Thunder Sign Harrison Reed

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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 veteran center Harrison Reed. Per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Reed, 24, will make Stockton his third ECHL stop after stints with the Florida Everblades and Toledo Walleye. He enters his fifth professional season after being selected by the Carolina Hurricanes in the third round (93rd overall) of the 2006 NHL Entry Draft and has skated in 284 career games at the AHL, ECHL and Central Hockey League levels.

“Harrison is a special player who brings many unique elements,” said Thomas. “His incredible shot can flat out beat goaltenders. He is great on face-offs and can play in any situation. We’re looking for him to be a go-to offensive guy, set the tone with his work ethic and settle into a role that we’re confident will benefit our team philosophy. We’re certainly excited to get him.”

The 6-foot-1 and 192 pound forward has scored 48 points and 25 goals in 62 career ECHL games and amassed 11 multi point games in the premiere ‘AA’ circuit. Last season, Reed served as an alternate captain for the Walleye and earned 16 goals and 33 points in 52 games.

His AHL experience extends to 194 career games with Houston, Lake Erie and Albany where he has posted 25 points (10g-15a) and additionally skated in four Calder Cup Playoff games.

In 2009-10, Reed was assigned to Florida (ECHL) and boasted 13 points in nine games. After a run of 12 points (7g-5a) in four games, Reed earned ECHL Player of the Week honors on Dec. 2. Later in the season on Mar. 3, he was acquired by the Colorado Avalanche from Carolina with forward Stephane Yelle in exchange for forward Cedric McNicoll and a sixth round draft pick in 2010.

“Getting a chance to help contribute to an already strong team, earning opportunities to get called up to the AHL and play for a coach that’s never missed the playoffs was too good to pass up,” said Reed. “Matt Thomas and I had a great initial conversation over the summer, he has always put together a winning team and I believed in his coaching style.”

Reed continued, “I’m looking forward to contributing offensively and want to provide leadership and a work ethic that will lead to more success in Stockton.”

The Newmarket, Ontario native rounded out his major junior career by suiting up in 210 games with London, Sarnia and Guelph of the Ontario Hockey League, where he racked up 178 points (69g-109a) while skating with future NHL forward Steven Stamkos (Tampa Bay).