Thunder Adds More NHL Experience, Signs Free Agent Right Wing Matt Foy

Published on September 27, 2011 under ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


STOCKTON, Calif. - The Stockton Thunder, proud ECHL affiliate of the Edmonton Oilers and San Jose Sharks of the National Hockey League, and head coach Matt Thomas announced today that the team has signed veteran free agent right wing Matt Foy. Per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Foy, 28, has 56 games of playing experience in the NHL with the Minnesota Wild. He joins Jason Morgan, a former Wild teammate in 2006-07, as the second player on the current Thunder roster with NHL experience.

"Matt is an experienced player that is going to add immediate offense to our lineup," said Thomas. "He is 100 percent healthy and looking to re-establish himself as a goal scorer and a point producer. The thing that separates Matt from other skilled players is his size and work ethic. At 6-foot-3 and 225 pounds, he is fast and relentless which will be tough for our opponents to handle."

Foy was selected by Minnesota in the sixth round (175th overall) of the 2002 NHL Entry Draft and skated in an NHL career-high 28 games with the Wild in 2007-08, scoring eight points (4g-4a) and totaling 28 penalty minutes.

That season, he collected three separate multi point games, suited up in one Stanley Cup Playoff game and was a part of a Wild team that clinched the Northwest Division title.

Skating also as a member of the Houston Aeros in 2006-07, Foy achieved American Hockey League career highs in two scoring categories, leading the Aeros in points (50) and goals (27) in 62 games while adding 121 penalty minutes. During the 2005-06 postseason, he had eight points (5g-3a) and his five goals finished tied with Patrick O'Sullivan for the team lead in eight Calder Cup Playoff games.

For his career, Foy has scored 13 points (6g-7a) while totaling 48 penalty minutes in 56 NHL games and has skated in 237 AHL games with Houston and Peoria, notching 141 points (65g-76a) and 428 penalty minutes. He did not play last season and previously skated in seven games with Arizona of the Central Hockey League in 2009-10, collecting three assists.

"After taking a year off due to injury, I've been skating hard all summer and have felt the best in two years," said Foy. "I've missed the game and want to thank Matt Thomas for giving me the opportunity to return. I've heard Stockton's a great community and hockey town. It'll be exciting to play again with Jason and move forward this season."

The Oakville, Ontario native completed his only major junior season in the Ontario Hockey League in 2002-03 with the Ottawa 67's, earning the Jim Mahon Memorial Trophy (top scoring right winger), an OHL First All-Star Team and Canadian Hockey League All-Star (Second Team) selection.

During that season, Foy ranked second in OHL scoring with 132 points (61g-71a) in 68 games and buried 61 goals, ranking tied for second in the league.

The training camp roster for the Thunder will be announced soon. Training camp will open at Stockton Arena with physicals on Thursday at 9:00 a.m.

OPENING NIGHT AND TICKET INFORMATION

Opening Night is Friday, Oct. 14, when the Thunder opens the 2011-12 regular season at home against the Colorado Eagles, starting at 7:30 p.m. at Stockton Arena. The game will be a historic ECHL event to welcome in the Eagles, who will play in their inaugural game after spending the previous eight seasons in the Central Hockey League.

The Thunder are freezing most Season Ticket prices for the 2011-12 season, which are on sale now and can be purchased by calling (209) 373-1500 or by visiting www.stocktonthunder.com. Thunder Season Ticket Holders enjoy the highest demanded seating locations in Stockton Arena, benefits including admission to Season Ticket Holder only events, discount opportunities on Thunder merchandise, a free e-newsletter, an exclusive gift, admission to the first two rounds of the Kelly Cup Playoffs and more.

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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