Thunder Signs Veteran Center Jason Morgan

Published on August 11, 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 veteran free agent center Jason Morgan. Per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

A veteran who has suited up for five NHL clubs and played in 584 games in the American Hockey League, Morgan enters his 16th playing season in the professional ranks and will additionally serve in a player/assistant coach role under Thomas.

"Any time an opportunity presents itself to sign a player of Jason's caliber, you can't pass it up," said Thomas. "When you're looking for dynamic and experienced veterans during the offseason, you're hoping to land a player like him. His familiarity in different roles with numerous NHL and AHL clubs, leadership and top line skills make an excellent fit for our needs. We're confident his maturity and knowledge will translate well into a valuable player/assistant coach role."

Morgan, 34, has skated in 44 career NHL games with the Los Angeles Kings, Calgary Flames, Nashville Predators, Chicago Blackhawks and Minnesota Wild, collecting seven points (2g-5a) and 18 penalty minutes.

His AHL experience extends to 325 points (112g-213a) and 656 penalty minutes in 584 career games with Hershey, Norfolk, Lowell, Saint John, Hamilton, Houston and Springfield. In 30 career Calder Cup Playoff games, Morgan has scored 10 points (3g-7a) and totaled 53 penalty minutes.

The 6-foot-1, 210-pound pivot has also skated in 91 career ECHL games with the Florida Everblades and Mississippi Sea Wolves, scoring 79 points (32g-47a), collecting 120 penalty minutes and a +15 rating. In 13 career Kelly Cup Playoff games, he has scored 11 points (5g-6a).

Morgan stashed an AHL career-high 19 goals in 74 games with Hershey in 2007-08 and notched career-highs in points (53) and assists (40) in 80 games with Saint John in 2002-03. During his time with Florida, he buried an ECHL career-high 15 goals in 37 games during the 2000-01 campaign and earned an ECHL career-best 39 points (14g-25a) in 48 games during the 1999-00 season.

"Matt Thomas played a pivotal part in the recruiting process and it's an honor to come play for a first class organization like the Stockton Thunder," said Morgan. "From what I've heard, it's a terrific set up, the fans are at the top of the league and there's a strong commitment in place to win a Kelly Cup. I have a desire to play again in North America and it's a great fit for the next step in my career."

Morgan skated in Norway for Stjernen last season, scoring 23 points (8g-15a) in 40 games while totaling 140 penalty minutes.

He was originally selected by Los Angeles in the fifth round (118th overall) of the 1995 NHL Entry Draft. The St. John's, Newfoundland native scored 96 points (25g-71a) and totaled 105 penalty minutes in 186 career junior games, spanning three seasons (1993-96) with Kitchener and Kingston of the Ontario Hockey League.

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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