Joe Kennedy of the  Ontario Junior Hockey League’s Stouffville Spirit (photo credit - Andy Corneau | OJHL Images) has signed with the Carolina Thunderbirds of the Federal Prospects Hockey League.

"Joe is a player I have coached over his junior career," said Head Coach Garrett Rutledge. "He's going to be an exciting player to watch. Offensively minded with great speed, he is a well-rounded defenceman and has the ability to throw some thunderous hits."

Kennedy just wrapped up his final season of junior hockey, posting a career-high 27 points in 51 games while serving as team captain with the Spirit. His OJHL career concluded after 163 games between Stouffville, Markham, Milton, Oakville and Orangeville.

After being drafted by the Ontario Hockey League (OHL)'s Saginaw Spirit in 2017, Kennedy would make the Prince George Cougars roster out of training camp in 2019. He skated in five Western Hockey League (WHL) games with the Cougars that season.

"I'm excited to start a new journey," said Kennedy. "I've looked at some of the names we're going to have on this team, and I feel very strongly that we can compete for a championship."

Kennedy joins recent signings like Jeff Burridge and Tucker Firth in the wave of OJHL alumni to make Carolina their first professional home. Currently, the Thunderbirds have 10 veterans of the OJHL on their roster.

The Seattle, WA native also joins the long list of Thunderbirds to captain his previous team.

"Kennedy, Firth, Burridge, all captains." said Rutledge who coached with the Oakville Blades in the OJHL. "It shows the quality of players that Carolina is getting, and they're absolutely great people."

Kennedy and the Thunderbirds open the season with a trip to Port Huron on Oct. 21. 

Congratulations to Joe and best of luck in the Federal league!

The OJHL, the largest Jr. A hockey league in Canada, has had more than 90 NCAA, U SPORTS, CHL and professional commitments in 2021-22 – including more than 25 NCAA Division I scholarships.

Check out all our 2022-23 commitments by clicking HERE

-files courtesy the Carolina Thunderbirds