By Matt Stefano
The Soo Thunderbirds have announced on Wednesday that they have signed 2003-birth-year forward Ryan Blackburn for the 2022-2023 season.
Blackburn, who is from Allendale, Michigan, began playing last season with the GOJHL’s Leamington Flyers, where he notched 3 goals and 7 assists in 23 regular season games.
He then finished last season with the SIJHL’s Wisconsin Lumberjacks, where he then notched 3 goals and 11 assists in 19 regular season games.
“We are excited to welcome Ryan and his family to the Thunderbirds,” said Soo Thunderbirds assistant coach and general manager Jamie Henderson. “Ryan is a player who possesses a high hockey IQ, and most importantly he is really excited and motivated to be part of our program. He will also be a great addition to our locker room.”
Blackburn, who turned 19-years-old back on March 3, stands 5’7 and weighs 161 pounds.
“I’m very excited to be apart of a winning culture like the Soo Thunderbirds,” Blackburn said. “The Thunderbirds have a great track record for development and moving players on to the next level. I’m also looking forward to helping the team win a second straight Copeland Cup McNamara Trophy and heading back to the Centennial Cup to compete with the best teams in the CJHL.”
