One of the hot topics of conversation at Sunday’s Thunder Fan Fest was about an article on ESPN.com which mentioned Thunder enforcer Garet Hunt. In the article entitled “Get your fix: Leagues where hockey lives on,” writer Chris Gigley goes through the amateur and minor league alternatives during NHL lockout. In regards to fighting in the ECHL, Gigley wrote:
“We’re going to miss forward Devin DiDiomete, who is now mixing it up in a British league after collecting 281 penalty minutes in the ECHL last season. But don’t worry, we still have 5-8 winger Garet Hunt, a fan favorite in Stockton because of his penchant for punching.”
Hunt called it an “honor” to be mentioned on the web site, and head coach Matt Thomas doesn’t mind the free publicity.
“It’s good for Garet and us, and it’s good for the ECHL,” Thomas said.
The crowd at the fan fest was estimated at 600, and it was a spirited, hopeful group. A few fans predicted the Thunder would capture its first Kelly Cup, and others took time to speak to owner Brad Rowbotham.
“The enthusiasm is certainly still there,” Rowbotham said. “The people who come up to me are happy and excited. I always tell them that we’re in this together, it’s all our team.”
