Wisconsin to the Soo
Soo Thunderbirds of the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League have added experienced depth to their forward lines with the acquisition of Ryan Blackburn from the Wisconsin Lumberjacks of the Superior International Jr. Hockey League.
Hailing from Allendale, Michigan, the 5-foot-10, 170 pound Blackburn has a 2003 birth date. He began the 2021-2022 season with the Leamington Flyers of the Greater Ontario Jr. Hockey League before moving to Wisconsin and the SIJHL.
Blackburn netted three goals, seven assists, 10 points in 23 games for Leamington before putting up three goals, 12 assists, 15 points in 22 games with Wisconsin.
In heading to the NOJHL and the Thunderbirds now, Blackburn is looking ahead to the 2022-2023 season.
“I am very excited to be a part of a winning culture like the Soo Thunderbirds,” Blackburn relayed. “The Thunderbirds have a great track record for development and moving players on to the next level.”
Meanwhile, Thunderbirds general manager and assistant coach Jamie Henderson very much likes the addition of Blackburn.
“We are excited to welcome Ryan and his family to the Thunderbirds,” said Henderson. “Ryan is a player who possesses a high hockey IQ, and most importantly he is really excited and motivated to be part of our program. He will also be a great addition to our locker room.”
Henderson also relayed to Hockey News North that “Ryan is really excited to be a Thunderbird and we share his excitement. He is highly motivated to develop his game so it should be a great fit.”