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Moreland To Play In Europe

June 23, 2006 - ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


STOCKTON, Calif. - Former Stockton Thunder goaltender Jake Moreland has agreed to terms with the Danish professional SønderjyskE team of Oddset Ligaen for the 2006-07 season, Thunder head coach Chris Cichocki announced today.

"Jake has decided to accept this offer to play in Denmark this upcoming season," said Cichocki. "Without a doubt, he will be missed by the organization and fans as he quickly became a favorite for his play on the ice and his efforts throughout the community. We wish him well in his new opportunity and we are aggressively pursuing all options to make sure the goaltending void is filled. "

Moreland, 27, departs after posting a 14-19-8 record, 3.14 goals-against-average, and .919 save percentage in 43 games with Stockton, including two shutouts in 2005-06. The first signed Thunder player in team history, Moreland tallied 1,412 total saves in 2005-06, a new franchise record which spans back to 1990-91. After earning a berth to the 2006 ECHL All-Star Game as a goaltender for the National Conference, Moreland garnered ECHL Goaltender of the Week honors (week of Jan. 23-29).

Following the ECHL's regular season conclusion, Moreland was loaned to the Milwaukee Admirals (Nashville Predators affiliate) for the American Hockey League's Calder Cup Playoffs. Moreland aided the Admirals to a Calder Cup Finals berth with a 1-1-0 playoff record in two games, including a 32-save effort in a 4-1 win against the Iowa Stars in game seven of the West Division Semi-Finals.

"Most certainly, I want to thank each and every Thunder fan for their support," said Moreland. "This decision was extremely hard to make, especially considering the Stockton area that is so passionate for hockey and the support given towards my family and I."

A member of the 2003 Kelly Cup Champion Atlantic City Boardwalk Bullies squad, Moreland, who will relocate to Denmark with wife Nikki and son Tyler, heads to Oddset Ligaen, which has experienced game appearances from past and present National Hockey League veterans Todd Simpson (Montreal Canadiens) and Chris Wells (Florida Panthers).

"While the Thunder is certainly disappointed to lose such an excellent player and person in Jake Moreland, we are happy for him and his family that he is being given this opportunity in professional hockey," said Thunder team president Dan Chapman. "We want to thank him for his significant contributions both on and off the ice, and wish him nothing but the best in the years to come."

An ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League's Phoenix Coyotes and American Hockey League's San Antonio Rampage, 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 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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