Thunder Signs Right Winger Kelly Czuy

Published on February 7, 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, has signed right winger Kelly Czuy (CHOO-ee), Thunder head coach Matt Thomas announced today. Per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Czuy, 27, who has been a part of three teams that have advanced to the Conference Finals in the last three seasons, returns for his second consecutive season in a Thunder uniform and is expected to make his season debut on Wednesday, when the Thunder visit the Ontario Reign at 7:05 p.m. (1280 KWSX/StocktonThunder.com).

"We are excited to get Kelly back for the stretch run, ‚¬Â said Thomas. ‚¬Å“He was an integral part of our playoff run last year and we are looking for him to step in right away and contribute. He is a fast, skilled and physical forward that personifies our team identity. He is a welcomed addition."

Previously this season, Czuy skated in 24 games in Poland for MMKS Podhale Nowy Targ, burying 15 goals and collecting 26 points (15g-11a) with 108 penalty minutes.

The 6-foot-2, 200 pound forward performed as one of the top point producers in the Kelly Cup Playoffs for the Thunder last season, scoring nine points (5g-4a) and five goals in eight games. His five points (3g-2a) and three goals in a four-game opening round helped the Thunder eliminate the defending Conference champion Alaska Aces, 3-1 in the series.

Czuy was originally assigned to the Thunder on Oct. 1, 2009 while playing under an American Hockey League contract with the Springfield Falcons and has scored 39 points (17g-22a) and 17 goals in 52 lifetime Kelly Cup Playoff games. Last year, he collected 14 points (7g-7a) and 52 penalty minutes in 40 games with the Thunder.

The Edmonton, Alberta native has suited up in 177 career ECHL games with the Thunder and Las Vegas Wranglers, scoring 84 points (38g-46a) and totaling 254 penalty minutes. Czuy has also skated in 21 career games in the AHL with Springfield, Iowa and Manitoba, collecting four assists and nine penalty minutes.

A two-time recipient of the ECHL ‚¬Å“Award of Excellence, ‚¬Â Thunder has led the ECHL in attendance for four consecutive seasons, was voted "Best Local Sports Team" by readers of the San Joaquin Magazine for the third straight year, and drew over 200,000 fans for the fifth consecutive season in 2009-10. Season Tickets, mini-plans and individual tickets 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/.

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



ECHL Stories from February 7, 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