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Thunder Defenseman Mike Little Named to ECHL All-Rookie Team

March 28, 2012 - 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, announced in conjunction with the ECHL that defenseman Mike Little has been named to the 2011-12 ECHL All-Rookie Team, as determined in a vote of ECHL coaches, broadcasters, media relations directors and media, who were asked to select a goaltender, two defensemen and three forwards.

"The Stockton Thunder is proud to salute Mike for his well deserved accomplishment," said Thunder head coach Matt Thomas. "It's a reward that is reflective of his skill set and relentless work ethic. He sets an example each day for our young group and continues to make strides as an up and coming prospect."

Little, 24, is second among ECHL defensemen and tied for second among rookies in plus-minus at +20, which is tied for sixth overall in the league. He is tied for eighth among defensemen with 38 points (9g-29a) in 67 games this season.

The 5-foot-9 and 195 pound defenseman has enjoyed seven multi point games this season. He has posted three points in a game twice this season, most recently on Jan. 21 vs. Las Vegas.

Little earned ten points (2g-8a) and was +4 in 12 games during the month of February. Since Jan. 1, he is tied for second in the league with a +19 rating and has racked up 27 points (7g-20a) in 39 games.

The Enfield, Conn. native entered the pro ranks with the Reading Royals last season, when he collected two assists and a +6 rating in his first seven games. He spent all four years (2007-11) of his college career at American International College (NCAA) and posted 32 points (5g-27a) and 32 penalty minutes in 133 games.

2011-12 ECHL ALL-ROOKIE TEAM

G - Philipp Grubauer, South Carolina Stingrays (43 gp, 23-13-5, 2.22 GAA, .918 save pct.)

D - Andrew Hotham, Wheeling Nailers (49 gp, 8g, 33a, 41 pts., +11)

D - Mike Little, Stockton Thunder (67 gp, 9g, 29a, 38 pts., +20)

F - Chris Barton, Wheeling Nailers (66 gp, 28g, 30a, 58 pts., +13)

F - Dustin Gazley, Elmira Jackals (69 gp, 23g, 58a, 81 pts., +12)

F - Mathew Sisca, Cincinnati Cyclones (74 gp, 23g, 40a, 63 pts., +8)

Little becomes the first player in Thunder history to be selected to the ECHL All-Rookie Team.

Since the ECHL began naming the All-Rookie Team in 2000-01, 13 players selected have gone to play in the NHL: Richard Bachman (2009-10), David Desharnais (2007-08), Cedrick Desjardins (2006-07), Kevin Doell (2003-04), Brian Fahey (2003-04), Vern Fiddler (2002-03), Simon Gamache (2001-02), Mike Glumac (2002-03), Adam Hauser (2002-03), Jason Jaffray (2002-03), Anton Khudobin (2007-08), Joey Tenute (2004-05) and Zenon Konopka (2002-03).

The Thunder returns to the road for its next game tonight at Century Link Arena against the host Idaho Steelheads at 6:10 p.m. The game will be carried on radio at 1280 AM KWSX and online for viewing (pay-per-view video charge) and listening (free of charge) at www.StocktonThunder.com, courtesy of AmericaOne.

The schedule for the opening round of the 2012 Kelly Cup Playoffs will be announced soon.

Season Tickets are on sale now and fans can claim priority seating for the 2012 Kelly Cup Playoffs by purchasing Thunder Season Tickets for 2012-13. Current Thunder Season Ticket holders receive the first two rounds of the playoffs for free with their package. 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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