[MEDIA RELEASE]
(July 14, 2020) Halifax, NS – The Halifax Thunderbirds announced the signings of the following four players to contract extensions:
Year in Review:
Nonkon Thompson
The 6’2″ lefty defenceman, appeared in 10 games this past season, collecting 30 loose balls and causing five turnovers. He finished the season second in penalty minutes behind veteran defenseman, Scott Campbell.
Brandon Robinson
Robinson played both offence and defence with the Thunderbirds in the past season throughout four games. He scored one goal and added two assists. The Pickering, Ontario native scooped up 15 loose balls in the 2019-20 season.
Pete Dubenski
Dubenski saw action in five games this past season. He had a .716 save percentage with 12.81 goals against average.
Cory Becker
Becker spent his first year in the National Lacrosse League with the Thunderbirds. He saw action in five games. The defenceman scored his first National Lacrosse League goal on December 7th, 2019 in the first game of the season against the New York Riptide. He collected 16 loose balls and had four caused turnovers during the 2019-20 season.
QUOTES:
Nonkon Thompson
“I am excited to get back into the nest and show the rest of the league that were coming back better than ever,” said Thompson. “We have unfinished business to take care of.”
Styres on Thompson
“Nonkon is a natural born leader,” said Curt Styres. “Watching him play over the years I can see that he’s developed into a skilled defenceman. He can knock down passes, scoop up loose balls and is able to score in transition. He has what it takes to play in the NLL and let’s not forget the grit that he brings.”
Brandon Robinson
“I’m excited to be back with Halifax for another year,” said Robinson. “The city embraced us right from the beginning and I’m very happy to be a part of this group of guys. There’s no place like Halifax in the NLL and I’m excited for the chance to help this team bring a championship to the East Coast”
Pete Dubenski
“I’m thrilled to be coming back to the Thunderbirds for another season,” said Dubenski. “Seeing how much the city of Halifax embraced the team was amazing and I can’t wait to get back to playing in front of the fans again. We had a lot of momentum building from last year and I know we will continue that success into the new season.”
Mike Accursi on Dubenski
“We were very lucky to sign Pete last year,” said Head Coach Mike Accursi. “His experience and poise in the net was a huge asset for us. He played really well every time he was asked to go in and give us a big stop. We are glad to have Dubs back at the nest next year.”
Cory Becker
“I am glad to be a part of the Thunderbirds organization for another year,” said Becker. “I am excited to build on the success of last season.”
Accursi on Becker
“Becker came into camp and impressed all the coaches,” said Head Coach Mike Accursi. “He’s physical and fast and closes gaps really well. He came to us as an undrafted free agent and was a real gem in the rough. He continues to get better and will be an impactful defenseman for years to come.”