Thunder Signs 2009 All-Star Aaron Clarke

September 2, 2010 - 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 the team has signed left wing Aaron Clarke. Per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Clarke's rights were originally acquired by the Thunder on June 15, completing the original Dec. 4, 2009 transaction that had right wing Colin Power acquired by Wheeling from the Thunder for future considerations.

"Aaron has firmly established himself as a go-to scoring threat and leader at the ECHL level and it's an important day to add a decorated player like him to our lineup," said Thomas. "He helps replace some of the turnover we're experienced with last year's offense. We've gained a player who is extremely valuable to our core group with his offensive skills, skating ability, fearlessness and character."

Clarke, 27, comes off a 2009-10 season where he shattered career highs in goals (25), points (57) and assists (32) in 59 ECHL games, additionally ranking third on the Nailers in scoring and goals. Contributing on the penalty kill, his five shorthanded goals, a career-high as well, led the ECHL.

Completing his third year, the 5-foot -9, 185-pound forward racked up 14 assists on the power-play which ranked tied for second on the team.

The Peterborough, Ontario native earned a selection to the American Conference All-Star team in 2009, his first ECHL All-Star berth and scored a goal in the game at Reading. Serving the Nailers as captain, Clarke capped off the year with 37 points (11g-26a) in 40 games for Wheeling and chipped in with three goals and an assist in seven playoff games.

Clarke also earned three separate trips to the AHL on professional tryout agreements (PTO) that season, combining for seven points (3g-4a) and six penalty minutes in 32 games with Binghamton, Providence and Albany.

In 159 career ECHL games with Wheeling, spanning three seasons (2007-10), he has scored 130 points (55g-75a) and totaled 106 penalty minutes.

Previously, Clarke split four years (2003-07) of his college playing career between Niagara University and Robert Morris University (NCAA ), suiting up in 95 games while scoring 27 goals, 63 points (27g-36a) and totaling 114 penalty minutes.

"I became very excited about the environment that I would be getting into with Stockton through my own research and on the word of several friends around the ECHL," said Clarke. "You're always reminded of how great the Thunder fan base, facilities, team housing and weather is and I can't wait to experience that in the next step of my career. Coach Thomas is a driven winner and I want to be associated with that."

OPENING NIGHT AND TICKET INFORMATION

Opening Night is Friday, Oct. 15, when the Thunder opens the 2010-11 regular season at home against the Ontario Reign, starting at 7:30 p.m. at Stockton Arena. The Thunder and Alaska Aces meet in the preseason opener on Oct. 5 at Sullivan Arena, beginning at 8:15 p.m. The Thunder and Ontario Reign square off in the only preseason game at Stockton Arena o n Friday, Oct. 8 at 7:30 p.m.

The Thunder are freezing Season Ticket Prices for the 2010-11 season, which are on sale now 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, preferred parking options, 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. Information on individual and group tickets will be announced soon.

A two-time recipient of the ECHL "Award of Excellence," Thunder was voted "Best Local Sports Team" by readers of the San Joaquin Magazine, led the ECHL in attendance for four consecutive seasons and drew over 200,000 fans for the fifth consecutive season in 2009-10. Season Tickets and mini-plans for 2010-11 are on sale now. For more information about tickets, merchandise, or other inquiries contact the Stockton Thunder offices at (209) 373-1500 or visit http://www.stocktonthunder.com/.



ECHL Stories from September 2, 2010


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