Thunder, Brad Rowbotham Announce Purchase Agreement

Published on February 22, 2010 under ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


STOCKTON, Calif. - SC Hockey Franchise Corporation, led by Brad Rowbotham, signed an asset purchase agreement of the ECHL's Stockton Thunder on Monday morning and was introduced at a Monday press conference at Stockton Arena.

The purchase agreement, from Stockton Hockey Franchise Group, Inc., led by Michael Reinsdorf, is subject to final approval by the ECHL Board of Governors and the City of Stockton.

"First and foremost, I want to thank Michael for providing the opportunity to take the lead of one of the model franchises in professional hockey - a dream come true for passionate hockey people in myself and family," said Rowbotham. "Making it clear, we're taking advantage of a long-term plan and build on a wildly successful five years in Stockton by making it even better by taking it to the next level."

Rowbotham continued, "When I first set foot in Stockton, I instantly grew a passion for this city, the fans and the hockey team. The aura and atmosphere that Thunder fans create each and every game is strikingly similar to our NHL affiliate in the Edmonton Oilers. What makes sense is that we take our business model and make no sweeping changes. I am committing a plan to our fanbase and community that continues the success we have here and gives it even more stability in this city for decades to come."

Rowbotham, a native of Red Deer, Alberta, currently has shareholding interest and is general manager of Roll'n Oilfield Industries, Ltd, a corporation founded by his father 33 years ago that spans operations globally in the United States, Canada and in the past, Russia, Africa and South America.

In the last decade, Roll'n Oilfield has been named recipient of the Canadian Association of Oil Well Drilling Contractors (CAODC) "Safest Service Rig Company" Award four times and was named "Business of the Year" by the Red Deer Chamber of Commerce in 2005.

Brad and his wife, Dawn, currently reside in Red Deer and have four children (Kelsey, Cole, Ben and Austin). A noted hockey enthusiast with his family, his sons Cole and Austin has been involved in youth hockey for eight years.

Reinsdorf who is the principal owner of Minor League Baseball's Harrisburg Senators, a class-AA affiliate of the Washington Nationals, continues to serve the NBA's Chicago Bulls as Alternate Governor and is with the Children's Memorial Hospital Foundation, serving on the Board of Directors.

He headed the Stockton Hockey Franchise Group, Inc. purchase in January, 2005 of the Atlantic City Boardwalk Bullies from Atlantic City Hockey, LLC, has enjoyed numerous highlights during his tenure as Thunder owner/governor.

"I have nothing but a great feeling at how beneficial Brad's leadership and vision will be for the Stockton Thunder for years to come," said Reinsdorf. "It's a deal that makes the most sense and will be great for the city, fans and hockey club. I've thoroughly enjoyed the five years with the Thunder, and I'm confident that it's being left in great hands to build on the success in this budding hockey community. That was our goal through this whole process.

Under Reinsdorf's guidance and naming of Dan Chapman as Thunder president/alternate governor, the Thunder has been twice named recipient of the ECHL's "Award of Excellence" (2006-07 and 2008-09), has led the ECHL in attendance for four consecutive seasons since beginning play in the league in 2005-06, has drawn 13 sellouts to the 9,737-seat Stockton Arena and has advanced to the Kelly Cup Playoffs in the last three straight seasons.

In 2007-08, the Thunder hosted the 2008 ECHL All-Star Game, where a crowd of 7,455 marked the fifth-highest attended contest in ECHL All-Star Game history with NHL Network television coverage and NHL Radio coverage provided spotlight to the game during the league's 20th Anniversary season.

During the 2006-07 campaign, the Thunder drew record crowds with a total attendance figure of 244,085 (ECHL's highest since 2001-02 - Florida) over 36 home games, an average of 6,780 fans per contest, including three capacity crowds.

The proud ECHL affiliate of the Edmonton Oilers of the National Hockey League and Springfield Falcons of the American Hockey League, 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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