River Otters Bolster Defense With Three Signings

Published on August 23, 2005 under International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Missouri River Otters News Release


The Missouri River Otters of the United Hockey League have agreed to terms with defensemen Tim O'Connell, Tyler Butler, and Leif Thorkelson. In 2004-05, O'Connell helped lead the Florida Everblades (ECHL) to the finals last season, Butler was an all-star with the Amarillo Gorillas (CHL), and Thorkelson captained the Portage Terriers (Manitoba Junior Hockey League) to a league championship.

"These signings will bolster our defensive corps," River Otters Head Coach Kevin Kaminski said. "All three players bring tremendous size, strength, and skating ability to our hockey club."

O'Connell, 27, has split time between the AHL and ECHL for the last five seasons. Last year, the 6'4'', 210-pound defenseman helped lead the Florida Everblades (ECHL) to the league finals. Playing on the same team as new River Otters Player/Asistant Coach Brad Church, O'Connell scored 9 points in 19 games during the playoffs. He played four years of college hockey at the University of North Dakota, winning NCAA Division I National Championships in both 1997 and 2000.

"Tim is going to have a huge presence on the ice for us," Kaminski said. "He's a big, physical defenseman who takes pride in shutting down the opposing team's best players."

Butler, 26, has played two full seasons with the Amarillo Gorillas (CHL), scoring 18 goals and adding 47 assists in 124 games. The 6'2'', 205-pound defensemen played in the 2005 CHL All-Star Game. He was an offensive force in the 2004 postseason, scoring 3 goals and adding 3 assists in 11 playoff games for Amarillo. The Ontario-native played four years of college hockey at the University of Alabama Huntsville, scoring 81 points in 130 games.

"Tyler is a strong skater who also has terrific shooting and passing ability," Kaminski said. "His puck moving ability will add to our power play and transition game."

Thorkelson, 20, was the captain of the Portage Terriers (MJHL) last season. The 6'0'', 200-pound defenseman scored 10 goals, added 22 assists, and racked up 231 penalty minutes in 56 games last year with the league-winning Terriers.

"Leif is an exciting young prospect who will do whatever it takes to succeed," Kaminski said. "He is the type of player that leads by example and will rise to a challenge."

The River Otters start their 2005-06 Colonial Cup quest Friday, October 21 at the Family Arena against the Motor City Mechanics. To order 2005-06 Missouri River Otters season or group tickets, please call the River Otters front office at (636) 896-4200, or visit the River Otters online at www.riverotters.com.

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