Thunder Signs Bruising Forward Labrie

Veteran To Serve as Player/Assistant This Season

Wichita, KS (August 15th) - The Wichita Thunder, ECHL affiliate of the NHL's Edmonton Oilers, AHL's Bakersfield Condors and powered by Toyota, announced today the signing of veteran forward Pierre-Cedric Labrie (LAH-bree) for the 2018-19 season. Labrie will also serve as the team's Player/Assistant Coach this season.

"Pierre-Cedric Labrie will be a valuable resource for our players this upcoming season," commented Head Coach Malcolm Cameron. "He brings tremendous experience at the National Hockey League and American Hockey League levels and has worn a letter for many seasons in the AHL. I will lean on him to work with our young players in skill development as well as him being a second set of eyes when preparing for our opponents. I look forward to seeing him compete for us this season and helping him in his introduction to coaching."

Labrie, 31, brings a wealth of experience to the Air Capital. A native of Baie-Comeau, Quebec, the 6-foot-3, 234-pound winger will be entering his 12th season as a pro. Labrie has played in 624 AHL games as well as 46 in the NHL.

He first saw action in the NHL with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2011-12. He spent three seasons with the Lightning before playing three seasons for the AHL's Rockford IceHogs and then helped the Norfolk Admirals to a Calder Cup title in 2011-12, netting 35 points (14g, 21a) and 107 penalty minutes.

"I'm really excited to join the Thunder family and be a part of this new adventure," said Labrie. "For me, it's simple. I don't have a Kelly Cup on my resume and I want one this year. I can't wait to get started."

Last season, he signed with the Nashville Predators to a one-year, two-way contract and saw action in 50 games with the AHL's Milwaukee Admirals. He was dealt to the Arizona Coyotes in late February and finished the year with the Tucson Roadrunners. Overall, Labrie has 201 points (90g, 111a) in 670 games as a pro to go along with 1,164 penalty minutes.

Season tickets for the 2018-19 campaign are on sale now. Get your seats for just $15 per month. All it takes is a $1 down per seat to reserve yours today. To learn more, click here or contact a Thunder representative at the office today!

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