Thunder Announces 2011-12 Season Schedule

May 31, 2011 - ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


STOCKTON, Calif. - The Stockton Thunder, a two-time recipient of the ECHL "Award of Excellence," and the ECHL announced the 2011-12 regular season schedule today. The Thunder is scheduled to open the season in front of its home fans at Stockton Arena, hosting the Colorado Eagles, starting at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 14.

The game in Stockton will be the site of a historic night, where the Eagles, a new opponent in the Western Conference, will play in their first ECHL game. Colorado officially announced new membership in the league, after playing in the Central Hockey League for eight seasons.

The Thunder will also launch its 2011-12 road schedule on another historic night, on Friday, Oct. 21 in the Eagles' inaugural ECHL home opener in Loveland, Colo. at 6:05 p.m.

The Thunder, a four-time leader in ECHL attendance, averaged over 6,000 fans per game and drew over 200,000 fans at the gate last season for the sixth straight year. The Thunder has drawn 16 sellouts in the team's franchise history and had 12 crowds of 7,000 fans or more in 2010-11. Last season's total of 229,751 fans is the largest attendance in club history since 2007-08, an increase of six percent from 2009-10.

Continuing a tradition, Thunder home games will begin at 7:00 p.m. PT on Monday through Thursday, 7:30 p.m. PT on Friday and Saturday, and 4:00 p.m. PT on Sunday. The 72-game schedule (36 home, 36 away) ends with a three game road trip against the Idaho Steelheads on Mar. 28 and 30-31.

A total of 26 home games will be played on a Friday or Saturday while the home schedule features 33 weekend dates (13 Fridays, 13 Saturdays and 7 Sundays).

2011-12 SCHEDULE BREAKDOWN

For the 2011-12 regular season, the Thunder will continue to participate in a 72 game schedule that emphasizes rivalries against Western Conference foes.

The Thunder faces its Pacific Division rivals 35 times in 2011-12, including 13 games against the Bakersfield Condors, the closest division rival, geographically. The first game of the head-to-head series is Tuesday, Nov. 15, on a special 10:30 a.m. start time at Rabobank Arena.

The Thunder, who went 7-1-2 in ten games last season against the Ontario Reign, will face Ontario in 12 games this season with the first six meetings scheduled at Citizens Business Bank Arena. The Thunder will host Ontario for the first time of the season at Stockton Arena on Friday, Dec. 2 at 7:30 p.m.

Thunder head coach Matt Thomas will face former assistant and current Las Vegas head coach Ryan Mougenel ten times in the 2011-12 regular season. Stockton defeated Las Vegas in the final two head-to-head meetings of the 2010-11 season. The first meeting of the regular season is in Las Vegas, at Orleans Arena on Saturday, Nov. 12 at 7:05 p.m. Both teams will meet for the first time at Stockton Arena Friday, Nov. 25 at 7:30 p.m.

After being eliminated in four games during the 2011 Western Conference Quarterfinal by the Utah Grizzlies, the Thunder faces its Western Conference rival six times in the regular season. The first rematch since the Conference Final is at Stockton Arena on Friday, Nov. 4 at 7:30 p.m.

The defending Kelly Cup champion Alaska Aces will face the Thunder ten times in 2011-12, making their first of seven visits of the season to Stockton Arena on Wednesday, Nov. 23 at 7:00 p.m.

PROMOTION AND EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

"Thunder Goes Pink VI," the flagship event of all Thunder fundraising outreach events during the hockey season, is scheduled for November 4-5 at Stockton Arena against the Utah Grizzlies. The wildly popular event continued to help spotlight and raise funds to benefit local breast cancer treatment and prevention this past season, raising $42,000 cash split evenly between the event beneficiaries: American Cancer Society - Stockton Field Office and St. Joseph's Foundation - Breast Cancer Services. The Thunder has boosted its all-time, five-year total of funds raise through "Pink" to over $187,000.

More information on the upcoming season's promotion and giveaway schedule will be announced soon.

