Goodbye Thunder

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STOCKTON — The Stockton Thunder era came to an emotional end on Saturday night amid some tears, plenty of memories and one big surprise for the capacity crowd and their favorite player. Moments before the Thunder played its final game on Saturday, a banner dedicated to Garet Hunt, its longest-tenured player, was unfurled. To many, it was a fitting way to say goodbye.

 “I’d say it was perfect,” said Mark Chamberlain of Lodi, who has been a season ticket holder since the Thunder came to town in 2005.

The Calgary Flames of the NHL bought the ECHL team in January, announcing it was moving the Thunder to Glens Falls, N.Y. , and bringing their franchise from the American Hockey league to Stockton.

There was chatter at the arena about Triple-A hockey coming to the city, and the promise of a better level of play. But mostly Saturday was a chance for the sellout crowd of 8,929 to think about the 10 years of the Thunder and hope to see one last win.

They got their wish as the Thunder defeated the Condors 4-1.

“Of course we’ll miss this team,” Chamberlain said. “I’ve been here since

“Of course we’ll miss this team,” Chamberlain said. “I’ve been here since day one, and spent 10 years of my life supporting the Thunder. ”

Hunt spent seven of those seasons with the Thunder. He is the captain and assistant coach, and had no idea that he was going to receive another honor.

After the player introductions, he was called over by the Zamboni entrance to join his family, who flew in from Canada. After a video highlighting his career, a banner with his name and No. 24 was revealed as a chant of “Thank you, Garet” rose from the crowd.

Melissa Lawson of Lodi became misty eyed while discussing the ceremony. Her mother, Linda Vasquez, was the third employee ever hired by the Thunder and worked for it for eight years. She said she and Hunt share a birthday (Oct. 14).

“I’ve been around since the start of it,” Lawson said. “It was so nice that they did that for Garet.”

The franchise also brought back former team presidents Dan Chapman (2005-2013) and Brian Sandy (2013-14) to join current president Dave Piecuch for the ceremonial puck drop. Chapman was hired to build the organization from scratch, and it led the league in attendance the first four years of its existence.

“We started from the ground up, and I can’t imagine a better professional experience,” said Chapman, who is the Associate Director of Athletics at University of the Pacific. Chapman said while he will miss the Thunder, he’s also excited that the AHL is coming to Stockton Arena.

 “The Thunder is gone after (Saturday), that’s the bad news,” Chapman said. “The good news is that we have triple A hockey coming to Stockton next year in the American Hockey League with the Calgary Flames. It’s no like it’s leaving, that would be really sad. I support and applaud what’s going on I think it’s a great thing.”

Piecuch said interest in the Stockton Heat has been strong, and tickets sales are ahead of where the Thunder was at this time last year.

“I think there’s mixed emotions with the excitement of a new team at the AHL level, and also remember the Thunder and everything they have done in the community,” Piecuch said. “We’re encouraging fans to wear Thunder gear next year, we certainly don’t want them to forget them. But when they see the level of play we have here next year. … I think that’s really going to resonate with people.”

Lenzi Bisbikis of Lodi was among the many fans who is sad to see one team go and looking forward to another coming to the arena.

“I’m excited for them,” Bisbikis said. “And I’m excited to see what comes.”