D’Alvise Back With Thunder
2009-10 Thunder Rookie of Year assigned from Springfield, will play tomorrow
STOCKTON, Calif. –
D’Alvise, who turns 26 on Saturday and was named Thunder “Rookie of the Year” in 2009-10, will make his return to the Thunder lineup tomorrow in a 7:30 p.m. (1280 KWSX/StocktonThunder.com) home game against the Alaska Aces at Stockton Arena.
“It’s exciting to be able to get a player back of Chris’ caliber,” said Thunder head coach Matt Thomas. “He has performed as a premier forward at the ECHL level and his skill package instantly gives our team a boost.”
Chris D'Alvise's 34 goals in 2009-10 headlined an All-Star and Thunder Rookie of the Year campaign. (photo by Lee Calkins)
D’Alvise signed an AHL contract with Springfield, an affiliate of the Columbus Blue Jackets of the National Hockey League, Jan. 14, 2011. The Thunder retained his ECHL contract rights via a Qualifying Offer extended on July 2.
The 5-foot-11 and 180 pound pivot ranks fourth on the Thunder all time scoring list with 84 points (44g-40a) in 80 career games and has collected four career hat tricks in a two season span. Last season, he left the Thunder on Nov. 19, 2010 after leading the team with 17 points (10g-7a) through 12 games and signing a professional tryout contract with Springfield.
D’Alvise scored 11 goals and 23 points (11g-12a) in 43 AHL games with Springfield in 2010-11.
He represented the Thunder and National Conference at the 2010 ECHL All-Star Game as a rookie, ending the season with a Thunder leading 34 goals which fell one shy of Ryan Huddy’s single season record set in 2008-09.
The native of Mississauga, Ontario ranked second on the Thunder with 67 points (34g-33a) in 68 games and added nine points (6g-3a) in 13 playoff games, guiding the Thunder to the Conference Finals in 2009-10. He opened up his pro career collecting three assists in four games in 2008-09 with the Cincinnati Cyclones.
D’Alvise originally signed with Stockton as a free agent on Aug. 14, 2009.
The Thunder have frozen 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 best seating locations in Stockton Arena and includes 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.
For more information about tickets, merchandise, or other inquiries contact the Stockton Thunder offices at (209) 373-1500 or visit http://www.stocktonthunder.com/.
Mike, when you had mentioned, last night, that “a few extra bodies will be coming back” I never would have thought about Chris. Can you elaborate why he hasn’t played hockey for the last 8-12 months? Is this a conditioning assignment or is he here for the remainder of the season?
He really is an AHL caliber player, except for retaining his rights, I never thought we would ever see him wearing a Thunder sweater. Awesome news!!