TICKET INFORMATION 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.

New and renewing Season Ticket Holders still have the opportunity to save 5% off the Season Ticket price along with the option of a special eight month payment plan. Individual ticket prices and promotional dates will be announced soon.

STOCKTON ARENA SEAT LOCATIONS & PRICING Location Per seat Deposit (May-December)

Glass $930 $116

Comcast Club $750 $94 Lower Premium $675 $84

Upper Premium $500 $63

Lower End Zone $500 $63

Upper End Zone $350 $44

STOCKTON THUNDER 2011-12 REGULAR SEASON SCHEDULE (HOME GAMES IN BOLD)

Fri. Oct. 14 Colorado 7:30 p.m.

Sat. Oct. 15 at Ontario 6:00 p.m.

Fri. Oct. 21 at Colorado 6:05 p.m.

Sat. Oct. 22 at Colorado 6:05 p.m.

Fri. Oct. 28 at Ontario 7:00 p.m.

Sat. Oct. 29 Idaho 7:30 p.m.

NOVEMBER

Fri. Nov. 4 Utah 7:30 p.m.

Sat. Nov. 5 Utah 7:30 p.m.

Sat. Nov. 12 at Las Vegas 7:05 p.m.

Sun. Nov. 13 at Las Vegas 2:05 p.m.

Tue. Nov. 15 at Bakersfield 10:30 a.m.

Wed. Nov. 16 at Ontario 7:00 p.m.

Fri. Nov. 18 at Ontario 7:00 p.m.

Sat. Nov. 19 at Ontario 6:00 p.m.

Wed. Nov. 23 Alaska 7:00 p.m.

Fri. Nov. 25 Las Vegas 7:30 p.m.

Sat. Nov. 26 Las Vegas 7:30 p.m.

Wed. Nov. 30 at Ontario 7:00 p.m.

DECEMBER

Fri. Dec. 2 Ontario 7:30 p.m.

Sun. Dec. 4 at Ontario 5:00 p.m.

Tue. Dec. 6 at Las Vegas 7:05 p.m.

Fri. Dec. 9 at Bakersfield 7:00 p.m.

Sat. Dec. 10 Bakersfield 7:30 p.m.

Sun. Dec. 11 Bakersfield 4:00 p.m.

Fri. Dec. 16 Idaho 7:30 p.m.

Sat. Dec. 17 Idaho 7:30 p.m.

Mon. Dec. 26 at Bakersfield 7:00 p.m.

Tue. Dec. 27 at Las Vegas 7:05 p.m.

Fri. Dec. 30 Ontario 7:30 p.m.

Sat. Dec. 31 Ontario 7:30 p.m.

JANUARY

Fri. Jan. 6, 2012 at Bakersfield 7:00 p.m.

Sat. Jan. 7 at Bakersfield 7:00 p.m.

Thur. Jan. 12 at Alaska 8:15 p.m.

Fri. Jan. 13 at Alaska 8:15 p.m.

Sat. Jan. 14 at Alaska 8:15 p.m.

Fri. Jan. 20 Las Vegas 7:30 p.m.

Sat. Jan. 21 Las Vegas 7:30 p.m.

Sun. Jan. 22 Las Vegas 4:00 p.m.

Tue. Jan. 24 at Idaho 6:10 p.m.

Wed. Jan. 25 at Idaho 6:10 p.m.

Fri. Jan. 27 Alaska 7:30 p.m.

Sat. Jan. 28 Alaska 7:30 p.m.

Sun. Jan. 29 Alaska 4:00 p.m.

FEBRUARY

Wed. Feb. 1 at Bakersfield 7:00 p.m.

Fri. Feb. 3 Idaho 7:30 p.m.

Sat. Feb. 4 Idaho 7:30 p.m.

Fri. Feb. 10 at Colorado 6:05 p.m.

Sat. Feb. 11 at Colorado 6:05 p.m.

