Howanitz signs with the Thunderbirds

By Matt Stefano

A player from Colorado is joining the Bird nest!

The Soo Thunderbirds have announced on Sunday that they have signed forward and Boulder, Colorado native Christian Howanitz for the upcoming season.

“We are thrilled that Christian chose to come and play in our league for the Thunderbirds,” said Soo Thunderbirds general manager Jamie Henderson. “His work ethic is off the charts and he is a team-first guy who will be very popular with his teammates on and off the ice with his commitment level and character. He is driven to play at the next level and we can’t wait to get him here next month.”

Howantiz, who is a 2002-birth-year forward, stands 5’11 and weighs 175 pounds.

“It feels great to sign with an organization that has so much pride in their culture and knows how to get players to the next level,” said Howanitz.

Howanitz, who just turned 19-years-old back on May 6, spent last season with the NAPHL’s Colorado Springs Tigers Under-18 hockey club, where he had 3 goals and 7 points in 19 regular season games.

“Playing for the Colorado Springs Tigers last year was great. We were a really good team and could compete with any opponent. We came up short in the state playoffs, but all things considered it was a fun year and we had a great group of guys,” said Howanitz.

The Boulder, Colorado native becomes the first American-born player to sign with the Thunderbirds this offseason.

“I’ve only been to Canada to play hockey once, so going up there to experience the hockey culture in all its glory is exciting. I’m most looking forward to my first year in junior and all the things that come with it,” said Howanitz.

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