Oklahoma City Signs D Anthony Aiello to PTO

January 15, 2011 - ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


STOCKTON, Calif. - The Stockton Thunder, proud ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League's Edmonton Oilers and San Jose Sharks, announced defenseman Anthony Aiello (EYE-ell-oh) has been loaned to the Oklahoma City Barons of the American Hockey League on a professional tryout agreement (PTO).

Aiello, 24, is expected to join the Barons in time for their next game tonight, visiting the San Antonio Rampage at 5:00 p.m. He is the tenth player from the Thunder to receive a call-up from an AHL team this season, and the sixth to earn a professional tryout agreement.

"Our league is about development and we want players here that are willing to work hard to get their opportunities, ‚¬Â said Thunder head coach Matt Thomas. ‚¬Å“Anthony is the latest to get his with his first AHL recall. Ultimately, being known as a organization that helps players reach the next level, will continuously help us land free agents looking to do the same. It is an effective recruiting tool and helps the city of Stockton become know as a 'hockey' city which is neat. ‚¬Â

The 6-foot-1, 196 pound defenseman is headed to the AHL for the first time in his career and leads Thunder defensemen with five goals and 17 points (5g-12a) in 33 games, totaling 38 penalty minutes.

Named Thunder ‚¬Å“Defenseman of the Year ‚¬Â as a rookie in 2009-10, he skated with Oklahoma City in AHL training camp this preseason and was selected by the Minnesota Wild in the fifth round (129th overall) of the 2005 NHL Entry Draft.

Beginning his pro career with the Florida Everblades last season by skating in three games, the Thunder acquired him from Florida for future considerations on Dec. 1, 2009. Aiello followed by leading all Thunder defensemen last season with 27 points (7g-20a) and totaling 59 penalty minutes in 51 games.

The Braintree, Mass. native was co-recipient of the AMI Graphics ECHL Plus Performer of the Month (January) last year and added nine points (1g-8a) in 15 Kelly Cup Playoff games, guiding the Thunder to its first berth in the Conference Finals.

Aiello suited up in 132 career games for Boston College (NCAA) in four seasons (2005-09), scoring 35 points (5g-30a) and totaling 142 penalty minutes. He was a member of Boston College's national championship team as a 2007-08 junior.

The Thunder heads back to the road for its next game tonight, visiting the Grizzlies at Maverik Center at 6:05 p.m. The game can be heard and viewed live on the internet (pay-per-view video charge) at www.StocktonThunder.com, courtesy of AmericaOne.

A two-time recipient of the ECHL ‚¬Å“Award of Excellence, ‚¬Â Thunder has led the ECHL in attendance for four consecutive seasons, was voted "Best Local Sports Team" by readers of the San Joaquin Magazine for the third straight year, and drew over 200,000 fans for the fifth consecutive season in 2009-10. Season Tickets, mini-plans and individual tickets for 2010-11 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/.

MOVING ON UP: THUNDER IN THE AHL ‚¬" 2010-11

· Mark Arcobello (C) (Oklahoma City)

· Anthony Aiello (D) (Oklahoma City) *

· Jordan Bendfeld (D) (Oklahoma City)

· Chris D ‚¬â„¢Alvise (C) (Springfield) *

· Jesse Gimblett (LW) (Oklahoma City)

· Garet Hunt (LW) (Worcester) *

· Chris Lawrence (RW) (Worcester) *

· Jim McKenzie (RW) (Worcester) *

· Bryan Pitton (G) (Oklahoma City)

· Jason Pitton (LW) (Manitoba, Worcester, Bridgeport) *

* Denotes originally loaned to club on professional tryout agreement (PTO)



ECHL Stories from January 15, 2011


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