Now that I’m finished introducing every signing so far…there has been a pair of transactions over the past two days, as we get closer to the start of camp:
-On Tuesday, a trade with Maine saw forward Terrence Wallin go from the Thunder to the Mariners, while in exchange Adirondack receives defenseman Matias Cleland. Cleland is a 24-year-old defenseman who split his first professional season last year between Orlando and Reading. In a combined 67 games, the Colorado native had 2 goals and 15 assists. He also appeared in four playoff games for the Royals, going scoreless. Prior to turning pro, Cleland spent four years at New Hampshire, then made his pro debut with Wheeling late in the 2016-17 season. Wallin had a breakout season with the Thunder last year, putting up 21 goals and 29 assists in 59 games, and an additional 6 goals and 4 assists in 17 Kelly Cup playoff contests. He would also make his AHL debut with Binghamton midseason, going scoreless in 4 games. Wallin is also a co-founder of Major 4 Sports, a website “for fans by athletes” that covers both pro and college sports, along with pieces by former teammates.
-Wednesday, a goaltender has finally joined the Thunder ranks, with the signing of Colton Phinney. Phinney comes to Glens Falls after splitting his first pro season between Jacksonville and Indy. He began the year with the IceMen, going 4-8-2 with a 3.25 GAA and .886 save percentage, then would join the Fuel late in the season, making one appearance on March 11th and getting the win against Toledo. He would also appear in one game for Manitoba, getting the loss. Prior to last season, the New Jersey native played four years for Princeton.
Thoughts Inside The Box 