Thunder's Dan Chapman Named ECHL Executive of the Year

Published on June 22, 2011 under ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


STOCKTON, Calif. - The Stockton Thunder, a two-time recipient of the ECHL "Award of Excellence," announced President Dan Chapman has been named recipient of the 2010-11 ECHL Executive of the Year Award at the recent Board of Governors meetings held in Las Vegas.

"Dan is extremely deserving of this award," said Thunder chairman Brad Rowbotham. "He runs a first class, professional organization. Dan does everything he can within his control to provide our fans with a great night out, which is evident from the exceptional attendance we enjoy."

"Dan Chapman and the entire Thunder team did an outstanding job this past season in growing all areas of the Thunder business in a tough economy," said ECHL Commissioner Brian McKenna. "He is a tireless worker on behalf of his team and the League. He is a very worthy choice as Executive of the Year in the ECHL."

Under Chapman's supervision, the Thunder experienced a six percent increase in home attendance during its sixth ECHL season in 2010-11, ranking second in the league with 6,382 fans per game - the team's highest average since 2007-08. The Thunder also welcomed 12 crowds of 7,000 or more at Stockton Arena. Its five largest home crowds of the season were 8,923 fans or more.

Chapman also helped initiate and administer a dual affiliation agreement between two National Hockey League clubs, the Edmonton Oilers and San Jose Sharks. Last season, the Thunder won 37 games, tied a club record with 86 points (2006-07) and advanced to the Kelly Cup Playoffs for the fifth straight year.

ECHL Executive Of The Year Winners

2011 - Dan Chapman, Stockton Thunder

2010 - Kristin Ropp, Cincinnati Cyclones

2009 - Gordon Kaye, Reading Royals

2008 - Darren Abbott, South Carolina Stingrays

2007 - Matt Riley, Bakersfield Condors

2006 - Steve Chapman, Gwinnett Gladiators

2005 - Steve Chapman, Gwinnett Gladiators

2004 - Terry Parks, Alaska Aces

2003 - John Butler, Peoria Rivermen

2002 - Matt Loughran, Atlantic City Boardwalk Bullies

2001 - Craig Brush, Florida Everblades

2000 - Brian McKenna, Trenton Titans

1999 - Carl Scheer, Greenville Grrrowl

1998 - Charles Felix, Pensacola Ice Pilots

1997 - David Paitson, Columbus Chill

1996 - Dave Berryman Louisiana IceGators

1995 - Harvey Feuerstein and Craig Laughlin, Richmond Renegades

1994 - Jean Gagnon and Pierre Paiement, Roanoke Express

1993 - Larry Kish, Wheeling Thunderbirds

Chapman, a native of Stockton and graduate from San Francisco State University, will enter his seventh season as Thunder president and alternate governor after earning his first ECHL award.

His professional sports management experience extends to 14 years with the Stockton Ports minor league baseball team, including a 10-year span from 1989-99 when he served as General Manager. He was named the Class-A Executive of the Year by The Sporting News in 1990 and received the California League Award of Excellence in 1992.

During the time Chapman helped launch the Thunder organization in 2005 after the transfer of ECHL membership from Atlantic City, he also served as an elected member of Stockton City Council from 2005-09.

"I'm very honored to receive this award as selected by my colleagues in the ECHL," said Chapman. "Individual awards like this can't be won without strength of ownership, the supreme efforts of a talented front office and a competitive hockey team. The Thunder has all of these with the passion and leadership of our owner Brad Rowbotham, a dedicated group of employees that continue to produce tremendous results year after year and a hockey team our coaching staff has molded into a winning environment."

He is the third member of the Thunder front office to receive an ECHL individual award, joining Dave Piecuch (Ticket Sales Executive of the Year, National Conference, 2007-08) and Mike Benton (Media Relations Award of Excellence, 2008-09).

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. New and renewing Season Ticket Holders still have the opportunity to save 5% off the Season Ticket price along with the option of a special eight month payment plan. Individual ticket prices and promotional dates 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/.

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



ECHL Stories from June 22, 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