The Chilliwack Chiefs have solidified their goaltending tandem ahead of the 2019-20 BCHL season, sending future considerations to the Neepawa Natives of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League in exchange for acquiring Kolby Thornton.
Originally from Winnipeg, the six-foot-one and 185 pound stopper posted a 3.79 goals-against average and .903 save percentage in 33 appearances with the Natives.
Chilliwack head coach and general manager Brian Maloney said the numbers need to be evaluated in context, with Thornton playing behind a Neepawa squad that was deep into a rebuilding year in 2018-19. The teenager had 1,111 pucks fired his way, facing an average of 33.3 shots every time he saw action.
“Kolby is a competitive kid, which is exactly what we were looking for in a goaltender,” Maloney noted. “He wants to improve every day, and he showed last season a high level of resiliency that is important in his position.”
Kolby is also the older brother of recent Chiefs commit, Hudson Thornton.
“We are thrilled to welcome the Thornton family to Chilliwack, and look forward to seeing both the Thornton boys in Chiefs colours this upcoming season,” Maloney said.