Rookie Chad McCaffrey, Thunder Agree To Terms

Published on July 30, 2009 under ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


STOCKTON, Calif. - The Stockton Thunder, the proud ECHL affiliate of the Edmonton Oilers of the National Hockey League and Springfield Falcons of the American Hockey League, has agreed to contract terms with rookie center Chad McCaffrey (mick-AFF-ree), Thunder head coach Matt Thomas announced today. Per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

"Chad is a skilled, two-way centerman who has the potential to bolster our offense with his speed and ability to make plays," said Thomas. "What I like about him is his maturity as a first year player. At the age of 25, his four years of junior and Canadian university experience each make him a valuable asset."

McCaffrey, 25, joins the Thunder after four years of a near point-per-game output at Dalhousie University (CIS), scoring 99 points (43g-56a) in 106 career college games while posting 97 penalty minutes.

CHAD McCAFFREY'S CAREER STATISTICS

Playing in a program that has produced last year's ECHL leading rookie scorer, All-Rookie selection Jordan Morrison (Wheeling Nailers) and All-Star Mathieu Melanson (Florida Everblades), the 5-foot-9, 175-pound pivot led Dalhousie last season with 32 points (13g-19a) in 28 games while collecting 28 penalty minutes.

McCaffrey's career-best numbers in college came as a 2006-07 sophomore, ranking second on the Tigers with 34 points (14g-20a) in 25 games and leading the club with 14 goals.

The native of Kitchener, Ontario scored a career-high 34 points (14g-20a) and a club-leading 14 goals in 27 games as a 2006-07 sophomore, adding 20 penalty minutes. Previously, McCaffrey suited up in 163 career junior games with Kitchener, Toronto and Belleville of the Ontario Hockey League, scoring 74 points (30g-44a) while notching 34 penalty minutes.

"Making a decision as to where I wanted to start my pro career was a big step and coming to Stockton makes it an exciting one based on my relationship with Coach Thomas from the start," said McCaffrey. "He's very direct and it makes you feel good as a player. I've heard about what Stockton offers as a place to play. I'm looking forward to playing in a great environment and for a great organization."

McCaffrey helped guide Kitchener to a Memorial Cup championship in 2002-03, suiting up in 47 games while scoring 24 points (7g-17a) and adding a goal in 11 postseason games.

The Thunder return to the ice for preseason play on Thursday, Oct. 8 against the Bakersfield Condors, starting at 7:00 p.m. at Stockton Arena. The 2009-10 season, the fifth year anniversary for the team, launches on Friday, Oct. 16 at Qwest Arena against the Idaho Steelheads at 6:10 p.m. and the Thunder home opener is Friday, Oct. 23 against the Ontario Reign at 7:30 p.m. at Stockton Arena.

The Thunder was voted "Best Local Sports Team" by readers of the San Joaquin Magazine, has led the ECHL in attendance for four consecutive seasons and drew 223,854 fans to Stockton Arena in 2008-09. Season tickets for 2009-10 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/.

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