General Manager Warren Rychel has announced Windsor Spitfires 2015 pick Thomas Stevenson has agreed to a standard OHL Hockey and Education Package with the club.

Chosen in the 10th round (#183 overall) of the 2015 Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection, the 6’3, 190-pound defenceman spent the 2016-17 season with the Ottawa Jr Senators of the
CCHL, where he posted two goals and 12 assists, along with 30 penalty minutes in 54 games.

“Thomas worked hard and made big improvements to his game last season,” Rychel said. “He’s a two-way defender that can break pucks out with authority.”

Rychel says he believes the now 17-year-old is a great find.

“This is a credit to our scouting staff for identifying a player back in 2015, later in the draft, that could play for our team down the road.”

Stevenson says there were a couple key factors that helped him succeed last season.

“I think I landed in the right spot,” Stevenson said, from his family home. “We had a coaching change at one point. Our coaches were incredible. They focused on developing all of us. Our
training helped a lot. I added physical strength and, combined with growing, it all made a difference.”

Stevenson says it’s a great day for he and his parents.

“Every kid dreams about making it to this point growing up, playing hockey. I’m super happy.

My family is happy. It’s a great honour.”