Thunder Add Speed and Toughness to Roster
November 18, 2013 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Wichita Thunder News Release
Wichita, KS (November 18th) - The Wichita Thunder of the Central Hockey League, powered by Toyota, added speed and toughness to its roster today with the signing of forwards Alexandre Carrier (CARE-ee-ay) and Matthew Kirzinger. To make room, forward Thomas Beaureguard and defenseman Kalvin Sagert have been waived.
Carrier, 22, comes to Wichita after playing six games for the Elmira Jackals of the ECHL. A native of St. Elzear-de-Beauce, Quebec, the 6-foot-3, 210-pound wing went overseas to start his pro career in 2011-12 with EC Salzburg in the Austrian league and finished with EC Salzburg II, where he totaled 28 points (12g, 16a) and 195 penalty minutes. Last season, Carrier came back to North America and played with the Trenton Titans of the ECHL finishing with six points and 102 penalty minutes in 47 games. Carrier signed a deal with the Albany Devils of the AHL in the off-season before being loaned to Trenton last year. He played his junior hockey for Val-d'Or Foreurs of the QMJHL for three seasons collecting 231 penalty minutes and 28 points (8g, 20a) in 141 games.
Kirzinger, 25, began his rookie season with the Greenville Road Warriors of the ECHL. Prior to turning pro, he spent a four-year career at Ferris State University from 2009-13. He was sidelined last season, which limited him to only 11 games played. The year prior, Kirzinger and current Thunder netminder, Taylor Nelson, spearheaded the team to their best record in school history. A native of Leroy, Saskatoon, the 5-foot-9, 172-pound speedster registered 34 points (10g, 24a) during his junior campaign. He played a key role in the Bulldogs' run to the Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA) regular-season title and the program's first-ever NCAA Frozen Four appearance. He signed an ATO with the St. John's IceCaps of the American Hockey League after leaving school that March and appeared in two games collecting one assist.
The Thunder will return to action this weekend hosting the Rapid City Rush for a pair of games on Friday, November 22nd and Saturday, November 23rd at 7:05 p.m. Friday is Wichita Youth Hockey Association Night. Come cheer on the youngsters as they take the ice and play during an intermission.
Individual game tickets are on sale now. Season tickets and mini plans are still available. Don't delay, contact the Wichita Thunder Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at (316) 264-4625. Stay up-to-date on all the news this off-season by visiting www.wichitathunder.com.
Central Hockey League Stories from November 18, 2013
- Shots from the Point for November 18, 2013 - CHL
- Thunder Add Speed and Toughness to Roster - Wichita Thunder
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- Tulsa's Michel Beausoleil Named Oakley CHL Player of the Week - CHL
- Thunder Weekly - Wichita Thunder
- Beausoleil Earns Player of the Week Honors - Tulsa Oilers
- Oilers Weekly News and Notes - Tulsa Oilers
- Mallards Weekly Update - Quad City Mallards
- The Weekly Chill - St. Charles Chill
- Denver Cutthroats: Over 150 Kids Try Hockey for Free - Denver Cutthroats
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