Thunder Re-Sign Former Vipers Defenceman Cam Brodie:

The ECHL Stockton Thunder have re-signed former Vernon Vipers defenceman Cameron Brodie.  Brodie is entering his third season with the Thunder.  Brodie played in 52 games with the Thunder last year as well as three games with the AHL Texas Stars before returning to Stockton. In 52 regular season games with the Thunder Brodie collected 0-7-7 & collected just one assist in eight playoff games. Brodie played parts of one season in Vernon (2008-2009) after being aquired from the Coquitlam Express at the BCHL trade deadline.

Cameron Brodie's Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=81370

This is posted on the Thunder website:

Thunder Re-Sign Cameron Brodie; Sign Eric Hunter

08-30-2012

STOCKTON, Calif. – The Stockton Thunder, proud ECHL affiliate of the Edmonton Oilers of the National Hockey League, and head coach Matt Thomas announced today the team has agreed to terms with defenseman Cameron Brodie and center Eric Hunter. Per club policy, terms of the deals were not disclosed.

Brodie is the eighth player to return from last season’s team that advanced to the second round of the Kelly Cup Playoffs for the third time in four seasons.

Last season, the 24-year old earned his first call-up to the American Hockey League with the Texas Stars, skating in three games on a professional tryout agreement. He also suited up in 52 games with the Thunder, collecting seven assists and 68 penalty minutes.

“Cam has been a huge part of our blueline over the last two seasons and is a guy who gives you a physical presence each night,” said Thomas. “There are not many left wingers now who like skating down his side. Adding to that, his character and his commitment off the ice resonates with everyone in the dressing room, retaining a valuable part of our nucleus.”

The 6-foot-1 and 210 pound defenseman has appeared in 112 career games with the Thunder since 2010-11 and notched 19 points (2g-17a) and 119 penalty minutes.

He made his Kelly Cup Playoff debut last season and appeared in eight games while posting an assist. Brodie also collected a career high +7 rating, 12 points and 60 games played in his 2010-11 rookie season.

Brodie began his pro career skating for the San Jose Sharks in the 2010 Vancouver Canucks YoungStars Tournament. He skated with Surrey, Langley, Trail, Burnaby, Vernon and Merritt of the British Columbia Hockey League for five seasons and capped off his amateur career with three points in 12 games with the University of British Columbia (CIS).

“I’m looking forward to returning to the organization that makes me feel comfortable,” said Brodie. “I’m excited to meet the new guys and get back into a winning routine. Building off our run in the playoffs last year helps with preparing for a great start to this season. Stockton feels like a home away from home where the best fans in the league come to cheer you each night, making it an exciting place to play.”

Hunter, 26, comes to Stockton after closing his first full professional season with the Lake Erie Monsters of the American Hockey League in 2011-12. He suited up 75 games with the Monsters – missing only one during the season and earned 16 points (6g-10a) – all at even strength.

Formerly skating with the University of Alberta Golden Bears (CIS), his connections to Edmonton at the NHL level include a spot in Oilers training camp in 2005 and preseason action against the Oilers as a member of the Golden Bears.

“Eric is a player we have been targeting for a long time after seeing him play against the Edmonton Oilers in their rookie camp a few seasons ago,” said Thomas. “He is a very skilled forward that is tough to knock off the puck and earned a reputation in the AHL as a player that can contribute in critical situations. He gives us another offensive weapon that competes hard every night.”

Hunter was twice selected in the NHL Entry Draft, beginning with the Chicago Blackhawks in the eighth round (229th overall) in 2004 and with the New York Rangers in the sixth round (174th overall) in 2006. Prior to his pro debut in Lake Erie, he wrapped up his college career with the Golden Bears as team captain in 2010-11 and earned the Dr. Randy Gregg Award for athletic ability, academics and citizenship.

The 6-foot-1 and 194 pound forward was selected as Canada West Freshman of the Year and helped guide Alberta to the CIS University Cup championship in 2007-08. He achieved career highs in assists (20), points (31) and tied another in goals (11) in the 2009-10 season.

Hunter completed his four year career with the Golden Bears with 98 points (40g-58a) in 105 games.

The native of Winnipeg, Manitoba also suited up with the Prince George Cougars of the Western Hockey League for five seasons (2002-07) and scored 233 points (111g-122a) in 323 career games, skating with current NHL notables Devin Setoguchi (Minnesota) and Dustin Byfuglien (Winnipeg).

“The decision to come to Stockton was easy and based on many factors,” said Hunter. “I heard good things about its reputation based on advice from a good friend (Bakersfield Condors and former Thunder forward), Jesse Gimblett and others in the hockey world. It’s an attractive destination when you factor in fan support, the great looking city, success of the team and sending players up to the AHL.

Hunter continued, “I’m looking forward to bringing a consistent game to the Thunder this season. I work hard, have an offensive upside, can be trusted in most situations and am not afraid to mix it up in the corners.”