Thunder Signs Free Agent Right Winger Tyler Shelast

Published on September 21, 2011 under ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


STOCKTON, Calif. - The Stockton Thunder, proud ECHL affiliate of the Edmonton Oilers and San Jose Sharks of the National Hockey League, and head coach Matt Thomas announced today that the team has signed free agent right winger Tyler Shelast (Shel-AST). Per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Shelast, 26, makes the Thunder his second ECHL team after skating for the Idaho Steelheads in 2008-09. Before that season, the Dallas Stars signed him as a free agent on Mar. 20, 2008.

"Tyler is a power forward that fits our system well," said Thomas. "He is a strong skater that has a history of scoring goals. A look at his recent numbers and the conversations with him makes us excited about the potential of his skill set."

Last season, the 6-foot-1 and 202-pound forward earned a career-high 19 goals and 41 points (19g-22a) with the Quad City Mallards of the Central Hockey League and posted two assists in four postseason games.

In 149 career games with Iowa, Hamilton and Texas of the American Hockey League, Allen and Quad City of the CHL and Idaho, he has scored 75 points (35g-40a) and totaled 78 penalty minutes.

During his only ECHL season with the Steelheads, Shelast scored 21 points (9g-12a), compiled 23 penalty minutes and suited up in four Kelly Cup Playoff games.

The Kelowna, British Columbia native has skated in 60 career AHL games, scoring ten points (5g-5a) and collecting 24 penalty minutes.

"I didn't spend a lot of time in Idaho but became very familiar with Stockton Arena by playing in a lot of games there," said Shelast. "I remember coming to the rink experiencing a really good atmosphere and a tough team to play against. Getting to play on the home side of that will be very exciting and I've heard a lot of good things about Coach Thomas."

Shelast competed in 151 career games in college throughout four seasons (2004-08) with Michigan Tech University (NCAA), scoring 87 points (51g-36a) and totaling 130 penalty minutes. He enjoyed a career-high 26 points (16g-10a) and 16 goals in 39 games as a 2007-08 senior.

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/.

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