Thunder adds offense
Published on September 27, 2006 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Wichita Thunder News Release
WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Thunder added some more scoring today, signing defenseman Colin Johnson and forward Jonathan Poirier.
A 6-2, 220-pound native of Davidson, Saskatchewan, Johnson joins the Thunder following an already lengthy junior, college and pro career. Johnson began his junior career with the WHL's Red Deer Rebels in 1999. After splitting the next season with three WHL teams, Johnson joined the SJHL's Humboldt Broncos in 2002, where he finished second among Broncos' defensemen with 43 points and helped Humboldt to the Royal Bank Cup Title.
Johnson turned pro in 2003 with the ECHL's South Carolina Stingrays, picking up nine points in 60 games. He decided to attend college in 2004, notching 14 points in 24 games at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, then spent last season at the University of Saskatchewan, picking up 17 points in 42 games.
"Colin is an all-around defenseman who possesses good skills and size", said Thunder head coach Mark French. "As a 24-year-old with pro experience, he will be an excellent addition to our blueline this season."
A native of Duluth, Georgia, Poirier joins the Thunder following a four-year career at Division I Union College. Poirier had impressive seasons in his sophomore and junior years, finishing second on the team in scoring with 27 points each season. He also led his team in 2004-05 with eight power play goals. Poirier notched 15 points in his senior season, finishing his college career with 28 goals and 74 points in 116 games.
"Jonathan comes to us from a very good college program where he was one of their top offensive players throughout his career", said French. "He is an excellent skater who has the ability to finish. With Jonathan's speed and CHL rules designed to limit obstruction, he should excel at this level."
Prior to attending Union, Poirier played for the EJHL's New Hampshire Monarchs, guiding the Monarchs to both the EJHL regular season and playoff championships. Poirier notched 101 points in 70 games, was named to the EJHL all-star first-team, was the all-star game MVP and was a member of New Hampshire's 10th Anniversary Team. Poirier's uncle Pierre Gagnon played two seasons for the CHL's Macon Whoopee, going an impressive 57-25-6 from 1996-99.
The 2006 CHL Most Improved Franchise, the Thunder will open training camp in just 12 days, then begin their 15th CHL season with a pair of home games on Friday, October 20th versus the Tulsa Oilers and Saturday, October 21st versus the Oklahoma City Blazers. For tickets, call the Thunder office at 264-GOAL or visit our website at www.wichitathunder.com.
Central Hockey League Stories from September 27, 2006
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- Thunder adds offense - Wichita Thunder
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