"Thunder Goes Pink III" Coming This Friday, Saturday To Stockton Arena

November 3, 2008 - ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


STOCKTON, Calif. - The Stockton Thunder is scheduled to host "Thunder Goes Pink III" on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 7-8, highlighting two special 7:30 p.m. games against the Victoria Salmon Kings at Stockton Arena.

A fan favorite series that has become a staple of the Thunder regular season schedule and community outreach efforts for fighting breast cancer, the team's weekend event has raised over $73,000 in the last two seasons. The Thunder drew nearly 18,000 fans (including a sell-out crowd of 9,737 on November 3) to the two-game series against the Idaho Steelheads last year.

Thunder Goes Pink III presented by St. Joseph's Medical Center in association with County Bank and MetroPCS will once again use two Thunder home games at Stockton Arena, to be played on a pink-tinted ice surface, to help spotlight and raise funds for breast cancer awareness effort.

"The theme for Thunder Goes Pink III this year is 'The Tradition Continues' and this is a tradition that we are so proud to be a part of," said Thunder president Dan Chapman. "This weekend is more than just raising money for our beneficiaries; it's also an opportunity to celebrate survivors."

The Thunder, and its signature partner St. Joseph's Medical Center, are joining together to raise funds for the American Cancer Society - Stockton Field Office and the St. Joseph's Foundation - Breast Cancer Services.

"Although we continue to make advances in the treatment of breast cancer, early detection remains critical to improving outcomes and saving lives," said Donald J. Wiley, president of St. Joseph's Medical Center. "Thunder Goes Pink provides a perfect opportunity to help increase awareness and carry this message to women in our community."

"This year over 21,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in California," said Sandy Stoddard, community services director for the American Cancer Society - Stockton Field Office. "The mortality rate has decreased by 27% because of campaigns like 'Thunder Goes Pink.' The American Cancer Society - Stockton Field Office provides services to support breast cancer patients and their families. Support groups, wigs, transportation to treatment and "Look Good...Feel Better" classes are some of the services available to patients."

Large crowds approaching Stockton Arena's capacity of 9,737 are expected for both games and two dollars from every ticket sold for the event will be donated to the beneficiaries. For the third straight year, Thunder players will once again wear specially-designed pink jerseys which will be auctioned off for the charities in silent and live auctions during the weekend.

Fans in attendance will also have a chance to bid on one-of-a kind NHL memorabilia and special items in a silent auction to be held in the concourse of Stockton Arena for both games. In addition, commemorative t-shirts will be on sale at the event with $5 from each t-shirt being donated to the beneficiaries.

Giveaway items during Thunder Goes Pink III will also help promote the cause. Among the premiums planned are pink colored Thunder visors for the first 2,000 female fans in attendance each night while all kids (ages 12 and under in attendance) will receive a pink glow stick.

Additional Thunder Goes Pink III sponsors include: Anthem Blue Cross, Delta St. Joseph's Imaging Centers, Arnaiz Companies, Vu Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery and Antonini Freight Express.

The proud ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League's Edmonton Oilers and American Hockey League'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 three consecutive seasons and drew 239,337 fans to Stockton Arena in 2007-08. Season tickets and mini plans are on sale now. For more information about tickets, merchandise, or other inquiries contact the Stockton Thunder offices at (209) 373-1500 or visit www.StocktonThunder.com.



ECHL Stories from November 3, 2008


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