Zanoski Agrees To Terms, Fisher Returns To Net

December 27, 2007 - 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 rookie left wing Tom Zanoski (ZAH-naw-skee), Thunder head coach Chris Cichocki announced today. Per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Additionally, rookie goaltender Glenn Fisher was re-assigned to the Thunder from Springfield and rookie center Ryan O'Marra and rookie left wing Jacob Micflikier were recalled from the Thunder to Springfield. The Thunder also activated left wing Pat Bateman off the seven-day injured reserve list and released emergency backup goaltender Rob Laurie.

"Tom is a high-energy guy who finishes all of his checks and creates his offense through hard work and tenacity," said Cichocki. "He's a player who fits the mold of our system."

Zanoski, 23, previously competed for two years (2005-07) of his Canadian college hockey career at Dalhousie University (CIS), scoring 50 points (19g-31a) in 52 career games for the Tigers, achieving career-highs as a 2006-07 sophomore by scoring 29 points (12g-17a) in 24 games with 39 penalty minutes, ranking fourth on the program in goals (12) and tying for second amongst all Tigers in power-play goals (6).

The 5-foot-11, 185-pound forward tied for the program lead in assists (14) while scoring 21 points (7g-14a) as a 2005-06 freshman and spent four prior years (2001-05) of his junior career with the Ontario Hockey League's Owen Sound Attack and Mississauga Ice Dogs, scoring 126 points (45g-81a) with 345 penalty minutes in 242 career games. The Brampton, Ontario native ranked second on Mississauga in points (50) and goals (20) in 2004-05, tallying career-highs in both categories.

Fisher, 24, is 5-5-1 with a 3.51 goals-against average, a .893 save percentage and two shutouts in 13 games for the Thunder this year. Selected in the fifth round (148th overall) of the 2002 NHL Entry Draft by the Oilers, Fisher spent time in 2007 NHL training camp with the Oilers and previously played all four years (2003-07) of his college hockey career at national-power University of Denver (NCAA), helping guide the Pioneers to two straight NCAA national championships in 2004 and 2005.

O'Marra, 20, was named to the National Conference roster for the 2008 Chase Chevrolet ECHL All-Star Game after leading the Thunder with 11 goals and ranking third on the club with 20 points (11g-9a) in 24 games. Selected in the first round (15th overall) of the 2005 NHL Entry Draft by the New York Islanders, O'Marra has appeared in 11 career games at the AHL level with Springfield and the Bridgeport Sound Tigers, scoring five points (4g-1a) with six penalty minutes. O'Marra appeared in three Calder Cup Playoff games with Bridgeport in 2005-06, tallying an assist.

Micflikier, 23, was named to the National Conference roster for the 2008 Chase Chevrolet ECHL All-Star Game, leading the Thunder and ranking third among ECHL rookies in scoring with 33 points (10g-23a) in 27 games, along with a +3 rating. Micflikier also leads all ECHL rookies with 22 assists. The 5-foot-8, 180-pound left wing spent time in 2007-08 NHL training camp with the Oilers and appeared in nine games last year in the AHL with Springfield, scoring four points (3g-1a).

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 start as low as $10 and are currently available by purchasing a 2007-08 Thunder season ticket or min-plan package by calling 209-373-1500. Individual tickets for the 2008 ECHL All-Star Game and All-Star Skills Competition will go on sale soon.

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

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.



ECHL Stories from December 27, 2007


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