The Drayton Valley Thunder are proud to announce the acquisition of Matthew Byrne from the Powell River Kings of the BCHL. Byrne has split his BCHL career with the Kings and the Penticton Vees. Matthew was originally signed by Penticton after dominating the CSSHL (Academy League) with Okanagan Hockey Academy the previous year. Matthew brings leadership, the ability score and quality character into the Thunder dressing room.
General Manager and Head Coach Eric Thurston commented, ?During acquisition times, there are countless hours spent combing through available players, and could-be available players. We know what fits in our room and into our structure and it is not always easy to find. Matthew sees the ice so well, skates hard and is so good at generating offense?.
To make room for the players, as well as the addition of Jacob Charko back in the line up, the Thunder move out Brock Bartholomew to the Amherst Ramblers of the Maritime Hockey League and Anthony Vidrick to the Kirkland Lake Gold Miners of the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League.
The organization would like to thank Brock for his commitment to the team since last season. Brock was an integral part of the Thunder?s steadily building success, and Thunder wish him the absolute best with more opportunity in another organization. In addition, the Thunder would also like to thank Anthony Vidrick. Vidrick, from Ohio, was signed this offseason, and we wish the best for Anthony with his new opportunity.