By Jamie Neugebauer
The North York Rangers have acquired Kyle Thacker from the Orangeville Flyers.
Thacker, 20, is a 6-foot-3 and 205-pound defenceman from Mississauga who plays a solid two-way game on the back end.
“He brings experience and leadership,” North York bench boss John Dean said.
“He is a big body that plays physical when he wants to and he has a great shot and a great first pass. More than anything he has a really deep desire to win and with all of those things combined we’re very excited to have him.”
Thacker began his Ontario Junior Hockey League career with the Milton Icehawks in 2010-11 and then followed a strong rookie campaign with an injury-shortened season with the Vaughan Vipers.
He was picked up by the Flyers when the Vipers folded in the summer of 2012.
So far this season he has one goal and 12 points in 26 games and is a perfect fit for a Rangers team looking to go deep in the playoffs.
“This is a new chapter for him,” Dean added.
“We expect him to come here and be a leader, to keep his game simple but also contribute as much as he can on the offensive side of things.”
Thacker looks to make his North York debut Saturday night in his hometown of Mississauga against the Chargers.
