Thunder Agrees to Terms With Center Matthew Lyall
Forward expected to make debut with Thunder tonight vs. San Francisco
The Stockton Thunder, proud ECHL affiliate of the Edmonton Oilers of the National Hockey League, has agreed to terms with center Matthew Lyall (LIGH-ul), Thunder head coach Matt Thomas announced today. Per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
“Matt brings an element of speed that further compliments our playing style and a terrific offensive skill set that got better each year in college,” said Thunder head coach Matt Thomas. “We like his ability to adapt to the demands of the pro schedule after he excelled in the junior ranks with a very accomplished program at Sault Ste. Marie.”
Lyall, 25, completed his fourth season with the University of Guelph (CIS) and was second in the program with a career high 27 points in 27 games. He led the team with 18 assists and served as an alternate captain this season. The 5-foot-10 and 180 pound pivot collected 66 points in 93 career games for the Gryphons.
The 5-foot-11 and 167 pound forward also skated in 278 career junior games in the Ontario Hockey League with the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds and Guelph Storm and collected 62 goals and 167 points. He earned a career high 57 points and tied another with 21 goals in 2007-08 with Sault Ste. Marie, playing under coach and former NHL defenseman and head coach Craig Hartsburg.
Upon league approval of the deal, Lyall is expected to join the Thunder lineup for tonight’s game at 7:00 p.m. (1280 AM KWSX/StocktonThunder.com) against the San Francisco Bulls at Stockton Arena.
Lyall, a native of Richmond Hill, Ontario, will wear #6 with the Thunder.
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 seventh consecutive season in 2011-12. Season Tickets, Group 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.