Thunder Defenseman Anthony Aiello Returned from AHL

Published on April 6, 2011 under ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


STOCKTON, Calif. - The Stockton Thunder, proud ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League's Edmonton Oilers and San Jose Sharks, announced defenseman Anthony Aiello (EYE-ell-oh) has been returned to the Thunder from loan to the Oklahoma City Barons of the American Hockey League on a professional tryout agreement (PTO).

Aiello, 24, is expected to suit up for the Thunder tonight, who face the Utah Grizzlies in Game 2 of the Western Conference Quarterfinal at Maverik Center, beginning at 6:05 p.m. (1280 KWSX/StocktonThunder.com).

The 6-foot-1, 196 pound defenseman was one of seven Thunder players to earn an AHL tryout contract this season and returns after scoring 12 points (2g-10a) in 23 AHL games with Oklahoma City. He left the Thunder on Jan. 15, leading all defensemen with five goals and 17 points (5g-12a) in 33 games, totaling 38 penalty minutes.

Named Thunder "Defenseman of the Year" as a rookie in 2009-10, he skated with Oklahoma City in AHL training camp this preseason and was selected by the Minnesota Wild in the fifth round (129th overall) of the 2005 NHL Entry Draft.

Beginning his pro career with the Florida Everblades last season by skating in three games, the Thunder acquired him from Florida for future considerations on Dec. 1, 2009. Aiello followed by leading all Thunder defensemen last season with 27 points (7g-20a) and totaling 59 penalty minutes in 51 games.

The Braintree, Mass. native was co-recipient of the AMI Graphics ECHL Plus Performer of the Month (January) last year and added nine points (1g-8a) in 15 Kelly Cup Playoff games, guiding the Thunder to its first berth in the Conference Finals.

Aiello suited up in 132 career games for Boston College (NCAA) in four seasons (2005-09), scoring 35 points (5g-30a) and totaling 142 penalty minutes. He was a member of Boston College's national championship team as a 2007-08 junior.

Forward Mark Arcobello and goaltender Bryan Pitton remain on reserve for the Thunder playoff roster, currently skating for Oklahoma City.

The 2011 Thunder Playoffs are presented by Golden Bear Insurance Company. Fans wishing to purchase Kelly Cup Playoff strips may lock in tickets for all games now by calling the Stockton Thunder at (209) 373-1500. Individual tickets are also on sale by visiting www.StocktonTickets.com. The Thunder returns home for Game 3 of the series on Saturday, beginning at 7:30 p.m. at Stockton Arena.

A proud 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 for the third straight year, 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/.

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ECHL Stories from April 6, 2011


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