Chilliwack – The Chilliwack Chiefs announced that they have solidified their goaltending tandem ahead of the 2019-20 BCHL season. The Chiefs have acquired 6’1″ 185 lbs. goaltender Kolby Thornton from the Neepawa Natives of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League in exchange for future considerations. Originally from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Thornton is a player that the Chiefs have been watching for quite some time as he tended goal for the Natives. The 2018-19 regular season saw Neepawa in a rebuilding phase, where they finished last place in the MJHL regular season standings.
Chiefs Head Coach and General Manager Brian Maloney touched on the fact that Kolby played solid hockey despite facing over 1100 shots in just 33 appearances. “Kolby is a competitive kid, which is exactly what we were looking for in a goaltender. He wants to improve every day, and he showed last season a high level of resiliency that is important in his position.”
Kolby Thornton is the older brother of recent Chiefs commit, Hudson Thornton. Last season playing for the Natives, he registered an impressive 1068 saves – good for a 0.903 save percentage. “We are thrilled to welcome the Thornton family to Chilliwack, and look forward to seeing both the Thornton boys in Chiefs colours this upcoming season,” added Maloney.
Kolby Thornton will report to camp with his new teammates in late August.
