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Bombers bolster backend, picking up WHLer Thiessen from Swift Current

The Bombers have gotten a big boost on defence, picking up a former WHL standout for the rest of the season.
Thiessen
Rylan Thiessen in action with the Bombers during their 2020 home opener.

The Bombers have gotten a big boost on defence, picking up a former WHL standout for the rest of the season.

Defender Rylan Thiessen will join the Bombers after being released by his WHL club, the Swift Current Broncos, earlier this week. No Bomber players, prospects, player development fees or other assets will be moved to bring Thiessen up north.

It won't be Thiessen's first time in maroon and white - the 2001-born player was one of five WHL players who suited up with the Bombers at the beginning of the 2020-21 season. In coming up north, Thiessen will rejoin a former minor hockey teammate and friend, Bomber assistant captain Mason Kaspick.

In a news release issued by the team, Thiessen is quoted as saying he enjoyed his time in Flin Flon last year and is pleased to come back.

“After my experience in this highly hockey driven town with a great organization, it made my decision super easy knowing this is where I wanted to be finishing off my junior career. I’m extremely honoured and excited to be a part of this group and help bring a championship back to Flin Flon," he said.

Thiessen, originally from Brandon, played for the Lethbridge Hurricanes, Brandon Wheat Kings and Broncos over three seasons in the WHL, playing 78 games in western Canada’s top junior league. Thiessen played 22 games with the Broncos this season, tallying six assists. The Broncos acquired him in a trade with Brandon before the season.

Thiessen played his U18 AAA hockey with the Brandon U18 Wheat Kings, along with Kaspick, winning a provincial championship – Thiessen was named the league's playoff MVP that season. The addition of Thiessen means the Bombers have three former major junior players, all from the WHL – forward Zak Smith and defender Cory King being the other two.

According to the SJHL's website, the Bombers now have nine defencemen, 16 forwards and two goalies on their roster. The team also now has eight 20-year-old players - forwards Gabriel Shipper, Matt Raymond, Kaspick, Brett Wieschorster and Smith, defencemen Cole Vardy and Thiessen and goalie Cal Schell. Canadian junior A teams are only allowed to dress up to eight 20-year-old players for games.

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