Pitton Returns, Huddy Recalled to Springfield

Published on March 12, 2009 under 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 reassigned rookie goaltender Bryan Pitton (PITT-in) to the Thunder from Springfield, rookie center Ryan Huddy (HUH-dee) has been recalled from the Thunder to Springfield and defenseman Martin Kubaliak was placed on waivers.

In addition, it was announced goaltender Terry Friesen (emergency backup status) has been released.

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 made 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.

Huddy, 25, has skated in 60 ECHL games this season, leading the Thunder and ranking seventh in ECHL scoring with 63 points (31g-32a) and is third in ECHL rookie goal-scoring (31), which stands as a Thunder single-season record.

The 5-foot-9, 180-pound forward was signed by Springfield to an AHL contract last summer, is one of three Thunder players who skated for the National Conference at the 2009 ECHL All-Star Game in Reading and is making his second trip to the AHL this season after skating in three games for Springfield.

Kubaliak, 23, was signed by the Thunder as a free agent on Mar. 3 and skated in three games for the Thunder, posting two penalty minutes.

The Thunder returns from a nine-day layoff on Wednesday, March 18 at Ontario, starting at 7:00 p.m. at Citizens Business Bank Arena. The game is available on radio at 1420 KSTN and online for viewing (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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