Thunder Re-Sign Rob Kwiet

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STOCKTON, Calif. – The Stockton Thunder, proud ECHL affiliate of the Edmonton Oilers of the National Hockey League, and head coach Matt Thomas announced today the team has agreed to terms with defenseman Rob Kwiet (“KWIT”). Per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Kwiet, 24, is set to return for his second season in Stockton after helping guide the club to an appearance in the second round of the Kelly Cup Playoffs for the third time in the last four seasons.

“Rob was a big addition to our young blueline last year at the trade deadline,” said Thomas. “He gave us a veteran presence and another skilled offensive defenseman for the power play. With his leadership qualities, it was important to get him back on board as we build toward another successful season.”

The 6-foot-1 and 218 pound defenseman was acquired from the Reading Royals on Mar. 6 in exchange for center Chris Doyle, defenseman Colten Hayes and left wing Ian O’Connor. He responded by contributing with eight assists in 12 games with the Thunder and tallied 29 points (5g-24a) and 54 penalty minutes in 60 games last season for Stockton and Reading.

Kwiet totaled a career high 30 points (8g-22a) in 56 games with Reading in 2010-11 and helped guide the Royals to the American Conference Finals in 2009-10, collecting five points (2g-3a) in 15 playoff games.

The Toronto, Ontario native has also scored a goal and managed a +1 rating in 42 American Hockey League games with Providence and Bridgeport.

He capped off his junior career helping the Windsor Spitfires win their first of two straight Memorial Cup championships as a teammate of Taylor Hall (Edmonton Oilers), Adam Henrique (New Jersey Devils) and Ryan Ellis (Nashville Predators). Kwiet posted career highs in his final season (2008-09), ranking fifth on the Spitfires with 67 points (12g-55a) in 66 games, tying for sixth in the Ontario Hockey League with 55 assists and leading the team with a +54 rating.

He added 15 points (5g-10a) in 20 games during that postseason, ranking second among Windsor defensemen.

“I’m definitely looking forward to returning with a strong team from last season,” said Kwiet. “Our run together in the playoffs makes us confident that we have a good shot at a championship in Stockton. That’s the ultimate goal for everybody. The fan support was amazing and it reminds me of a trip to Idaho, where a good number of our fans followed us on the road. I knew they were behind us and we appreciated that.”

Kwiet is the fifth player to return from last season’s team, joining defensemen Mike Little, Nathan Deck and Tony DeHart and center Jesse Fratkin.