Rookie LW James Henry, Thunder Agree to Terms
The Stockton Thunder (@StocktonThunder) and head coach and director of hockey operations Rich Kromm announced today that the team has agreed to terms with rookie left wing James Henry. Per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Henry, 22, is scheduled to make his professional debut in a Thunder uniform after five full seasons in the Western Hockey League with the Vancouver Giants and Moose Jaw Warriors, followed by one season with the University of Manitoba (CIS) in 2012-13.
“James has many qualities that provide value for our dressing room,” said Kromm. “He brings a noticeable and all-around skill set that can be used in many situations but also has a competitive edge which is a fundamental ingredient for many teams. It’s no surprise that he brings the same drive that Garet Hunt provided when the two were teammates in Vancouver. He plays with a tremendous amount of intensity and much bigger than his size indicates.”
Henry skated in 28 games last season for the University of Manitoba, collecting 22 points (8g-14a) while earning CIS All-Rookie Team and Most Outstanding Freshman (CIS West) honors.
He also served as captain of the Vancouver Giants in 2011-12 and posted a career high 71 points (16g-55a) in 69 games, split between the Giants and Moose Jaw Warriors. He led Moose Jaw that season in playoff scoring with 18 points (6g-12a) in 14 games, helping guide the team to the Eastern Conference Final and a club record 98 points (45-19-8) during the regular season.
The 5-foot-9 and 181 pound forward collected 214 points in 309 career WHL games and 37 points in 59 postseason games. Henry and Hunt were teammates in Vancouver for parts of two seasons (2006-08), with Henry collecting 15 points and a +14 rating in 47 combined regular season games.
“I’m definitely excited to become a member of the Stockton Thunder,” said Henry. “Turning pro was a dream of mine for a long time and Garet was very influential in the decision making process. Skating with him during my time in Vancouver reinforced what was needed to contribute, day in and day out. I took pride each game in bringing a strong work ethic and it will be no different when this season begins in Stockton.”
The Thunder opens the regular season at home for “Opening Night,” with the unveiling of the Western Conference championship banner on Saturday, Oct. 19 at 7:30 p.m. against the Colorado Eagles at Stockton Arena.
A two time recipient of the ECHL “Award of Excellence,” the Thunder led the ECHL in attendance for four consecutive seasons and drew over 200,000 fans for the eighth consecutive season in 2012-13. Season 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.