Thunder Sign Defenseman Stebner to ATO

Published on March 25, 2014 under ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release

Stockton, Calif. - The Stockton Thunder, proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL's New York Islanders and AHL's Bridgeport Sound Tigers, have signed Michigan Tech defenseman Brad Stebner to an amateur tryout contract Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations Rich Kromm announced Tuesday.

Stebner, 24, recently finished up a four-year career with Michigan Tech where he was a captain of the Huskies in his senior year while posting 7 points (1 goal, 6 assists) in 37 games. The Fort McMurray, Alberta native finished his college career with 29 points and 111 penalty minutes in 139 games.

The 6'4" 210 pound defenseman played junior hockey with his hometown team, the Fort McMurray Oil Barons (AJHL). Stebner posted 37 points in his final year of juniors and was a finalist for the AJHL's Defenseman of the Year award as well as a captain of the North Division All-Star Team.

In a separate move, Kromm announced that defenseman Brice O'Connor had been signed to a standard player contract. O'Connor, 23, was signed to an ATO by the Thunder on March 21, after completing his college career at the University of Maine. The Londonderry, NH native has played in two games for the Thunder recording an assist in his pro debut against the Alaska Aces.

The Thunder play four games this week, starting with a Wednesday night contest against the Idaho Steelheads at 7:00 p.m. PST. The game is another Family Day presented by Sutter Gould and 99.3 FM KJOY. Fans can purchase a four pack of Upper End Zone tickets with vouchers for four sodas and for hot dogs for just $38. Those who purchase the deal online will receive a Thunder hat at no extra charge. For more information visit StocktonThunder.com.

ECHL Stories from March 25, 2014

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