Thunder Signs Rookie Defenseman Nathan Deck
STOCKTON, Calif. – The Stockton Thunder, proud ECHL affiliate of the Edmonton Oilers and San Jose Sharks of the National Hockey League, and head coach Matt Thomas announced today that the team has signed rookie free agent defenseman Nathan Deck. Per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Deck, 21, enters the professional ranks after skating in 276 career junior games with Prince Albert and Vancouver of the Western Hockey League, scoring 118 points (22g-96a) while totaling 198 penalty minutes.
“We’re excited to bring a player with Nathan’s attributes to the Thunder blueline,” said Thomas. “Through talks with individuals who have coached or played with him, everybody raved about his competitiveness. He can play in every situation and contributes with the little things that his coaches and teammates appreciate at the end of each game.”
Last season, the 5-foot-11, 185-pound blueliner served as co-captain for the Raiders and earned the club’s “Most Valuable Defenseman” and “Most Inspirational Raider” awards. He totaled a +4 rating with 18 points (2g-16a) and 36 penalty minutes in 60 games.
Deck led Prince Albert’s defensemen with a career-high 38 points (7g-31a) in 72 games during the 2008-09 season.
“I’m really excited to sign with a team like Stockton for the next step in my career,” said Deck. “Through talks with Matt Thomas and (former Prince Albert teammate and Thunder goaltender) Garrett Zemlak, I’ve heard nothing but great things about the community, the fan base and crowds. The summer has been that much more exciting as a result and I can’t wait to get the season going.”
Deck is one of two free agent players signed by the Thunder on the same day, joining rookie forward Jesse Fratkin, and is one of five players to sign with the Thunder during the offseason.
