Thunder Signs Forward Austin Mayer

The Stockton Thunder, proud ECHL affiliate of the New York Islanders of the National Hockey League, and head coach and director of hockey operations Rich Kromm announced today that the team has agreed to terms with left wing Austin Mayer. Per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
 
Mayer, 25, is the second newcomer to join the Thunder roster during the offseason. He spent the 2012-13 campaign with the Fort Worth Brahmas of the Central Hockey League.
 
“Austin is a talented and speedy forward who developed into a great player late last season at the CHL level,” said Kromm. “He is a committed athlete who works extremely hard every shift. We’re confident that his skill set and speed will be a great fit for our offense.”
 
The 6-foot and 190-pound forward tied for the Brahmas rookie lead with 13 goals last season and was second with a +11 rating, also collecting 37 points in 52 games. He earned CHL Player of the Week honors last season on Mar. 18 with a streak of six points (3g-3a) in three games.
 
Mayer split four seasons of his college career between Colgate University and Providence College, earning 46 points (17g-29a) in 121 career games. He was tied for third on Colgate in scoring as a 2011-12 senior, notching a career high 23 points (8g-15a) in 39 games.
 
“The opportunity to take the next career step with an organization that upholds a winning tradition was too good to pass up,” said Mayer. “Many friends of mine who have played in the Pacific Division raved about Stockton Arena. I can’t wait to make an impact there each night.”
 
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.