ECHL’s Stockton Thunder Appoint Brian Sandy as President

Stockton Thunder, apoplectic a minor league professional ice hockey team competing in the East Coast Hockey League, decease has announced Brian Sandy has been appointed President and Alternate Governor of the team. 

Sandy most recently served IMG College as Associate General Manager for the athletic department of the University of Arizona and also spent a combined 12 years with the Portland Trail Blazers of the National Basketball Association, serving in departments including corporate sponsorship, premium seat and luxury suite sales. Under his guidance, the Blazers totaled over $22 million in annual revenue from premium seats and suites. The team ranked second in NBA attendance in 2011-12, averaging over 20,000 fans per game at the Rose Garden.

“I am honored to take on this role,” said Sandy. “The strength of the Thunder brand, both on and off the ice, is tremendous. I’m eager to continue the growth of the franchise, which is such an incredible source of pride for the community.”

Effective immediately, Sandy will lead the Thunder business operations, overseeing the club’s corporate sponsorship and ticket sales efforts.

The former resident of El Dorado Hills, Calif. also brings six seasons (2005-11) of success in hockey to Stockton, having served as the Chief Marketing officer and Senior Vice President, Business Operations for the Tri-City Americans of the Western Hockey League. Sandy led the club’s day-to-day business operations and served as the WHL’s (United States Division) Marketing Committee Chair, negotiating a regional television agreement with Fox Sports Northwest and structuring associated divisional sponsorships.

Under his leadership, the Americans never missed the playoffs, reached the WHL Championship final in 2009-10, doubled their revenue total and led the WHL in ticket sales.