Wed. Feb. 15 Ontario 7:00 p.m.

Fri. Feb. 17 Idaho 7:30 p.m.

Sat. Feb. 18 Colorado 7:30 p.m.

Sun. Feb. 19 Colorado 4:00 p.m.

Fri. Feb. 24 at Bakersfield 7:00 p.m.

Sat. Feb. 25 at Bakersfield 7:00 p.m.

Sun. Feb. 26 Bakersfield 4:00 p.m.

MARCH

Fri. Mar. 2 Alaska 7:30 p.m.

Sat. Mar.3 Alaska 7:30 p.m.

Sun. Mar. 4 Alaska 4:00 p.m.

Tue. Mar. 6 at Colorado 6:05 p.m.

Wed. Mar. 7 at Colorado 6:05 p.m.

Fri. Mar. 9 at Utah 6:05 p.m.

Sat. Mar. 10 at Utah 6:05 p.m.

Wed. Mar. 14 Idaho 7:00 p.m.

Fri. Mar. 16 Las Vegas 7:30 p.m.

Sat. Mar. 17 Utah 7:30 p.m.

Sun. Mar. 18 Utah 4:00 p.m.

Wed. Mar. 21 at Ontario 7:00 p.m.

Fri. Mar. 23 Bakersfield 7:30 p.m.

Sat. Mar. 24 Bakersfield 7:30 p.m.

Wed. Mar. 28 at Idaho 6:10 p.m.

Fri. Mar. 30 at Idaho 6:10 p.m.

Sat. Mar. 31 at Idaho 6:10 p.m.

HOME DATES TO REMEMBER

October 14 - Opening Night at Stockton Arena versus the Colorado Eagles, playing in their first ECHL game November 4 - "Thunder Goes Pink VI" launches a two-game event and the Utah Grizzlies make their first return to Stockton Arena since the first round of the 2011 Kelly Cup Playoffs November 23 - The defending Kelly Cup champion Alaska Aces make their first visit of the season December 31 - The Ontario Reign visit for a special New Year's Eve contest March 24 - The Bakersfield Condors visit for the final home game of the regular season

2011-12 OPPONENT BREAKDOWN: (home games in bold)

Alaska: 10 games (7 home, 3 road)

Wed. Nov. 23 Alaska 7:00 p.m.

Thur. Jan. 12 at Alaska 8:15 p.m.

Fri. Jan. 13 at Alaska 8:15 p.m.

Sat. Jan. 14 at Alaska 8:15 p.m.

Fri. Jan. 27 Alaska 7:30 p.m.

Sat. Jan. 28 Alaska 7:30 p.m.

Sun. Jan. 29 Alaska 4:00 p.m.

Fri. Mar. 2 Alaska 7:30 p.m.

Sat. Mar.3 Alaska 7:30 p.m.

Sun. Mar. 4 Alaska 4:00 p.m.

Bakersfield: 13 games (5 home, 8 road)

Tue. Nov. 15 at Bakersfield 10:30 a.m.

Fri. Dec. 9 at Bakersfield 7:00 p.m.

Sat. Dec. 10 Bakersfield 7:30 p.m.

Sun. Dec. 11 Bakersfield 4:00 p.m.

Mon. Dec. 26 at Bakersfield 7:00 p.m.

Fri. Jan. 6, 2012 at Bakersfield 7:00 p.m.

Sat. Jan. 7 at Bakersfield 7:00 p.m.

Wed. Feb. 1 at Bakersfield 7:00 p.m.

Fri. Feb. 24 at Bakersfield 7:00 p.m.

Sat. Feb. 25 at Bakersfield 7:00 p.m.

Sun. Feb. 26 Bakersfield 4:00 p.m.

Fri. Mar. 23 Bakersfield 7:30 p.m.

Sat. Mar. 24 Bakersfield 7:30 p.m.

Colorado: 9 games (3 home, 6 road)

Fri. Oct. 14 Colorado 7:30 p.m.

