Hudson Thornton has the means to be a force on the Prince George Cougars’ blue line in the season(s) ahead.
The 17-year-old officially committed to WHL franchise on Friday (Feb. 26), signing a standard player agreement for the 2021-22 campaign, should COVID-19 allow it in the fall.
Drafted by the Cats 33rd overall in 2018, Thornton has been developing at the junior ‘A’ level of hockey the last two years, including one with Chilliwack in the BCHL.
His time with the Chiefs garnered attention as five of the team’s seven defencemen were rookies, suiting up in 54 games, the second-highest among his fellow blue-liners, and recording six goals and 17 points in the process.
He earned the Chiefs' most improved and scholastic player awards after his breakout season, and was also named the BCHL's High School Player of the Month for February 2020.
Thornton’s ice-time gave him the chance to experience a high level of competition, which was needed for one of the Cougars’ anticipated young prospects.
“Hudson is a highly touted player in his age group, and he has the capability to be an impact player for us,” said General Manager and Head Coach Mark Lamb in a team statement.
“We’re thrilled that he has committed to our program and that his family trust the developmental path we are providing him and young players in our organization.”
With COVID-19 putting a pause on the 2020-21 BCHL campaign, and after playing seven games in the extended pre-season, Thornton made the decision to head south of the border to get fresh ice under his skates.
He signed with the USHL’s Fargo Force, about 360 km south of the Manitoba border and his hometown of Winnipeg.
Thornton was able to play 23 games in the North Dakota hockey club, registering four points and a plus-three (+3) rating.
He also has national experience to his résumé, finishing fifth with Team Manitoba at the 2019 Canada Winter Games.
A WHL standard agreement entitles a player to a university scholarship after their major junior career is over, as well as medical and dental insurance coverage, hockey equipment and billets.
Thornton is also the fifth player from Prince George’s 2018 draft class to sign a contract, alongside Craig Armstrong, Tyler Brennan, Blake Eastman and Ethan Samson.
The WHL began its altered 2020-21 season on Friday with its Central Division, while the East and U.S. Divisions are scheduled to begin March 12 and 18 respectively.
However, a return-to-play plan has not been approved for B.C. teams as of this publication, with sports in the province currently under a ban for travel and competition ‘until further notice.’
