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Thunder Welcomes Ex-Sharks Prospect Craig Valette

October 17, 2008 - ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


STOCKTON, Calif. - The Stockton Thunder, the proud ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League's Edmonton Oilers and American Hockey League's Springfield Falcons, has agreed to terms with veteran center Craig Valette (va-LET), Thunder head coach Chris Cichocki announced today. Per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Valette, 26, will wear jersey number 14 and officially join the team upon the clearance of his United States immigration documents.

"Craig is a solid, two-way player who creates offense, can perform in all situations and never backs down," said Cichocki. "We're obviously thrilled to have him here and his leadership will help show our guys what it takes to get to the next level."

Valette is a veteran possessing over 320 games of playing experience in the American Hockey League, which Cichocki said was an asset to help further develop the number of young players on the Thunder roster with an AHL or NHL contract.

"When you have a guy like him who's been to the AHL and knows what it takes to get there, it sets a great example for our young players with the commitment you need to bring to the rink each and every day," said Cichocki.

Valette was originally signed by the San Jose Sharks as a free agent on Apr. 4, 2003 and has spent five full seasons (2003-08) in the Sharks farm system with Cleveland and Worcester of the AHL, skating in 328 career games while amassing 80 points (36g-44a) and 440 penalty minutes.

The 6-foot-1, 200-pound native of Shellbrook, Saskatchewan spent time (2003, 2005-07) with the Sharks in NHL preseason training camp and scored a career-high 15 goals and 26 points (15g-11a) in 55 games for Worcester in 2006-07.

"I've found a great niche in Stockton - it has a great city, a great facility and a great team," said Valette. "I'm looking forward to contributing right away, get my legs back under me and start my career in a new direction. I've made a lot of friends in Northern California while in Sharks training camp over the years and the close location helped make the decision a no-brainer for my wife and myself."

Valette previously competed in four years (1999-2003) of junior hockey with the Saskatoon Blades and Portland WinterHawks of the Western Hockey League, skating in 248 career games while scoring 97 points (50g-47a) and posting 435 penalty minutes.

The Thunder opens the 2008-09 regular season at Stockton Arena on Saturday, Oct. 18 against the Fresno Falcons at 7:30 p.m. for "Opening Night," presented by Coors Light, Food 4 Less, Chase Chevrolet of Stockton, Jackson Rancheria and KAT Country 103 with an additional schedule magnet giveaway slated for the game, courtesy of Valley Brew to the first 1,000 fans in attendance.

The Thunder was voted "Best Local Sports Team" by readers of San Joaquin Magazine, has led the ECHL in attendance for three consecutive seasons and drew 239,337 fans to Stockton Arena in 2007-08. Season tickets, group tickets, individual tickets and mini plans 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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