dec. 30, scheduled to begin at 11:00 a.m. at Stockton Arena. The news conference, open to all media and the general public, scheduled to be held on Stockton Arena's Fan Deck (above section 120). All media and fans attending are asked to enter Stockton Arena through the venue's North Entry (located adjacent to Stockton Arena's Ticket Office).

Thomas spent the last four years plus as head coach for the Fresno Falcons, who ceased operations on Dec. 22, 2008 after beginning the year with a record of 18-10-2 in 30 games for 38 points, leading the Pacific Division. Thomas makes Stockton his third head coaching position, compiling a record of 179-98-41 and a winning percentage of .636 in 318 career games at the helm for Fresno and Atlantic City.

"Chris Cichocki started this organization from ground zero four years ago and we want to thank him for his relentless commitment and dedication to the Stockton Thunder," said Chapman. "I have worked in professional sports for over 20 years and can honestly say his work ethic, commitment and loyalty is unmatched with any other coach I have worked with."

The 2008-09 Thunder are fourth in the Pacific Division of the ECHL's National Conference with 24 points and a record of 10-17-4.

Cichocki was named the first Head Coach in Thunder history on May 11, 2005 and leaves the Thunder with a four-year plus record of 93-121-33. During his tenure, the Thunder advanced to the Kelly Cup Playoffs in back-to-back seasons in 2006-07 and 2007-08.

Cichocki reached an array of milestones while serving behind the Thunder bench, including the 200th victory in his all-time coaching career on Jan. 17, 2008 against Fresno. Cichocki was named a coach for the National Conference team at the 2007 ECHL All-Star Game, the third honor in his career which tied an ECHL record (shared with Davis Payne, Jeff Pyle of Gwinnett and Glen Gulutzan of Las Vegas). He was behind the bench for the first win in Thunder history on Nov. 5, 2005 at San Diego and for the team's first Kelly Cup Playoff victory on Apr. 10, 2007 at Idaho.

The proud ECHL affiliate of the Edmonton Oilers of the National Hockey League and Springfield Falcons of the American Hockey League, 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.



ECHL Stories from December 29, 2008


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