
Stockton Mayor Anthony Silva (left), Calgary Flames General Manager Brad Treliving and Stockton Thunder President Dave Piecuch. (Courtesy: Stockton Thunder)
STOCKTON-
The Stockton Thunder have been bought by the Calgary Flames and will be the team’s American Hockey League affiliate, the team announced Thursday.
“First off, Stockton Arena is a world-class facility that is the envy of not just ECHL teams, but AHL teams as well. Having our players play at a top-notch facility was paramount,” Flames General Manager Brad Treliving said at a press event. “Also, the fans pack the house here every night; we look forward to that same support for the new team.”
Stockton’s inclusion in the AHL rounds out the league’s Pacific Division – which also includes teams in San Diego, Bakersfield, Ontario and San Jose.
The Thunder will play the Utah Grizzlies at the Stockton Arena Saturday at 7:30 p.m.