saultsports 
The Soo Thunderbirds are bringing home a hometown talent. On Monday, June 9th, the club announced the signing of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario native Brady Real to their 2025-2026 NOJHL roster.
Real, a promising 6-foot-2, 190-pound defenseman, was drafted in the eighth round, 159th overall, by the Niagara IceDogs in the 2024 Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection. This past season, he suited up for the Alliance Hockey League’s Waterloo Wolves, where he logged 34 regular season games, contributing two goals and eight assists from the blueline. In postseason play, he added two more assists, rounding out a solid campaign in his first year of U18 AAA hockey.
Now, the skilled defender returns to the Soo to join the Thunderbirds as they continue to build a strong roster for the upcoming campaign. Known for his poise, size, and ability to move the puck effectively, Real is expected to add both stability and upside to the Thunderbirds’ back end this fall.
Thunderbird general manager Jamie Henderson says “we are extremely excited to welcome Brady and his family to our program and we look forward to a great season! Brady is a first class young man first and foremost. This is a common theme with all our commitments thus far as we continue to prioritize character here first and foremost with this program. Brady is going to have a great season for the Thunderbirds. He has a strong mind for the game and is really willing to be coached which will serve him well.”
“I’m excited to come home and be able to play for my hometown team next season with some of my former teammates. I feel I can bring a two way physical game and be able to help the team in all situations on the ice with my skating ability and size,” added Brady.
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