Poulsen and Thoring Sign for 08-09
Published on August 19, 2008 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs News Release
BOSSIER CITY, LA - The Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs have added two more players for the 2008-2009 Central Hockey League season with the signings of forward Neil Poulsen and defenseman Clay Thoring. The newest additions give the Bugs five players under contract for the coming season.
Poulsen returns to Bossier-Shreveport after spending the second half of the 2007-08 season with the Mudbugs. The 6-3, 237-lb. tough guy appeared in 19 games last year and finished with nine fighting majors for a total of 45 penalty minutes. Joining the team as a rookie, Poulsen made his Mudbugs debut on January 5th and started his career in style. On his very first professional shift, the Brockville, Ontario native dropped the gloves and squared off with Mississippi's Sheldon Wenzel.
"Neil is a guy that has commitment written all over him," says Head Coach Scott Muscutt. "He wants to be a Mudbug player, and we love his drive and passion to represent this team to the best of his ability. He's worked very hard in the offseason and we look forward to seeing the results of that hard work in October."
After finishing his college career at Queens University in Ontario, Poulsen started off the 2007-08 campaign in training camp with Hartford of the American Hockey League. He played preseason games with the Wolfpack and their ECHL affiliate, the Charlotte Checkers before being released and eventually joining the Mudbugs. The 24-year-old Poulsen will still be classified as a rookie for the 2008-09 season because he has appeared in fewer than 25 professional games.
Thoring joins Bossier-Shreveport for his rookie season after playing four years of Major Junior and five years of College hockey. The 5-11, 195-lb. defenseman has played the last four seasons for the University of Regina, serving as an Assistant Captain for the past two years. Thoring recorded eight goals and 41 points to go with 173 penalty minutes during his four-year, 106-game career with the Cougars. He also played one season at Acadia University before enrolling at Regina.
"Clay comes highly recommended by all of those who have seen him play at both the Major Junior and Collegiate levels," Muscutt said. "He should provide our D-corps with a hunger that will be contagious."
Prior to his college career, the Frontier, Saskatchewan native enjoyed a four-year run in Canadian Major Junior hockey, playing 187 games over four seasons with the Swift Current Broncos and Vancouver Giants of the Western Hockey League. Thoring scored 12 goals to go with 21 assists and 187 minutes in penalties in the WHL.
Poulsen and Thoring join forwards Brett Smith and Joe Ori and defenseman Dale Lupul as the five players signed so far by the Mudbugs for the 2008-09 season. The Bugs' season opener against the Texas Brahmas is now less than two months away, on October 17th at CenturyTel Center. Season and group tickets for 08-09 are on sale now, so don't miss out on your chance to be a part of the 12th season of Mudbugs hockey. Call 318-752-BUGS or stop by the team office inside the CTC for more information or to purchase tickets.
Central Hockey League Stories from August 19, 2008
- Broadcasters join alumni - Tulsa Oilers
- Marshall Signs With RiverKings - Mississippi RiverKings
- Scorpions Welcome Back Herrington - New Mexico Scorpions
- Rush Announces Second Player-Assistant - Rapid City Rush
- ECHL veteran signs with Gorillas - Amarillo Gorillas
- Poulsen and Thoring Sign for 08-09 - Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs
- Icerays Increase Roster ToTen - Corpus Christi IceRays
- Bucks Sign Rookie Forward Hurley - Laredo Bucks
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