Fratkin to Roll with Thunder
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 that the team has signed former Brown forward Jesse Fratkin. Per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Fratkin, 23, is the first rookie forward to sign with the Thunder during the offseason.
“Jesse is a player who brings a lot of potential that we’re excited to sign,” said Thomas. “His college head coach, Brendan Whittet, spoke highly of his hockey sense, two-way game and speed – the third item serving an area we’re looking to improve on. He’s demonstrated an excellent ability to make his linemates better. We feel the sky is the limit given his ability and potential opportunities to produce at the pro level.”
The 6-foot, 180-pound forward skated in 99 career games in college at Brown University (NCAA), scoring 32 points (14g-18a) and notching 48 penalty minutes. Additionally, Fratkin was honored for his commitment in the classroom during all four seasons (2007-11) as a four-time honoree on the ECAC Hockey All-Academic Team.
He totaled 13 points (6g-7a) and ten penalty minutes in 26 games as a 2010-11 senior.
Fratkin previously suited up in 118 career games through three seasons (2004-07) with Penticton, Merritt and Prince George of the British Columbia Hockey League, where he produced over an average of a point per game with 128 points (49g-79a).
The Burnaby, British Columbia native led Prince George in scoring in 2006-07 with 74 points (26g-48a) in 60 games and also paced the club with 48 assists.
“I’ve been waiting to play pro hockey all my life and getting a chance to begin that dream with the Thunder is an exciting opportunity,” said Fratkin. “Coach Thomas expects offense in an increased role for me at the pro level, which I found very inspiring. Other players, like (Oklahoma City Barons forward) Andrew Lord, had great things to say about the reputation the Thunder have with their fans, community and league. It’s a great place to start playing.”
