Thunder, ECHL Announce Schedule Change

October 7, 2005 - ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


STOCKTON, Calif. - The Stockton Thunder, per announcement by the ECHL, will participate in the 2005-06 season under new team schedule changes, Thunder team president Dan Chapman announced today.

The Thunder will adjust their 2005-06 regular season schedule, due to operational complications imposed on league mates Mississippi Sea Wolves and Texas Wildcatters, caused by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, respectively. Both teams are slated to rejoin the league in 2006-07. As a result, the Thunder will drop their February 8th date with the Texas Wildcatters, replaced by a home meeting with the Fresno Falcons on the same day.

The Johnstown Chiefs were also dropped from the Thunder's regular season schedule, originally slated to host Stockton on November 16. The Thunder and Falcons also moved a February 24th game in Fresno to November 4th. A March 17th road game at Utah was also dropped.

Stockton has also added a December 12th date at Fresno, and a March 14th game at Idaho.

The Thunder are still scheduled for 72 regular season games, with the season opener scheduled for October 22nd, on the road against the Fresno Falcons, while hosting Fresno in Stockton's home opener on December 3rd. The ECHL also made the following announcements, regarding the Texas Wildcatters:

**The ECHL announced Thursday that the Board of Governors unanimously approved a Voluntary Suspension request from the Texas Wildcatters for 2005-06 under the league's hardship provisions as a result of the devastation of Hurricane Rita. The Wildcatters reported to the Board that they were notified on Thursday that the Ford Arena will not be available to the team for 2005-06 due to the continuing recovery efforts. The ECHL team is located in Beaumont which suffered a direct hit from Hurricane Rita.

The ECHL will release a revised playing schedule for 2005-06 on Friday. **

The Thunder opens training camp on Saturday, October 8th at 9am, with a second session following at 2:30pm. All training camp sessions are open to the public.

Season tickets for the upcoming Thunder season are on sale now. Tickets for the home opener can currently be purchased as part of a full or mini season package. For more information on season tickets, mini packages, merchandise, or other information, please call the Stockton Thunder at (209) 948-3322 or visit www.stocktonthunder.com.



ECHL Stories from October 7, 2005


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