(Courtesy of the Odessa Jackalopes) ODESSA, TX-In eight seasons of Jackalopes hockey, very few players have been better at putting "le biscuit dans le panier" (the biscuit in the basket) than he, and more le biscuits will be heading for le panier in 2005-2006.
The Jackalopes today have announced the re-signing of three-time all-star forward Sebastien Thinel (tuh-NELL).
Sebastien is one of the most talented players weve had on our hockey club, and his return is a real key as we build our team for the coming season, said Head Coach & Director of Hockey Operations Don McKee. Hes the kind of player we can build a big part of our offense around, and his three-time all star status tells you hes a tremendous player in this league.
Sebby has been named to the Central Hockey League All-Star Game in each of his three seasons with the Jackalopes.
The 24-year-old from Lafontaine, Quebec was the Jackalopes Rookie of the Year in 2002-2003. He led the club in scoring the following season and was named the Jacks Most Valuable Player. Thinel ranks among the franchises top six all-time in scoring (169 points), goals (66) and assists (103).
Hes a very gifted, very explosive player, and hes still young (24). McKee said. My hope for this season is that Sebby will take his game to the next level. If he does, he can be a tremendous force for our hockey club.
Before joining the Jackalopes, Thinel played four seasons of Juniors (1998-2002), and scored 118 points (45 + 73) in 2000-2001 for the Victoriaville Tigres of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). In his 4-year QMJHL career, he scored 344 points (137 + 207) in 271 games.
Thinels signing brings to five the number of players under contract for the upcoming CHL season, with each of the five players returning from last years club. Thinel joins forwards Matt Cressman, Paul Davies and Donnie Margettie and goaltender Mike Gorman on the 2005-2006 roster.
Each of the players weve signed brings a great deal to our hockey club and we know what to expect from each of them, McKee said. The thing about Sebby is that he has such great potential and such a big upside.
As good as hes been, theres more to come from Sebastien. He can be special.