North Battleford’s Blake Tatchell is set to embark on a journey into the pros.
On Tuesday it was announced that the 25-year-old had signed a one-year deal with the Wichita Thunder of the ECHL.
“I have heard nothing but great things in regards to the facilities, city, and of course the fan base of the Thunder,” Tatchell said in a press release.
“I am beyond ready for the season to start and am looking forward to October when I can throw on that jersey for the first time and get to work.”
Tatchell is coming off a four year stint with the Alaska-Anchorage Seawolves in the NCAA.
During his four seasons with the program, he had 103 points in 142 games and was an alternate captain last season.
After his college career wrapped up in the spring, he suited up in five games for the American Hockey League’s Lake Erie Monsters.
He was held off of the score sheet for the eventual league champions.
“Blake was a player I targeted right from the start,” Thunder head Coach Malcolm Cameron said. “I knew he was well coached, determined and intelligent.
“His college coach at Alaska is a friend of mine from our time in the ECHL and came highly recommended."
Tatchell said that the chance to play under Cameron, who is a former coach of the Western Hockey League’s Regina Pats and was hired by the ECHL team this summer, was a big reason why he signed with the Thunder.
“The hockey world is very small and when you have the reputation that Malcolm has, I immediately realized that he is a coach I want to play for,” Tatchell said.
“I am extremely excited to start my professional career in Wichita and am honored to be given the opportunity to be a part of this team.”
Tatchell played for the SJHL’s Battleford North Stars from 2009-12. He racked up 190 points for his hometown team and was named the league MVP in 2012 after putting up 86 points in 57 games.
Along with playing for the Thunder, Tatchell will also attend the rookie camp for the National Hockey League’s Ottawa Senators next month.
The Thunder are an affiliate club for the Senators and the American Hockey League’s Binghamton Senators.
They have yet to make it to the playoffs in their two seasons in the ECHL after spending two decades in the Central Hockey League
