Thunder Colin McDonald Is Sixth Thunder Alum To Reach NHL

Published on November 28, 2009 under ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


STOCKTON, Calif. - Right wing Colin McDonald, who skated in three games with the Stockton Thunder in 2008-09, made his National Hockey League debut with the Edmonton Oilers tonight against the San Jose Sharks.

Originally selected by the Edmonton Oilers in the second round (51st overall) of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft, the 25-year old McDonald has scored nine points (5g-4a) in 21 games with the Springfield Falcons of the American Hockey League this season.

The 6-foot-3, 205-pound forward suited up in three games for the Thunder last season, collecting two assists. Last season, McDonald additionally scored 10 goals and 22 points (10g-12a) in 77 games for Springfield, amassing 65 penalty minutes.

McDonald, who is the second player with experience in a Thunder uniform to make his NHL debut this month (joining center Ryan O'Marra), has skated in 171 career AHL games for the Falcons, scoring 54 points (27g-27a) and posting 123 PIM's.

McDonald is the sixth player with experience in a Thunder uniform to advance and make his NHL debut, joining center Ryan O'Marra (with Edmonton, at Ottawa on Nov. 10, 2009), right wing Troy Bodie (with Anaheim, at Pittsburgh on Jan. 16, 2009), center Tim Sestito (with Edmonton, vs. Los Angeles on Nov. 26, 2008), left wing Liam Reddox (with Edmonton, vs. St. Louis on Dec. 7, 2007) and defenseman Bryan Young (with Edmonton, at Anaheim on Mar. 9, 2007).

For the fourth consecutive season, Stockton is serving as the AA minor-league affiliate for the Oilers. The Thunder has advanced to the Kelly Cup Playoffs three consecutive years since the affiliation partnership began in the 2006-07 season. In total, seven Thunder players, including two who have been selected in the first round of the NHL Entry Draft (O'Marra and goaltender Devan Dubnyk), have been named to play in the ECHL All-Star Game in the last three years while in the Oilers farm system.

The proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL's Edmonton Oilers and AHL's Springfield Falcons, 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, Group, Mini Plan and Individual 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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