Fri. Oct. 21 at Colorado 6:05 p.m.

Sat. Oct. 22 at Colorado 6:05 p.m.

Fri. Feb. 10 at Colorado 6:05 p.m.

Sat. Feb. 11 at Colorado 6:05 p.m.

Sat. Feb. 18 Colorado 7:30 p.m.

Sun. Feb. 19 Colorado 4:00 p.m.

Tue. Mar. 6 at Colorado 6:05 p.m.

Wed. Mar. 7 at Colorado 6:05 p.m.

Idaho: 12 games (7 home, 5 road)

Sat. Oct. 29 Idaho 7:30 p.m.

Fri. Dec. 16 Idaho 7:30 p.m.

Sat. Dec. 17 Idaho 7:30 p.m.

Tue. Jan. 24 at Idaho 6:10 p.m.

Wed. Jan. 25 at Idaho 6:10 p.m.

Fri. Feb. 3 Idaho 7:30 p.m.

Sat. Feb. 4 Idaho 7:30 p.m.

Fri. Feb. 17 Idaho 7:30 p.m.

Wed. Mar. 14 Idaho 7:00 p.m.

Wed. Mar. 28 at Idaho 6:10 p.m.

Fri. Mar. 30 at Idaho 6:10 p.m.

Sat. Mar. 31 at Idaho 6:10 p.m.

Las Vegas: 10 games (6 home, 4 road)

Sat. Nov. 12 at Las Vegas 7:05 p.m.

Sun. Nov. 13 at Las Vegas 2:05 p.m.

Fri. Nov. 25 Las Vegas 7:30 p.m.

Sat. Nov. 26 Las Vegas 7:30 p.m.

Tue. Dec. 6 at Las Vegas 7:05 p.m.

Tue. Dec. 27 at Las Vegas 7:05 p.m.

Fri. Jan. 20 Las Vegas 7:30 p.m.

Sat. Jan. 21 Las Vegas 7:30 p.m.

Sun. Jan. 22 Las Vegas 4:00 p.m.

Fri. Mar. 16 Las Vegas 7:30 p.m.

Ontario: 12 games (4 home, 8 road)

Sat. Oct. 15 at Ontario 6:00 p.m.

Fri. Oct. 28 at Ontario 7:00 p.m.

Wed. Nov. 16 at Ontario 7:00 p.m.

Fri. Nov. 18 at Ontario 7:00 p.m.

Sat. Nov. 19 at Ontario 6:00 p.m.

Wed. Nov. 30 at Ontario 7:00 p.m.

Fri. Dec. 2 Ontario 7:30 p.m.

Sun. Dec. 4 at Ontario 5:00 p.m.

Fri. Dec. 30 Ontario 7:30 p.m.

Sat. Dec. 31 Ontario 7:30 p.m.

Wed. Feb. 15 Ontario 7:00 p.m.

Wed. Mar. 21 at Ontario 7:00 p.m.

Utah: 6 games (4 home, 2 road)

Fri. Nov. 4 Utah 7:30 p.m.

Sat. Nov. 5 Utah 7:30 p.m.

Fri. Mar. 9 at Utah 6:05 p.m.

Sat. Mar. 10 at Utah 6:05 p.m.

Sat. Mar. 17 Utah 7:30 p.m.

Sun. Mar. 18 Utah 4:00 p.m.

The Thunder helped promote seven players onto the American Hockey League (originally holding ECHL contracts), toppled the 30-win plateau for the fourth time in six seasons, tied a club record with 86 points during the regular season and won 35 games in 2010-11, the second highest in club history.

The proud ECHL affiliate of the Edmonton Oilers and San Jose Sharks of the National Hockey League, the Thunder was voted "Best Local Sports Team" by readers of the San Joaquin Magazine, led the ECHL in attendance for four consecutive seasons and drew over 200,000 fans for the sixth consecutive season in 2010-11. Season Tickets for 2011-12 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/.



ECHL Stories from May 31, 2011


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central