The developing hockey family of the Stockton Thunder includes loyal and successful affiliates of the National Hockey League and American Hockey League – the Edmonton Oilers and Oklahoma City Barons.

Edmonton Oilers

The Edmonton Oilers, one of the most storied teams in hockey history, extended its affiliation agreement after the Thunder advanced to the Kelly Cup Playoffs for the sixth consecutive season in 2011-12. The two clubs have worked together as affiliates since 2006-07.

The Oilers, one of the most storied teams in hockey history, are a member of the Western Conference and Northwest Division, competing in the National Hockey League since the 1979-80 season. A winner of five Stanley Cup championships (1983-84, 1984-85, 1986-87, 1987-88 and 1989-90), the Oilers became the first ever eighth playoff seed in NHL history (current format) to advance to the Stanley Cup Final in 2005-06 as the league’s Western Conference Champion, falling in seven games to the Carolina Hurricanes in the Final.

Currently led by President, Hockey Operations/Alternate Governor Kevin Lowe and General Manager Steve Tambellini, the Oilers have helped send seven players to the Hockey Hall of Fame – a list of “who’s who” in hockey history – including Wayne Gretzky, Jari Kurri, Grant Fuhr, Paul Coffey, Mark Messier, Glenn Anderson and Adam Oates. Glen Sather (former Head Coach and General Manager) and Rod Phillips (Radio Broadcaster) have also earned spots in the Hall of Fame.

For the seventh consecutive season, Stockton will serve as the AA minor-league affiliate for Oilers prospects. Since the Thunder and Oilers began their partnership in 2006-07, the Thunder has advanced to the Kelly Cup Playoffs six consecutive years.

Eight players with experience in a Thunder uniform have advanced to make their NHL debut since 2006-07:

  • Troy Bodie (RW)
  • Devan Dubynk (G)
  • Milan Kytnar (C)
  • Colin McDonald (RW)
  • Ryan O’Marra (C)
  • Tim Sestito (LW)
  • Liam Reddox (LW) (pictured)
  • Bryan Young (D)

Milan Kytnar, among several Thunder players who skated under a contract with the Oilers organization or were recalled last season, became the eighth Thunder player to reach the NHL level last season. He was recalled directly by the Oilers on Jan. 11 and made his NHL debut that evening vs. New Jersey at Rexall Place.

AHL AFFILIATE

Oklahoma City Barons: The Oklahoma City Barons are the American Hockey League affiliate of the Thunder, entering their third season of an affiliation through the Edmonton Oilers. The Barons are also in their third season of play in the AHL, led by the ownership of Bob Funk Jr. and the group of Prodigal Hockey, LLC.

The Barons are led by head coach Todd Nelson, who previously served behind the bench for the Atlanta Thrashers as an assistant coach.

Oklahoma City, who unveiled the team name, logos and colors on May 19, 2010 is competing in the AHL’s Western Conference and South Division, making their home ice at Cox Convention Center. They advanced to the Western Conference Final last season.

Contact info:
Edmonton Oilers Hockey Club
11230 – 110 Street
Edmonton, AB. T5G 3H7
Phone: 780-414-4000

Oklahoma City Barons
501 N. Walker, Suite 140
Oklahoma City, OK 73102
Phone: 405-232-4625

** Photo courtesy Getty Images