By Matt Stefano
From a Thunderbird to an Eagle.
The Soo Thunderbirds have announced on Tuesday that they have traded forward Kenny Belanger Jr. to the Soo Eagles in exchange for a player development fee.
“Kenny worked really hard last season and he was looking for more of an opportunity and a bigger role,” said Soo Thunderbirds assistant coach and general manager Jamie Henderson. “We wish him well with the Eagles.”
Belanger Jr., who played one season with his hometown Soo Thunderbirds during 2021-2022, scored 11 times and set up 11 others in 44 regular season games.
The 2004-birth-year forward then tallied 1 goal in 12 games during the 2022 postseason.
“I want to thank the entire Thunderbird organization, including coach Cole Jarrett, Jamie Henderson, Lee-Anne Jarrett, Trevor Daley, all the team trainers and all the staff for a great experience in my first year of junior,” Belanger Jr. said. “It was great being able to live and play for my hometown this past season. I have made some great friends and really enjoyed the atmosphere around the rink, at every practice, team building event and road trips. I felt it was a truly fantastic experience and season for our team and I was very happy to be a part of it. Our team had a great group of players last season and I’ve made many great memories with them and lifelong friendships.”
During the 2022-2023 season, the Thunderbirds and the Eagles will face each other a total of 12 times, including 6 times at the John Rhodes Community Centre and 6 times at the Pullar Stadium.
“It will be absolutely different playing against the Thunderbirds this upcoming season as I’m joining the Eagles, but I’m looking forward to my next steps with the Eagles organization and what opportunities may be ahead of me,” Belanger Jr. said. “I want to thank Mr. Bruno Bragagnolo and coach Doug LaPrade for this opportunity, and I’m looking forward to showing the Eagles organization my work ethic both on and off the ice, and my passion to play the game.”
NOTE
The Thunderbirds will have their season opener against Belanger Jr. and the Soo Eagles on Friday, September 9 (7:00 p.m. start) at the John Rhodes Community Centre in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario.
(Photo of Belanger Jr. credit to Bob Davies)
