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ECHL Florida Everblades

'Blades add former first round pick to roster

September 25, 2008 - ECHL (ECHL)
Florida Everblades News Release


ESTERO, FL - Florida Everblades president and general manager Craig Brush along with head coach Malcolm Cameron announced today the team has signed defenseman A.J. Thelen to a contract for the 2008-09 season.

Thelen (pronounced: THEE-len) joins the Everblades after playing under Cameron in Texas last season, where as a rookie he posted 35 points (7g, 28a) and 70 penalty minutes in 63 games. A former first round draft pick taken 12th overall by the Minnesota Wild in 2004, Thelen was the top scoring defenseman on the Wildcatters in 2007-08 and chipped in one assist in four Kelly Cup Playoff games.

"A.J. had a phenomenal rookie season last year, and we're real excited that the opportunity presented itself to bring him on board here for this season." Cameron said. "He's big, strong and extremely mobile with a big, hard shot. He originally was going to play this season in Austria, but decided to come back to North America to try and achieve his goal of playing in the NHL. A.J. will bring more size to our blue-line and I look forward to him anchoring our defense this season."

Thelen, 22, began the 2008-09 season training with the Salzburg Red Bulls of the Austrian Hockey League, but did not play in any regular season games before deciding to return to North America. The 6-foot-3, 212-pound defenseman enjoyed his first full pro season last year after combining to score 21 points (8g, 13a) in 53 games with Prince Albert and Vancouver of the Western Hockey League in 2006-07. Thelen also contributed eight points in 22 post-season games while helping Vancouver to the 2007 Memorial Cup Championship.

"I'm very excited to be coming to Florida for this season." Thelen added. "I have a good relationship with Coach Cameron and I'm looking forward to playing for him again, and with the other players he's brought in I am very excited about the upcoming year. The Everblades organization is one of the best in the league, and I know from coming to Florida as a visitor how great the fans are here and how great the atmosphere is in this building so it will be a lot of fun."

The Savage, Minnesota native initially made his professional debut in the 2005-06 season when he played one game for the Houston Aeros of the American Hockey League. Thelen spent the remainder of the season with Prince Albert, scoring 36 points in 72 games.

Prior to the '05-'06 season Thelen played two seasons of collegiate hockey from 2003-05 with Michigan State University where he totaled 40 points (11g, 29a) in 75 games.

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