A veteran of junior hockey, Thurston comes to the Feds from the Atlanta Junior Knights of the USPHL. Playing for Atlanta's Empire team for the 2012-2013 season, he posted a record of 18-3-3 and was tied for 3rd in wins, led the leagues in shutouts (8), goals against average (1.57), and was second in save percentage (.937%).  He was also selected to the Southern Division All-Star Team. Last season was cut short for Thurston when he missed the last 10 games of the season with hernia surgery. Thurston posted a record of 8-12-2, a GAA of 4.31 and an .876% save percentage for Atlanta's USPHL team. 

 

Thurston is excited to play for Coach Fankhouser, who was the coach of Atlanta's EJHL team while Luke played for the Empire team. Thurston had a chance to build a relationship with Coach Fankhouser. "He is a great guy and even better coach. I am looking forward to Coach Fankhouser helping me develop my game and take the next step in my career", said Thurston. Coach Fankhouser feels the same way saying "I am very excited to have Luke on the Federals this season.  I think with him on board we have made our goaltending solid and I look forward to a great year of development."     

 

"I am very excited to head north for a chance to play at a higher level" Thurston said. He makes the move to Indiana, where his father Sam was raised.  "My dad was born and raised in Indiana in a small town called Shelbyville (East of Indianapolis). I go up to Indiana several times a year and I have a farm house there. I have been to several Indy 500 races as well", Thurston said.

It will be a nice change for Thurston, who has lived in the south his whole life.

 

The Federals organization welcomes Luke to the fold and looks forward to having him help backstop the Feds this season.