Central Valley local returns west after admirable college hockey career

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 forward Drew Sanders, Thunder head coach Chris Cichocki announced today. Per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

"Drew fits the mold of a forward with character and who works hard each and every shift, so it's a pleasure to find a player that fits his qualities right in our own backyard," said Cichocki. "I have no doubt he'll do everything in his power to become an asset for our organization."

Sanders appeared in all 36 games last year with Sacred Heart, compiling a +3 rating for a team that finished second in its conference with a 17-7-4 record. (photo by Sacred Heart sports information)

Sanders, a Modesto, Calif. native, joins the Thunder after a four-year (2003-07) college-hockey career at Sacred Heart University (NCAA), appearing in 129 career games for the Pioneers while scoring 26 career points (5g-21a) with 82 penalty minutes.

The 24-year old scored a career-high 10 points (2g-8a) with a +3 rating while appearing in all 36 games as a 2006-07 senior, helping guide Sacred Heart to a second place finish in the Atlantic Hockey Conference (17-7-4 record, 38 points) while the program ranked third in the conference with 99 goals allowed.

Sanders' California hockey experience includes involvement in the San Jose junior Sharks program from 1998-99 while attending classes at Modesto (Calif.) Fred Beyer High. Prior to his college tenure, Sanders spent a two-year stint (2001-03) with the Great Falls Americans (NAHL).

Sanders got his start in hockey as a member with the local Stockton Colts youth hockey program for two seasons (1992-94). 

"I've had ambitions to play in a program that's close to home which makes it really exciting to sign with the Thunder," said Sanders. "I've had a chance to see a couple of games while staying at home for winter break while in college, so I'm thrilled at getting an opportunity to play in such an amazing atmosphere."

Sanders joins defenseman Mark Adamek (Hollister, Calif.) as the second California native to join the Thunder roster this off-season.


ABOUT THE ECHL
Opening Day for the 20th Anniversary Season will be Oct. 18 when the Johnstown Chiefs host the Wheeling Nailers at Cambria County War Memorial in a rematch of Game 7 from the first-ever ECHL Finals.

Celebrating its 20th Anniversary as the Premier ‘AA' Hockey League in 2007-08, the ECHL began in 1988-89 with five teams in three states and has grown to be a coast-to-coast league that will have 25 teams in 17 states and British Columbia in 2007-08. The 25 teams includes the Mississippi (Biloxi) Sea Wolves, who return after missing two seasons in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, and the expansion Elmira (N.Y.) Jackals. The ECHL will play 900 games beginning Oct. 18 and concluding Apr. 5. 

Details on Thunder 2007 training camp information will be announced soon. The Thunder begins the 2007-08 ECHL season Friday, October 19 on the road against the Bakersfield Condors at 7:00 p.m. PT, and faces the Alaska Aces on Saturday, October 27 at 7:30 p.m. PT in the home opener at Stockton Arena.

Host of the 2008 ECHL All-Star Game, 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 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 http://www.stocktonthunder.com/.

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Click here to view Drew Sanders' career statistics.