SHARKSPAGE

Worcester Sharks President Michael Mudd visits Stockton Thunder

Stockton Thunder play-by-play broadcaster Mike Benton interviewed AHL Worcester Sharks President Michael Mudd as he visited the Northern California ECHL franchise this week. In conjunction with the Edmonton Oilers, the San Jose Sharks recently signed a co-affiliation agreement with the Thunder. Stockton will also work with the Edmonton Oilers AHL affiliate, the expansion AHL Oklahoma City Barons, but with Worcester/SJ leading the NHL in player movement last season by a wide margin Mudd familiarized himself with the team firsthand.

Michael Mudd discussed the “first class” rink, training facilities and front office in Stockton. In the interview he also noted the strong fan support for the ECHL in Northern California, how the close proximity to San Jose will help the player development process, how saturated the hockey market is in the Northeast, and how ECHL Commissioner Brian McKenna has done a great job branding the ‘AA’ hockey league.