The Soo Thunderbirds have established a big chunk of their roster for the 2005-06 Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League season by signing five recruits and confirming the return of 10 others.
Along with Monday's signings, the Thunderbirds announced that Ryan Maunu will be the captain for the upcoming season.
Signed from the Great North Midget League champion Soo North Stars were goaltender Travis O'Brien, defensemen Matt Conway, who signed later in the evening, and Ben Davey along with forwards Tyler Gendron and Zack McNally.
Among the returnees, which includes Maunu, is goaltender Michael Maulucci. On defense, the club returns Tyler Lannigan, Tony Brune and Justin Shelleby while returning forwards include Drew Jarrett, Chris Towell, Mark Thorburn, Adam Kauppi and Kyle Rodgers.
Head coach Toots Kovacs returns to guide the club for a second season.
(PHOTO: From l-r, newcomers Travis O'Brien, Ben Davey, Zack McNally and Tyler Gendron. Photos courtesy of Jim Egan.)
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