Former 1st-round pick joins Blades
Special to the Daily Breeze, breezesports@breezenewspapers.com
The Florida Everblades Thursday announced the signing of defenseman A.J. Thelen to a contract for the 2008-09 season.
Thelen, 22, is a former first-round draft pick (12th overall, 2004) of the Minnesota Wild. He played for Everblades coach Malcolm Cameron with the Texas Wildcatters last season, posting 35 points (7g, 28a) in 63 games.
The 6-foot-3, 212-pounder was the top scoring defenseman on the Wildcatters last season and had one assist in four Kelly Cup playoff games.
“A.J. had a phenomenal rookie season last year, and we’re real excited that the opportunity presented itself to bring him on board here for this season.” Cameron said. “He’s big, strong and extremely mobile with a big, hard shot. He originally was going to play this season in Austria, but decided to come back to North America to try and achieve his goal of playing in the NHL. A.J. will bring more size to our blue-line and I look forward to him anchoring our defense this season.”