29 year old Canadian completes defence
Another new face to the Devils for the 2022-23 season is defenceman Blake Thompson. The 29 year old Canadian comes to Cardiff after 4 years with the Adirondack Thunder in the ECHL where last season he scored 5 goals and 20 assists in 69 games.
He also had brief stints in Cincinnati and Orlando in the ECHL before settling in with the Thunder. In total he played 240 games over 5 seasons in the ECHL so he is bringing a wealth of professional experience to the Devils blueline.
Pictured above: Thompson throws his weight around last season for the Thunder (photo Adirondack Thunder)
Thompson plays a solid game at both ends of the rink and prides himself on his defensive play. He moves well and likes to take the body but can join the rush and be an offensive threat.
Head Coach Brodie Dupont spoke about signing Thompson:
“We watched a ton of video on Blake, and we kept coming back to how well he moves and how his style of play would really fit into our system.
“He closes guys down in the neutral zone, he makes good first passes out of the defensive zone and can join the rush at the right time.
“He is our final defensive signing and I love this group of 6 that we have put together. He fits nicely into a group that skates well, likes to get involved offensively, but looks after their own end first and foremost.”
Pictured above: Thompson in ECHL action last season (Adirondack Thunder)
Prior to turning pro, he spent 4 years at St Norbert College playing 113 games and putting up 19 goals and 54 assists over his university career. He was selected as his league's Rookie of the Year in his Freshman season and was twice selected to the All Conference Team. He won the NCAA III Championship in 2013-14.
