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Thunder signs Nick Martens, Tony Johnson

September 21, 2005 - ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


STOCKTON, Calif. - Adding to the pool of players in preparation for the 2005-06 season, the Stockton Thunder has signed defensemen Nick Martens and Tony Johnson, Thunder head coach Chris Cichocki announced today. Per club policy, terms of the deal were not announced.

"Nick is a very versatile defenseman and gives us a lot of options in different situations," said Cichocki. "I look for him to adapt quickly and log a significant amount of ice time."

Martens is slated to make his professional debut in a Thunder uniform, previously spending four seasons at college hockey power University of Michigan (NCAA). In 129 career games with the Wolverines (7-24-31), the native of Ann Arbor, Mich. helped in guiding Michigan to two NCAA Frozen Four appearances, while piling on a career plus/minus rating of +38, leading the team with a +22 rating as a sophomore in 2002-03.

Martens also achieved college scoring highs in 2002-03 (3-9-12), in 43 games.

"I expect Tony to build-off his rookie season from last year, said Cichocki. "He's a very well-rounded defenseman who's versatile in different situations. He'll play a significant role in our core of defensemen."

Johnson, 25, has garnered a year of experience on the blueline in the ECHL, appearing in 64 games with the Pee Dee Pride (2-7-9) in 2004-05. Prior to his rookie season, Johnson spent his four-year college tenure at Merrimack College (NCAA), picking up nine goals and 43 points in 130 career games with the Warriors.

His season-best at Merrimack came during the 2003-04 season, where compiled four goals and 20 points in 35 games as a senior.

Martens and Johnson now bolster the Thunder roster to 10 players, who opens the season on the road October 22nd against the Fresno Falcons and takes on the Falcons in the Thunder's home opener on December 3rd.

Season tickets for the upcoming Thunder season are on sale now. Tickets for the home opener can currently be purchased as part of a full or mini season package. For more information on season tickets, mini packages, merchandise, or other information, please call the Stockton Thunder at (209) 948-3322 or visit www.stocktonthunder.com.

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