Thornton, 26, has signed a short term deal with the club whilst injuries to defencemen Troy Neumeier, Stuart Kerr and Paul Moran subside. However with the frequency of injuries the Stingrays suffer, as well as the quality of Thornton, it may be that he signs on for the rest of the season.
Since he left the Stingrays in summer 2006, after an EPL season where he recorded 12 points in 39 games, Thornton has mainly iced for his hometown Newcastle Vipers in the Elite League and with limited ice time has recorded seven points in 92 games in the North East. This season Thornton has provided similar injury cover to the Basingstoke Bison playing in just two games for the side but the Stingrays will be hoping he signs on for the rest of the season considering how mny injuries the team has suffered this season, particularly on defence.
Coach Rick Strachan was naturally happy to sign someone of Thornton's quality at such short notice, ahead of a game against fellow playoff contenders Edinburgh Capitals:
"He has played here before, he is steady, he moves the puck well and he reads the game well. He knows what to expect and never gets himself into trouble. Richie will do a great job for us."
