Pederson Returns to Stockton

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 re-signed former Princeton defenseman Jody Pederson. Per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Pederson, 26, returns for his second season with the Thunder and is the sixth player to return from last year's 2010-11 team that nearly captured the Pacific Division title and finished in a tie for first place with the Bakersfield Condors.

"Jody had a strong first year with time in the AHL with Worcester," said Thomas. "He is a very complete defenseman that can play in all situations. With his size and hockey sense, he has the potential to be a top level defenseman that is going to solidify our blueline."

The 6-foot-3, 205-pound blueliner skated in 17 games for the Thunder last season, scoring six points (1g-5a), registering four penalty minutes and a +6 rating. He added one goal and two penalty minutes in four Kelly Cup Playoff games.

Pederson was originally acquired by the Thunder from the Elmira Jackals on Feb. 4 in exchange for goaltender Garrett Zemlak and signed to a two-way American Hockey League contract with the Worcester Sharks during the season. He racked up three assists and two penalty minutes in 11 games with the Sharks.

The Smithers, British Columbia native has suited up in 54 career games for the Thunder and Elmira in the ECHL and Providence and Worcester in the AHL, scoring ten points (1g-9a) and posting 14 penalty minutes in two seasons (2009-11).

"There were a number of different reasons that made the decision to return to Stockton an easy one," said Pederson. "The Thunder organization is very well run, we had a great team and great coaches. With all those pieces returning, there's no reason why we shouldn't be a contender again. I'm looking forward to the upcoming season and the chance to continue to improve and work on my goals, which include a greater contribution offensively."

Pederson skated in 128 career games in college through four seasons (2006-10) with Princeton, scoring 58 points (12g-46a) and 12 goals with 82 penalty minutes. He earned In 2008-09 as a junior, he scored a career-high 19 points (5g-14a) in 35 games with the Tigers.