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The Soo Thunderbirds of the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League (NOJHL) are proud to announce the commitment of goaltender Ryan Hicks for the upcoming 2025–2026 junior ‘A’ season.
Hailing from Weyburn, Saskatchewan, the 5″10 and 165 lbs Hicks joins the Thunderbirds following a split 2024–2025 campaign with the Nelson Leafs of the KIJHL and the Ontario Jr Reign of the USPHL Premier division. In his time with Nelson, Hicks posted a 3.99 goals-against average and a .874 save percentage across seven games. He then finished the season strong in Ontario, California, appearing in 13 games for the Jr Reign with a 2.13 goals-against average and matching .874 save percentage.
Thunderbirds head coach Jamie Henderson expressed his enthusiasm about the addition of Hicks to the club’s crease:
“I was really impressed with my initial conversation with Ryan. He came across as a real mature young man right away. With such a young group again this season, we felt it was important to have some experience in the net. He really competes in the net and as a coach that’s all you can ask for day in and day out.”
Hicks, equally eager to get started, spoke about the opportunity ahead: “I’m very excited for this new opportunity with the Thunderbirds—looking forward to a competitive and fun year. I feel I bring a lot of competition and battle in the net and will be able to give this team a good chance to win in every game.”
With a solid foundation in net and continued focus on development and character, the Soo Thunderbirds look forward to another strong campaign in the NOJHL with Hicks playing a key role between the pipes.
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