By Matt Stefano
With the season less than a month away, the Soo Thunderbirds have announced today that they have signed a trio of players to their 2017-2018 roster, including Austin Heinrich, Brendan Miller, and Eric Schuch.
AUSTIN HEINRICH
Heinrich, who stands 6’2 and 188 lbs, spent last season with the York Simcoe Express Midget AAA club, where he recorded 6 assists and 10 penalty minutes through 40 games played.
The 17 year old from Barrie, Ontario, also suited up for 6 games with the OJHL’s Aurora Tigers last season, where he recorded 1 assist.
The left winger/defenceman was a 4th round pick (73rd overall) by the Mississauga Steelheads during the 2017 OHL Under 18 Priority Selection.
BRENDAN MILLER
Miller, who just turned 19 years old on August 4th, scored 17 times and set up 18 others through 47 games last season with the Soo Indians 18U AAA.
During his first season with the Indians in 2014-2015, Miller was also a teammate of current Soo Thunderbirds goalie Brandon Gordon.
Through three seasons played with the Soo Indians 18U AAA from 2014-2017, Miller scored 45 goals and 67 assists through 165 career games.
Back in the 2013-2014 season, Miller was also a member of the Soo Thunder Minor Midget AAA club, where he played on the same team as current Soo Thunderbird Ryan Mulligan, and former Soo Thunderbirds, including Zach Senecal, Matt MacKay, Jakob Porco, and Matt Murray.
During the 2013-2014 season, the 19 year old forward put up 8 goals and 11 points through 37 games as a member of the Thunder.
The Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan native was also selected by the Willmar WarHawks in the 4th round (159th overall) during the 2017 NA3HL Draft.
ERIC SCHUCH
Schuch, who stands 5’11 and 181 lbs, had a 2.99 goals against average and a .888 save percentage through 15 games last season with the Fox Motors U18.
The 18 year old goalie from Holland, Michigan, also played in 1 game last season with the NAHL’s Odessa Jackalopes, where he recorded a 2.77 goals against average and a .906 save percentage.
NOTE
The Soo Thunderbirds will be holding their 2017 Main Training Camp from August 19th-20th at the John Rhodes Community Centre (Rink 2).
August 19th
• 9:30am – 11:30am
• 7:00pm – 9:00pm
August 20th
• 11:00am – 1:00pm
For player invite information on the Soo Thunderbirds, please contact head coach John Parco by emailing him at coach@soothunderbirds.com
(Photo credit to Matt Stefano)
