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Pitton Recalled, Ex-Sharks Prospect Friesen Arrives

March 5, 2009 - ECHL (ECHL) - Stockton Thunder News Release


STOCKTON, Calif. - The Stockton Thunder, the proud ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League's Edmonton Oilers and American Hockey League's Springfield Falcons, announced the Oilers have recalled rookie goaltender Bryan Pitton (PITT-in) from the Thunder to Springfield and goaltender Terry Friesen (FREE-zen) has agreed to terms (emergency backup goaltender status) with the Thunder.

Pitton, 21, was selected in the fifth round (133rd overall) of the 2006 National Hockey League Entry Draft by the Oilers and is 9-17-2 in 30 games for the Thunder in his first full rookie season, compiling a 3.34 goals-against-average and .890 save percentage.

The 6-foot-2, 176-pound goaltender is making his second AHL trip to Springfield after he was signed to an amateur tryout agreement (ATO) last season, appearing in one game for the Falcons at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton on April 4, 2008.

Pitton spent a three-year junior career with the Brampton Battalion of the Ontario Hockey League where he was 64-46-6 in 124 career games, posting four career shutouts, a 3.22 goals-against-average and a .894 save percentage. Last year, Pitton appeared in one AHL game last season with Springfield on a tryout basis and had a 22-13-2 record, .911 save percentage and a GAA of 2.54 with the Battalion which ranked sixth in the OHL.

Friesen, 31, has suited up in 232 career games in the AHL, ECHL, West Coast Hockey League, Southern Professional Hockey League and United Hockey League, going 90-95-22 in 232 career games with 9 shutouts, a 3.42 goals-against average and .893 save percentage with Quad City, Columbus, Pensacola, Fresno, Kentucky, New Orleans and Richmond.

Friesen is the highest drafted goaltender in San Jose Sharks history and was selected in the third round (55th overall) of the 1996 NHL Entry Draft by San Jose. The 5-foot-11 and 190 pound netminder has appeared in 82 career ECHL games for the Fresno Falcons, New Orleans Brass and Richmond Renegades, compiling a 34-27-4 record, a 3.27 goals-against-average and a .901 save percentage.

The Thunder returns to play Friday at home against the Bakersfield Condors, starting at 7:30 p.m. at Stockton Arena for "Easy Being Green" Presented by Port of Stockton California. The game is available exclusively online for viewing online (audio is free-of-charge) for a $7 charge at http://www.stocktonthunder.com/ (courtesy of B2 Networks).

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.

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