Acadia’s Andrew Clark signs Stockton of ECHL

(WOLFVILLE, N.S.) - Acadia's Andrew Clark has signed with the Stockton Thunder of the East Coast Hockey League.

Stockton is the ECHL affiliate of the Edmonton Oilers of the National Hockey League.

The senior forward graduates this year following a four-year career that reached a high in 2011-12 when he was named the Canadian Interuniversity Sport men's hockey player of the year.

Clark finished this season second in Atlantic University Sport scoring with 32 points, including 14 goals in 28 games.

Clark, who topped last year's AUS point standings with 39, has led the Axemen in scoring in three of his four seasons with Acadia.

Andrew completes his career in CIS hockey with 131 points in 111 games, averaging over a point per game.

Last season Clark was named as the AUS nominee for the CIS Athlete of the Year Award - one of four National nominees for this prestigious Canadian University award.

Acadia Head Coach Darren Burns was happy about the announcement.

"We are extremely excited for Andrew to get an opportunity to further his playing career in the Edmonton Oilers organization with Stockton. He has had an excellent university career at Acadia and has been a great ambassador in our community. I am pleased that he will be joining suck a great program and we wish him all the best".

Prior to his arrival to Acadia, the native of Brandon, Man. spent 216 games as a member of his hometown team the Brandon Wheat Kings of the Western Hockey League.  Clark totaled 216 points, earning a career-high 78 points while scoring 40 goals during the 2008-09 season which saw the Wheat Kings reach the Eastern Conference final.

Thunder head coach Matt Thomas noted Clark's abilities will benefit his team's post season hopes.

"It's important that we address needs on our club with the postseason getting closer and Andrew helps increase our offensive depth," said Thomas. "His ability to finish, no matter what league he plays in, and sharp hockey sense are part of a reputation that we're confident will guide our offense to a higher level."

Clark was honoured as an AUS first team all-star this season and was also named as a second team CIS all-Canadian.

Source: Acadia Sports Information
Photo courtesy of Nick Pearce (www.123photo.ca)