PrairieThunder signs Peoria native Olson
Published on May 21, 2009 under International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Bloomington PrairieThunder News Release
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. - Peoria native Joey Olson became the first player with Central Illinois roots to sign with the Bloomington PrairieThunder, coach Jarrod Skalde announced Thursday.
The 5-foot-7, 180-pound son of Pepsi Ice Center assistant manager Joe Olson has two years of professional experience. He began his pro career with the Mon Valley Thunder of the MAHL in 2007-08 after playing for three years at Robert Morris University.
The left-handed shooting forward scored 20 goals and added 29 assists for 49 points in 22 games. He finished the season with the Johnstown Chiefs where he scored 15 goals and added 15 assists for 30 points.
He began last season with the Laredo Bucks of the CHL, scoring two goals with three assists for five points in 20 games before finishing the campaign with the Rapid City Rush where he scored six goals with nine assists for 15 points.
During his 119-game pro career, the 26-year-old Olson, a graduate of Peoria Notre Dame High School, has registered 99 points on 43 goals and 56 assists.
"We are thrilled to have a player who brings us a connection to Central Illinois and youth hockey in Bloomington-Normal sign with the team," said Skalde. "His father (Joe) is well known in the youth hockey world as an excellent teacher and coach.
"Joey is a player I've had my eye on since taking this job. He brings us experience and has shown the ability to put the puck in the net."
Olson joins captain Jon Booras as the second player to sign a contract for the 2009-10 season with the PrairieThunder. Per club policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed.
Skalde also announced that he will tender qualifying offers for the 2009-10 season to all the players who were on the PrairieThunder roster last season.
"That doesn't mean they will all return because they are all fielding recruiting offers from other leagues," added Skalde. "What the qualifying offer does do is protect us from having other teams in the IHL recruit our players."
PrairieThunder officials also remind fans that the deadline for the "Early Bird" season ticket packages is May 29. Fans can put down as little as a $100 deposit to secure a savings on season ticket for the 2009-10 season.
Season ticket packages start as low as $250 for the 38-game home schedule. For more information, contact Josh Bartolazzi at 309-434-2939.
International Hockey League 2 Stories from May 21, 2009
- PrairieThunder signs Peoria native Olson - Bloomington PrairieThunder
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- Learn From The Pros at Icehawks Hockey School - Port Huron Icehawks
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