Thunder Hockey Operations Department Expands For 2011-12 Season

Published on August 30, 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, and Head Coach Matt Thomas announced today that Brennan Cody has been named new Head Equipment Manager and Brandon Taylor has been named new Strength and Conditioning Coach of the Thunder.

The two additions expand the Thunder hockey operations department staff for the 2011-12 season.

"Brennan was highly recommended and has experience at the professional level as a Head Equipment Manager which was important to us," said Thomas. "His attention to detail and work ethic will be a huge benefit to our players this season. We look forward to adding him to the Thunder family."

Cody, 27, succeeds Ben Calkins and is the fourth Equipment Manager in Thunder history, joining the club after serving the Dayton Gems of the Central Hockey League as Head Equipment Manager for two seasons (2009-11).

The native of Rochester, N.Y. will handle management of all day-to-day equipment-related duties of the Thunder dressing room, including maintenance and inventory of team supplies while assisting the hockey operations department with administrative duties and supervision of Thunder game day equipment staff.

Before his time with in Dayton, he previously served the Rochester Americans of the American Hockey League as Assistant Equipment Manager for two seasons (2007-09). Cody also served as Equipment Manager for USA Hockey Development Camps from 2009-10 and was Assistant Pro Shop Manager for the Lakeshore Hockey Arena from 2005-09.

Taylor, 27, currently serves as Owner of CrossFit CenCal in Stockton and will closely work with Thunder players during the season, handling development and execution of all aspects of strength and conditioning.

"In searching for a certified Strength and Conditioning Coach, Brandon and his staff at CrossFit CenCal, who have a remarkable reputation and premier state-of-the-art training facility, offered the perfect fit," said Thomas. "Their access for our players will help improve overall team performance and with our travel schedule, we addressed a need to add a resource that can enhance the training of high level athletes, both healthy and recovering from injury."

The Stockton native has been coaching and training athletes since 2006. In that capacity, Taylor has implemented intensive workout programs with private and public instruction, benefiting athletes across the country and local workout enthusiasts.

His client list includes Stockton native and Oakland Athletics pitcher Dallas Braden, PGA Tour professional Ricky Barnes and Motocross rider and X Games gold medalist Brian Deegan.

A certified coach in the areas of CrossFit, endurance running, power lifting and Olympic weightlifting, he spent one season each assisting the training staff of the St. Louis Blues of the National Hockey League and St. Louis Rams of the National Football League.

Taylor played baseball locally for Delta College before transferring to earn his Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Medicine at Missouri Baptist University in 2006. He was a 2002 graduate of Bear Creek High School in Stockton.

OPENING NIGHT AND TICKET INFORMATION

Opening Night is Friday, Oct. 14, when the Thunder opens the 2011-12 regular season at home against the Colorado Eagles, starting at 7:30 p.m. at Stockton Arena. The game will be a historic ECHL event to welcome in the Eagles, who will play in their inaugural game after spending the previous eight seasons in the Central Hockey League.

The Thunder are freezing most Season Ticket prices for the 2011-12 season, which are on sale now and can be purchased by calling (209) 373-1500 or by visiting www.stocktonthunder.com. Thunder Season Ticket Holders enjoy the highest-demanded seating locations in Stockton Arena, benefits including admission to Season Ticket Holder-only events, discount opportunities on Thunder merchandise, a free e-newsletter, an exclusive gift, admission to the first two rounds of the Kelly Cup Playoffs and more. Individual ticket prices will be announced soon.

For more information about tickets, merchandise, or other inquiries contact the Stockton Thunder offices at (209) 373-1500 or visit http://www.stocktonthunder.com/.

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



ECHL Stories from August 30, 2011


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central