It was good for the Stockton Thunder to be associated with Northern California’s NHL team, the San Jose Sharks. But once it was determined that Stockton was only going to go with one affiliate next season, it was best to stick with the Edmonton Oilers.
The Oilers and Thunder have a comfortable relationship built on six years of trust and productivity. The relationship with the Sharks was good, but something had to give because both franchises want to send young goalies to the ECHL to play, and there can only be one starter.
Plus my guess is that San Jose may well have gone to the San Francisco Bulls eventually, there is some lure to having the ECHL team so close to the Sharks’ home base,
This worked out the best for everyone.
