The third leading point scorer in the 2013 Kelly Cup Playoffs signs with the Thunder for his first full professional season
The Stockton Thunder, proud ECHL affiliate of the New York Islanders of the National Hockey League, have agreed to terms with forward Andrew Clark, Thunder Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations Rich Kromm announced today. Per club policy, terms of this deal were not disclosed.
Clark, 25, graduated from Acadia University in Nova Scotia, Canada and only suited up in four regular season games with the Thunder last season after turning pro, but made an impact with a memorable hat trick against the San Francisco Bulls that helped the Thunder clinch the fourth seed in the Western Conference. He skated in 22 playoff games finishing second on the team with 21 points and was tied for third in the ECHL in playoff points.
“Expectations are high for Clark this year. He’s a young guy, but he’s a good player and a good kid. We are very excited to have him back,” said Kromm. “I think he’s going to be a real good player for us. He’s going to be a cog on our power play, and play in all kinds of situations for us.”
The 5-foot-11, 178-pound forward finished his illustrious collegiate career in the Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) with the Acadia University Axemen, where he played 111 games in four years while averaging over a point per game (56-75-131). Clark was named to the CIS First Team All-Canadian in 2011-12 and CIS Second Team All-Canadian in 2012-13 and was awarded the Senator Joseph A. Sullivan Trophy in 2011-12, which is given to the Player of the Year in the CIS.
“The CIS programs are great programs,” explained Kromm. “It’s a very, very competitive level with good players and more experienced guys. He’ll be well prepared to step in as a pro here and he’s already proven he can do that.”
In addition to his playing days at Acadia University, Clark also played junior hockey for the Brandon Wheat Kings of the Western Hockey League, member of the Canadian Hockey League, from ages 17 to 20. He played in over 250 games for his hometown junior club.
Clark signed with the Thunder on March 17, 2013 as a free agent. He was tendered a qualifying offer by the Thunder on July 1st, 2013.
The Stockton Thunder open 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.