Thunder Signs Rookie Netminder Owsley

Wichita, KS (August 9th) - The Wichita Thunder, ECHL affiliate of the Ottawa Senators and powered by Toyota, announced today the signing of rookie netminder Drew Owsley to the roster for the 2016-17 season.

"Drew has been a winner everywhere he's played," said Head Coach Malcolm Cameron. "I saw him first-hand in the WHL and knowing his university coach and people in that league say nothing has changed. We look toward to having drew in a Thunder jersey this season."

Owsley, 25, begins his professional career after playing the last four seasons for St. Francis Xavier University. A native of Lethbridge, Alberta, the 5-foot-9, 175-pound goaltender was named to the Atlantic University Conference Second Team All-Star two years in a row. He went 16-8-0 in 24 starts this past season, sporting a 2.54 goals-against average and .914 save percentage. During the postseason, he was stellar, backstopping the X-Men to a silver medal at the CIS University Cup.

"I'm very excited for the opportunity to play in Wichita and to play for a very well respected coach in Malcolm," commented Owsley. "I'm looking forward to getting to Wichita and getting to work. I've heard nothing but good things about the city and its fans. I'm a guy that's going to compete every night and try and give my team a chance to win."

Prior to turning pro, Owsley played four years in the Western Hockey League with Tri-City and Prince George. He was named the 2010 Western Conference Finals MVP, going 12-5 with a 2.14 goals-against average and a .931 save percentage for the Americans during the postseason. He had a solid 2010-11 regular season as well, going 33-11-2 with a 2.51 goals-against average and a .918 save percentage.

In other news, the Thunder announced this afternoon that their game against the Atlanta Gladiators has been moved. The two teams will now play at 9:05 a.m. CDT on Thursday, October 27th. Wichita was originally scheduled to play Atlanta at 6:05 p.m. CDT on Wednesday, October 26th. This will be the first-ever meeting between the two franchises.

The Thunder kicks off their 25th Anniversary season on Saturday, October 15th against the Tulsa Oilers. Season tickets are on sale now. Put down your $50 deposit per seat and pay it off all summer long. Contact a Thunder representative at the office today.

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-Thunder-