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Stockton Selected To Host 2008 ECHL All-Star Game

February 22, 2007 - ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


STOCKTON, Calif. - The Stockton Thunder professional hockey club and the ECHL announced today that Stockton Arena and the city of Stockton will host the 2008 ECHL All-Star Game in January 2008.

The leagues mid-season spectacular will take place on January 22-23, 2008, with the ECHL All-Star Skills Competition taking place on Tuesday, January 22 and the ECHL All-Star Game taking place on Wednesday, January 23. Times, ticket information, additional event information, and volunteer information will soon be announced.

"The Stockton Thunder organization has done an outstanding job of introducing professional hockey and the ECHL to the city of Stockton and surrounding area. We are proud to announce in conjunction with the Thunder that the 2008 ECHL All-Star Game and Skills Competition have been awarded to the city of Stockton and Stockton Arena," said ECHL Commissioner Brian McKenna. "This is a fitting reward to the Thunder fans for their outstanding support since the teams inception. We look forward to showcasing the best the ECHL has to offer in such an outstanding facility in front of such enthusiastic fans."

"The Stockton Thunder organization is very proud to have been selected by the ECHL to host the 2008 All-Star Game," said Stockton Thunder team president, Dan Chapman. "This is the annual showcase event for our league and were thrilled to host visitors from across the United States and Canada who will get to see first-hand the beautiful Stockton Arena and our newly developed waterfront and downtown."

The economic impact of the ECHL All-Star Game is projected to give the city of Stockton an estimated more than $1 million in revenue and will take place in the 9,737-seat Stockton Arena, adjacent to the new seven-story Sheraton Hotel slated to be completed in October 2007. Stockton is the 13th largest city in California and the 69th largest city in the United States of America.

Through February 20, the Thunder has led the ECHL in attendance with 6,978 fans per game (153,521 through 22 dates), an increase of nine percent from the 2005-06 season, which is the largest average in the ECHL since 2000-01 when Florida led the ECHL with 7,086 per game and Greenville was second with 7,015. The Thunder led the ECHL last season in attendance with 228,364 fans.

"It's hard to believe that last year was the Stockton Thunder's inaugural season, and the city of Stockton is already hosting the ECHL All-Star Game," said Mayor of Stockton Ed Chavez. "We are excited to welcome hockey players and fans from around the country to the Stockton Arena. We hope it is just the beginning of many All-Star events in our future."

"With the exciting announcement of the City of Stockton and the Stockton Thunder hosting the 2008 ECHL All-Star Game, it is a dream becoming a reality," said Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce chief executive officer Doug Wilhoit. "This exciting happening will show North America what we have here in Stockton and that the dreams and hard work of so many will be on display for all to see. Your Chamber invites fans from all over to converge on Stockton in January of 2008."

The 2007 Rbk Hockey ECHL All-Star Game was held at Qwest Arena in Boise, Idaho.

The Thunder is the ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey Leagues Edmonton Oilers. Thunder season tickets, mini-plans, and individual 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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