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Trade Lands Defenseman Salekin, LaFrance Activated

November 24, 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, announced defenseman Mike Salekin (SAL-eh-kin) has been acquired from the Reading Royals in exchange for future considerations.

Salekin, 23, has skated in 10 games for Reading this season, leading the club's defensemen in scoring with six points (2g-4a) while amassing 22 penalty minutes. The 5-foot-11, 195-pound defenseman has appeared in 59 career games in two seasons with the Royals, scoring 19 points (6g-13a) while posting 205 penalty minutes.

Last season, Salekin totaled 13 points (4g-9a) and a club-high 183 penalty minutes in 49 games during his rookie campaign. Salekin added two points (1g-1a) and 34 penalty minutes in 11 Kelly Cup Playoff games, helping guide the Royals to a berth in the North Division Final round.

The Castlegar, British Columbia native spent three years (2004-07) of his college hockey career with the University of Alabama-Huntsville (NCAA), scoring 49 points (17g-32a) while posting 205 penalty minutes in 99 career games. Salekin led all defensemen in the program and the College Hockey America conference with a career-high 23 points (7g-16a), additionally posting 67 penalty minutes in 2006-07. That season, Salekin was honored with University of Alabama-Huntsville's "Best Defenseman" award.

Additionally, it was announced rookie center Toby LaFrance (La-FRAHNTZ) has been activated off the injured reserve list.

The Thunder return to play at home on Wednesday, Nov. 26 against the Ontario Reign starting at 7:00 p.m. at Stockton Arena. The game is available for listening and viewing exclusively on the internet for a $7 charge (audio-only portion is free-of-charge) at http://www.stocktonthunder.com/ (courtesy of B2 Networks).

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.



ECHL Stories from November 24, 2008


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