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Thunder Welcomes Back Veteran Tim Verbeek

January 15, 2008 - ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


STOCKTON, Calif. - The Stockton Thunder, the ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League's Edmonton Oilers and American Hockey League's Springfield Falcons, has agreed to terms with veteran right wing Tim Verbeek, Thunder head coach Chris Cichocki announced today. Per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

"Tim is a welcomed addition who brings tons of energy and a strong work ethic," said Cichocki. "I know he'll contribute any way he can."

Verbeek, who attended Thunder training camp in the 2007-08 preseason and returning from injury, is scheduled to make his season debut this Saturday against the Las Vegas Wranglers at 7:30 p.m. from Stockton Arena.

Verbeek, 27, returns for his second season with the Thunder after scoring 33 points (19g-14a) with 103 penalty minutes in 68 games with Stockton last year, playing a significant role in leading the Thunder to a 38-24-10 regular season record (86 points) and its first Kelly Cup Playoff appearance in team history.

The 5-foot-11, 205-pound veteran forward has scored 201 points (96g-105a) in 348 career ECHL games with the Thunder, Wheeling Nailers, Toledo Storm, Roanoke Express and Idaho Steelheads while appearing in 14 AHL games with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, Cincinnati Mighty Ducks and Utah Grizzlies, posting a goal and assist.

Verbeek registered a career-high 23 goals, 32 assists, 55 points and 220 penalty minutes as a 2000-01 professional rookie with Toledo, helping guide the Storm to the Northern Conference Semifinal round of the Kelly Cup Playoffs with a team record of 37-27-8 (82 points). Verbeek has scored 18 career points (9g-9a) in 38 career Kelly Cup Playoff games.

Verbeek spent his four-year (1996-00) junior hockey career with the Ontario Hockey League's Kitchener Rangers, Sarnia Sting and Barrie Colts, scoring 113 career points (59g-54a) in 259 games with 401 penalty minutes.

"I'm excited about the opportunity of returning to this team," said Verbeek. "We have a promising, young team on the ice and I'm looking forward to a role of leading by example."

Verbeek also expressed the desire to vindicate last year's first round loss to the Idaho Steelheads in the National Conference Quarterfinals of the Kelly Cup Playoffs.

"The chance to win in the playoffs is definitely motivating," said Verbeek. "No one likes to lose and we had a tremendous team last year. As for what happens in the past, you have to move on and focus on next season, but you don't forget about it."

2008 CHASE CHEVROLET ECHL ALL-STAR GAME

Hosted by the Stockton Thunder and the City of Stockton at Stockton Arena, the 2008 Chase Chevrolet ECHL All-Star Game presented by Jackson Rancheria and Bud Light will be played on Jan. 23 with the 11th edition of the Chase Chevrolet ECHL All-Star Game Skills Competition being held on Jan. 22. The economic impact of the All-Star Game is projected to give the city of Stockton an estimated more than $1 million in revenue and will take place in the 9,737-seat Stockton Arena, adjacent to the new seven-story Sheraton Stockton Hotel at Regent Pointe. Stockton is the 13th largest city in California and the 69th largest city in the United States of America.

Tickets for the 2008 ECHL All-Star Game and ECHL All-Star Skills Competition are on sale now, starting as low as $5 for the Skills Competition and $10 for the All-Star Game. Tickets can be purchased by calling 209-373-1500 or by visiting www.stocktontickets.com.

The Thunder returns to play on Wednesday, January 16 with a 7:00 p.m. game against the Fresno Falcons at Stockton Arena. The game can be heard live on radio at 1420-AM KSTN and online (video and audio available) at www.stocktonthunder.com, courtesy of B2 Networks.

Host of the 2008 ECHL All-Star Game and festivities on Jan. 22 and 23, the Thunder has led the ECHL in attendance for two consecutive seasons and drew 244,085 fans to Stockton Arena in 2006-07. Season tickets, mini plans, group and individual tickets for 2007-08 are on sale now. For more information about tickets, merchandise, or other inquiries contact the Stockton Thunder offices at (209) 373-1500 or visit www.stocktonthunder.com.

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